Saying there is a “whole lot more” to Craig Morgan is an understatement. The multi-faceted Renaissance man proves it on his upcoming new studio album, aptly titled A Whole Lot More To Me, a record that furthers Morgan's reputation as one of the genre's most commanding vocalists.

While his singing on such hits as the multi-week Number One "That’s What I Love About Sunday," "International Harvester," "Bonfire," "This Ole Boy" and "Wake Up Lovin' You" was exemplary, Morgan has somehow found a new level and vocal range in the studio. On his forthcoming LP, his third with label home Black River Entertainment, he's making the most relevant, authentic and moving music of his career. It's a point that "When I'm Gone" drives home, as Morgan sings about living life with no regrets.

"I’ve got a renewed energy with this record," he says emphatically. "In fact, I'm at the pinnacle of my career — producing, singing and touring. And this song epitomizes that. It's about living to the fullest, and when people hear it, I know they'll relate it to their own lives."

His newest single, “I’ll Be Home Soon,” is an epic love song and one of many radio-ready hits on Morgan's highly anticipated project. He's written nearly half of the album's dozen tracks, and makes all of them his own. "I'm That Country" exudes Southern charm; "Remind Me Why I'm Crazy" showcases Morgan the crooner; "I Can't Wait to Stay" exults the joys of a small-town life; and "A Whole Lot More to Me" is a musical autobiography. The collection’s “When I’m Gone,” has already met critical acclaim with Music Row calling it a “powerhouse performance of a pile-driving song.” Each highlights his artistic renaissance.

Morgan laughs at that word, however: "artistic."

"I have friends who are very artistic people, sometimes oddly so, and I never wanted to be that guy, to be so artistic that I'm odd," he says smiling. "But it's good to know that I've evolved musically and, with this new record, I've created something with longevity."

Indeed, Morgan's A Whole Lot More To Me, co-produced with Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Sugarland, Faith Hill) and released via Black River Entertainment, is a timeless recording. As was their goal, Morgan and Gallimore, with whom he worked for the first time, succeeded in making music that will sound fresh a decade or more from now. These are songs that define a man.

Morgan uses the honesty of the concert stage as an analogy for how he assembled what will be his seventh studio album. "It would look funny if you went to one of my concerts and I stood out there in skinny jeans. I'm not 21 years old, and I shouldn't pretend to be," he says. "But I also know this music will fit right in on country radio today. I'm singing music that is real and believable and at the same time relatable to all types of fans. That's hard to do, but you can do it if you stay true to who you are."