John Morgan’s “Carolina Blue” – A Gritty, Heartfelt Debut That Delivers More Than Just Party Anthems
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
A seasoned songwriter with multiple #1 hits, has delivered a compelling debut album with “Carolina Blue.” Released on April 25th, this 12-track collection reveals a depth and maturity beyond his party-starting hit, “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean),” which has been dominating country radio. Morgan’s final pre-release single, “Kid Myself,” only reinforces the strength of his album, and his talent as a songwriter.
“Carolina Blue” is a testament to Morgan’s multifaceted artistry. Not only does he co-write every track, but he also plays all the guitar parts and co-produces the album alongside Brent Anderson. This hands-on approach results in a cohesive and authentic sound that resonates throughout the record.
The album opens with “Way Out Would,” a strong introduction that immediately showcases Morgan’s gritty vocal delivery and compelling songwriting. The track sets the tone for an album that explores both the rowdy and the reflective sides of life. “Long Ride Home” follows, delving into themes of longing and nostalgia, while “Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean)” delivers the high-energy, anthemic sound that has propelled Morgan’s rise to stardom.
“One More Sunset” and “I Know Better” continue to showcase Morgan’s ability to craft catchy melodies and relatable lyrics. “She’ll Always Be” provides a heartfelt ballad, demonstrating his range as a vocalist and storyteller. The title track, “Carolina Blue,” is a standout moment, painting a vivid picture of his roots with evocative imagery and a powerful chorus.
“Kid Myself,” the final pre-release single, is a particularly poignant track. Co-written with Tyler Hubbard and Jordan Schmidt, the song explores the regret of past relationships and the journey towards self-forgiveness. Morgan’s emotive delivery and the song’s thoughtful lyrics create a powerful and relatable listening experience.
“Crickets” and “A Lot To Say About You” maintain the album’s momentum, offering a blend of catchy hooks and insightful lyrics. “Without ‘Em” pays homage to the people who shape our lives, while “How To Get Her” closes the album with a raw and honest reflection on love and relationships.
Carolina Blue Tracklisting:
- Way Out Would (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Randy Montana)
- Long Ride Home (John Morgan, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, Lydia Vaughan)
- Friends Like That (feat. Jason Aldean) (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)*
- One More Sunset (John Morgan, Will Bundy, Michael Dulaney)
- I Know Better (John Morgan, Rocky Block, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
- She’ll Always Be (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lydia Vaughan)
- Carolina Blue (John Morgan, Smith Ahnquist, Will Bundy, Jeb Gipson)
- Kid Myself (John Morgan, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt)
- Crickets (John Morgan, Zach Abend, Lydia Vaughan)
- A Lot To Say About You (John Morgan, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards)
- Without ‘Em (John Morgan, Austin Goodloe, Ben Hayslip)
- How To Get Her (John Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy, Hunter Phelps)
Produced by John Morgan & Brent Anderson *Produced by Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison & Tully Kennedy
Morgan’s “Carolina Blue” is a well-rounded debut that showcases his versatility as an artist. He seamlessly blends party anthems with heartfelt ballads, demonstrating his ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level. His songwriting is consistently strong, and his vocal delivery is both powerful and emotive. With “Carolina Blue,” John Morgan proves that he is more than just a rising star; he is a formidable talent with a bright future in country music. This album is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and genuine artistry, and it will undoubtedly resonate with fans of authentic country music.