Review

"I Believe We Have Found The Next Alan Jackson..."

Apr 13, 2011

Traditional country music is once again sounding like it’s in good hands. If Easton Corbin is around to carry on the sound of George Strait, then I believe we have found the next Alan Jackson. His name is Craig Campbell. His voice is straightforward and powerful, and his songs are down-to-earth portraits of real people from the American heartland. The impression that Craig Campbell makes comes as no surprise, given that the album’s producer is Keith Stegall (the guiding force behind Alan Jackson’s biggest hits).

Roughstock Review of "Craig Campbell" - 4.5/5 Stars

Apr 7, 2011

by Matt Bjorke
Roughstock.com

In the lyrics of “You Probably Ain’t,” Craig Campbell takes offense to all of the “I’m Country” songs that have come out these past few years and with that he’s calling out most of his contemporaries in country music with this chorus:

American Songwriter Album Review of "Craig Campbell"

Apr 6, 2011

On his debut album, Craig Campbell celebrates working class heroes and sympathizes with barroom zeroes. Produced by Keith Stegall, Craig Cambpell copies the understated manner of Stegall’s protege and Campbell’s idol Alan Jackson. Laidback musings on rural living—especially “Makes You Wanna Sang” and “All Night to Get There”—would sound right at home on Jackson’s next project.

GAC Album Review: Craig Campbell Self-Titled Debut

Apr 6, 2011

Even as Craig Campbell’s debut single “Family Man” was climbing the radio charts early in winter 2011, you could still find him performing every Tuesday night at The Stage on Nashville’s Lower Broadway. The life of a country singer/songwriter can be tough – and the songs on Craig’s self-titled debut album express the thoughts of a hard-working blue-collar man.

Country Tradition: Washington Post Review of "Craig Campbell"

Apr 5, 2011

This modest yet auspicious debut is sure to appeal to anyone who believes that country music has become the new pop and is none too happy about it. An unapologetic heir to the buttoned-down neo-traditionalism of Alan Jackson and George Strait, Craig Campbell sings in a rich, unhurried baritone and favors gimmick-free arrangements that feature swinging twin fiddles and careening steel guitar. None of which is surprising, given that his album’s producer, Keith Stegall, was the force behind Jackson’s biggest hits and wrote the chart-topping single “I Hate Everything” for Strait.

USA Today Review: "Craig Campbell"

Apr 5, 2011

by Brian Mansfield
USA Today: 2.5 Stars
"If you've got to tell me how country you are," an old barroom denizen tells Campbell on his debut album, "you probably ain't." Of course, Campbell's baritone Georgia drawl gives him away from the very first line. At his best, his stories do the talking, with broad humor and vivid details like the lines in Family Man about hoping to get on full-time at the factory so he can buy shoes for his kids. — Mansfield

AP Review: Campbell hits right note on self-titled CD

Apr 5, 2011
By MICHAEL McCALL
For The Associated Press

A Georgia native, Craig Campbell first drew attention by drawing sell-out crowds in Nashville's bustling downtown honky-tonk clubs. Producer Keith Stegall, who has guided the recordings of Alan Jackson and the Zac Brown Band, convinced Campbell to sign with his new independent label, Bigger Picture Records—a gamble for a genre dominated by major labels.

The Boot: Craig Campbell's Debut CD Is More Like a Greatest Hits

Apr 5, 2011

by Lorie Hollabaugh
www.TheBoot.com

"Craig Campbell" Country Weekly Review 3.5/4 Stars

Mar 25, 2011

When’s the last time you heard a new singer who nods to the guys—the ones tinkering in their yards, trying not to trip over tricycles—without stooping to hot-girls-and-hell-raisin’ hoo-hah?

Billboard "Family Man" Review

Oct 1, 2010

Although he's still a newcomer, Craig Campbell has become an impressive songwriter while honing his skills with veteran country producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, George Strait). On his debut single, "Family Man," the Georgia native paints a portrait of a modern working‐class man struggling through tough economic times. Singing about the reasons he perseveres in the face of adversity, Campbell embodies the character so well that the listener can picture the calluses on his hands.