Country: Craig Morgan, Billy Hoffman

CRAIG MORGAN
Craig Morgan
PRODUCERS: Buddy Cannon, Norro Wilson
Atlantic 83299
Craig Morgan may exude the boy-next-door earnestness and "happy to be here" delivery of an early Garth Brooks, but a knack for a hooky lyric and a stone-country streak make a big difference on this Tennessean's debut. Morgan had a hand in writing six of these songs, and, as is the case in most of the best country music, sentimentality is the order of the day. Sincerity permeates the gung-ho soldier turned world-wise vet of "Paradise" and the "pages of life" progression of "302 South Maple Avenue." The offbeat "Ev'rything's A Thing" is loads of fun (with Steve Cropper guesting, no less), and "Hush" is instantly memorable. But, more important, Morgan does real country real good and shines in the hardcore traditional sounds of Bill Anderson's "When A Man Can't Get A Woman Off His Mind" and Buddy Cannon's "I Wish I Could See Bakersfield." While he seems to try a little too hard at times-certainly a forgivable sin-overall, this debut is a winner, and Morgan is definitely someone to keep an eye on.

BILLY HOFFMAN
All I Wanted Was You
PRODUCER: Joe Stampley
Critter Records 10012
While this record's producer will likely carry more country name recognition for most than Hoffman does himself, the latter proves a worthy song interpreter and an earnest, emotive singer. While lacking the vocal gymnastics heard in much of what populates current country radio, Hoffman's easygoing style mostly serves this material well, be it the title cut by Jon Bon Jovi or a host of other likable songs. Hoffman ventures into Tim McGraw territory with "Destination Unknown" and breathes life into Paul Davis' "I Go Crazy." He's at his best with tougher material like "Crossing Fences" and "One Bad Habit" but also creates a romantic mood with "Perfect Night." Not stellar, but then not everything on country radio is. In fact, many of these songs could make a hit for somebody, and there's no reason why that somebody shouldn't be Hoffman.