Photo: Nate Griffin
Craig Morgan initially wasn't sold on the idea of re-recording his smash-hit early 2000s anthem, “Redneck Yacht Club,” until he penned a song perfect for Luke Combs.
Morgan penned a track that “sounds exactly like something Luke would release,” and rather than pitching it to the “Going, Going, Gone” artist to record solo, Morgan opted to make it a collaboration. Now, “Raise The Bar” is one of two original tracks on Morgan’s new EP, which released on Friday (October 20). Morgan said as his EP made its debut: “It was so special to have this talented group re-record some of the hits and a couple new ones. I’m really proud of this project and these people.”
Enlisted also includes the re-recorded version of “Redneck Yacht Club,” featuring Blake Shelton — who appeared in the 2005 single’s music video, Morgan noted — along with duets with Jelly Roll, Gary LeVox, Lainey Wilson and Trace Adkins. Morgan recruited Adkins to team up with him on “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me,” the other original song that bookends the 6-track project (uniquely spotlighting Adkins’ voice in the first verse). Morgan said it was the final, last-minute addition to the record, and he’s “excited we rounded it out with that song. …It’s one of those songs that talks about the pride in our country, our God, our family, and standing up for what you believe, and showing love and kindness.”
Morgan recently spoke with iHeartCountry about Enlisted, being sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve on the Grand Ole Opry stage over the summer, going on his “God, Family, Country Tour” and more. He said during the conversation that each artist who appears on his latest record has a personal connection with the song they sing with him. Jelly Roll, for example, spoke on the Opry stage about how “Almost Home” made him want to make music. LeVox previously toured with Morgan and praised “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” Wilson told a story about riding around on a farm with her dad, and the father-daughter duo sang “International Harvester” together.
- “Raise The Bar” featuring Luke Combs
- “Almost Home” featuring Jelly Roll
- “Redneck Yacht Club” featuring Blake Shelton
- “That’s What I Love About Sunday” featuring Gary LeVox
- “International Harvester” featuring Lainey Wilson
- “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me” featuring Trace Adkins
Produced by Craig Morgan and Phil O’Donnell
Morgan said even the country anthems longtime fans know and love will offer a fresh spin as listeners play Enlisted. There’s “some really unique things about it,” he said. “They’re getting a new song as well as getting a song that they have some familiarity with, and maybe a relationship with. …It’s even better in my opinion. I feel like I’ve made one of the better projects I’ve ever made.”
Enlisted’s release comes months after Morgan surprised the sold-out crowd at the Grand Ole Opry on July 29. The country star was enlisted and sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve on the iconic stage, after previously serving 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Morgan is returning as a soldier in the Army Reserve, and will continue to tour and release new music while serving the country. Morgan told iHeartCountry that now was the time “to finish something that I started so many years ago,” and “to help with Army recruiting.”
“It’s a great opportunity, so we’re excited about it,” Morgan said, noting that it was particularly special for his swearing-in to happen at the Grand Ole Opry, combining “both my worlds. My world of music, and my world in the military. ...I love the United States Army. I love the military, and I love serving. It’s a big part of my family’s life. It always has been and it always will be.”
Morgan is gearing up to perform a few more dates on his “God, Family, Country Tour,” a name that’s also appeared in his music and his memoir. Morgan said “God, Family, Country” resonates so strongly in his work because “it’s who I am.”
“Those are the three most important things in my life, and I firmly believe that they’re the foundation of this country. Our God, our family and the country itself, and love for those things, and passion,” Morgan said. “And I believe that the majority of the people in this nation share that same thing. It’s not always displayed, I realize that, but I think even some of those people who might not always display it, they feel it deep down inside. There’s a lot of turmoil in the world right now, and I’m proud to be a part of a country that stands up for those who are not as privileged. I’ve always been proud to serve in a military that stands up for those that don’t have the opportunity to stand up for themselves, and just be a part of that and do what’s right. It’s the right thing, and that’s a cool place to be.”
Listen to the full Enlisted EP on iHeartRadio here. Listen to the two new tracks below.