John Morgan Crafts A Debut Full Of Hits With ‘Carolina Blue’ [Interview]

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John Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato

John Morgan knows a thing or two about writing songs people can’t help but sing back. Before he ever stepped on stage as an artist, the North Carolina native had already built a reputation as a go-to songwriter on Music Row, penning cuts for Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi, Dustin Lynch and an astounding 16 tracks for Jason Aldean—including the Grammy-nominated smash “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Now, with the release of his debut album Carolina Blue, Morgan proves he’s just as skilled at crafting hooks for himself.

Released today via Night Train Records/BBR Music Group, Carolina Blue feels less like a traditional first outing and more like a greatest hits collection in waiting. Every song on the 12-track set sounds like it could be a single, a testament to Morgan’s instinct for melody, phrasing and unforgettable hooks. From the anthemic “Friends Like That” (already a No. 1 at country radio) to the clever “How to Get Her” and the earworm “Crickets,” Morgan showcases a rare ability to make even complex emotions feel instantly accessible—and instantly singable.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Morgan shares of the project, some of which dates back four or five years. “When I went to pick songs, I thought, ‘I’m not going to cut anything that doesn’t sound like a single.’ I wanted it to be hard to pick which one’s going to be the single.”

The album’s title pays homage to Morgan’s roots in Sylva, North Carolina, and the hardworking spirit that shaped both his life and his sound. Songs like the poignant “Without ‘Em” paint vivid portraits of small-town life, honoring the unsung heroes—the pastors, farmers and factory workers—who keep the heartbeat of America steady. “I grew up around people who don’t get thanked enough,” Morgan says. “I just wanted to capture that.”

Morgan, who co-wrote every song and played guitar throughout the project, also co-produced Carolina Blue alongside Brent Anderson. Together, they built an album that blends tradition and modernity with ease. Drawing inspiration from legends like Ronnie Milsap and Keith Whitley, and modern influences like John Mayer, Morgan was intentional about giving each track its own sonic identity while maintaining a cohesive thread. Acoustic textures, steel guitars and big ‘80s-rock-influenced tones swirl together to create a sound that feels as fresh as it is familiar.

“I didn’t want it to sound like one big long song,” he explains. “I love albums that have scene changes, where every track feels fresh, but still ties together.”

Throughout the album, Morgan’s talent for marrying relatable storytelling with sharp, surprising hooks shines. Songs like “How to Get Her,” which twists a simple phrase into something clever and heartfelt, are standout examples. “It’s just clever enough,” he says. “The verses drive so hard back into the hook, and that’s a hard thing to pull off.”

Other songs, like “Kid Myself,” give a more vulnerable glimpse into Morgan’s personal life. Written with Tyler Hubbard, the track looks back on a past relationship with a bittersweet honesty. “I didn’t really know who I was back then,” Morgan shares. “Music was out of my life at the time, and it affected me more than I realized.”

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Even the lighthearted tracks on Carolina Blue carry Morgan’s signature attention to craft. “Crickets,” written with Lydia Vaughan and Zach Abend, grew on him over time. “At first I wasn’t sure about it, but once we figured out how to make it playful, it just felt good,” he says. “It’s got that youthful thing about it.”

Long before his own artist career took flight, Morgan was a behind-the-scenes force on some of country music’s biggest songs. But now, with Carolina Blue, he’s stepping fully into the spotlight—and proving he’s just getting started.

After making his Stagecoach Festival debut this weekend, Morgan will bring the songs of Carolina Blue to life on the road, opening select dates for Kane Brown, Old Dominion and Riley Green.

“For me, it’s about connecting,” he says. “Whether it’s something upbeat or something that hits a little harder, I want people to hear these songs and feel like they’re part of it too.”

With a debut like Carolina Blue—packed with sharp hooks, honest stories and undeniable singalongs—John Morgan doesn’t just invite listeners in. He makes it impossible not to sing along.

LB Cantrell
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