Craig Morgan

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.