Personnel: John Willis (acoustic guitar, banjo); Phil O'Donnell (electric guitar, background vocals); Jeff "JT" King, Jeff King (electric guitar); Mike Johnson (steel guitar, dobro); Andy Lettwich, Andy Leftwich (mandolin, fiddle); Jelly Roll Johnson (harmonica); J.R. Rodriguez, Brady Barnett (recorder); Jim "Moose" Brown (piano, Clavinet, organ); Charles Judge (piano); Kevin Grantt (bass instrument); Shannon Forrest (drums, drum); Eddie Bayers Jr. (drum); Eric Darken (percussion); Alexandra Greer, Melodie Crittenden, Angela Primm, Vicki Hampton, Russell Terrell (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Derek Bason.
Liner Note Author: Judy Forde Blair.
Recording information: First Tear Entertainment; Sound Stage Studios, Nashville, TN; Starstruck Studios.
Editor: John Napier.
Photographer: Margaret Malandruccolo.
The third album by Nashville country star Craig Morgan continues in the Everyman style established by earlier hits like "Almost Home" and "Redneck Yacht Club." Morgan's music speaks to his audience, with good-timey country-rockers like "Summer Sundown," and songs about the joy of everyday life like "God Must Really Love Me" and the soaring "Lookin' Back With You." THAT'S WHY is sure to appeal to fans of Morgan's earlier records.
Sentimentality is Craig Morgan's specialty and he's awash in it on 2008's That's Why, his first album for BMG Nashville and first major-label effort since his 2000 debut. The extra years suit Morgan well, as he's not really a lively singer; he eases into the song, letting his cured country croon settle into the polished pop textures of his co-production. There are times where the pulse quickens on That's Why, but never does this really rock or twang, not even on the small-town rallying cry "Sticks" or on the pulsating beat of "Every Red Light." This is middle-aged country-pop for Middle America, celebrating faith, family, and country in surroundings that are slightly too slick, but Morgan's saving grace is that deep voice that adds textures to his clichés and keeps the music country when it's threatening to float into anonymous adult contemporary aural wallpaper. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine minimize