The cowboy hat may have been replaced by a ball cap and the large belt buckle may not exactly fit the skinny jeans, but Craig Campbell’s image change only compliments his already stellar vocals and charismatic stage presence. The Georgia native’s confident swagger takes on a whole new level in his sexy new song from Red Bow Records, “See You Try”.
Released to radio March 16, “See You Try” was penned by hitmakers Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, James McNair, and Jordan Schmidt and produced by Bart Butler (Jon Pardi). The song channels every woman’s inner thoughts when in a public setting with her man– how to get him away from his friends and get him home for a good time of course! And if the song isn’t suggestive enough, just throw in the irresistible lyric video for good measure. Filmed at Melrose Billiard Pool Hall in Nashville and co-starring Campbell’s wife Mindy and Campbell’s band (affectionately known as “Campbell Toes”), the video has the “Family Man” finding it hard to concentrate on the 8 ball in the corner pocket.
“I’m glad I got to hear the song before anyone else did,” Campbell told The Country Note when we sat down with him back in April. Watch the full interview here.
Almost two years to the day, “See You Try” follows his 2016 critically acclaimed work, “Outskirts of Heaven”. Co-written by Campbell in honor of his grandfather, “Outskirts” has fans echoing the lyrics back to him night after night. In fact, fans sing lots of his words back to him at shows, as documented by his popular Instagram stories. (@craigcampbelltv). The Country Note has witnessed this phenomenon many times over the years, most recently April 5 in the famous Rock Block section of Nashville.
The “Campbell Toes” took to the stage at the Exit/In ahead of Luke Pell to celebrate the single’s release to a fired up crowd of dedicated fans and friends. Campbell’s engaging demeanor on hits like “Outta My Head” and “Keep Those Kisses Comin’” prove why he is one of the most intriguing live performers in country music. The clinking of shot glasses around the room during “Mas Tequila” means that he and the guys are always up for a good time, and although lots of artists throw covers into their sets, Campbell specifically pays tribute to the decade that started it all for him as a keyboardist down on Broadway. He enthusiastically interjects the chorus of “Fishin’ in the Dark” into his suggestive song “Fish” and he and fellow band members slay the intro of “Wanted Dead or Alive” right before jumping into “My Little Cowboy”. As much fun as the fast paced songs are, they pale in comparison to the simple and authentic ballads that has set Campbell on the path to super-stardom since the days playing at The Stage (By the way, he’s been doing 90s cover pop up shows there lately so keep up with his socials!). His Top 15 Billboard hit “Family Man” showcases his tender father moments and believe us, he’s got plenty. His two young daughters, Kinni and Preslee, are determined to follow in their parents’ footsteps with impressive vocal and instrumental chops of their own. But it was Campbell’s touch of the ivories that night that catapulted him straight to the top as one of the most talented and underrated artists in all of music. As if from a movie, a piano branded with his new “CC” logo suddenly appeared in the middle of a silenced room where Campbell sat down to play a song that hasn’t even been cut yet, but could change the game once it is.
“Ever danced barefoot in the grass to the radio? In a country boy’s arms that told you you were beautiful? Had a long slow kiss and the minute that it hit your lips it curled your toes. It’s about time. . .”
For a video recap of the Exit/In performance, click here.
According to the frequent Opry star, “It’s About Time” will hopefully be featured in the not too distant future on his full length album. It may not be time for the album yet but we can hang on a little longer seeing as June 8, we’re getting the See You Try EP!!! And it’s just in time for CMA Fest, which he plays multiple times. His first new collection in five years, the seven track set will feature songs written by Nashville hitmakers like Ben Hayslip, Kelly Archer, Jonathan Singleton, and Campbell himself. Included in those tracks are two versions of “Outskirts of Heaven”, electric and acoustic.
Fresh off of a nationwide radio tour, Campbell will spend lots of time this summer on the road promoting his new music. This after garnering a coveted spot on buddy Luke Bryan’s Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day Tour last summer! There is no stopping this guy, and if that’s not enough to keep him busy, he is in the final planning stages of his Celebrity Cornhole Challenge to benefit Fight Colorectal Cancer, a disease that took his father when Campbell was just eleven years old. The 6th annual cornhole tournament will take place at City Winery in Nashville June 5 as part of CMAFest week. It will feature some of the biggest names in country and some of Campbell’s closest friends. Lindsay Ell, Brett Young, Jerrod Neimann, Walker Hayes, and more will join Campbell and wife Mindy as Campbell fights to reclaim his championship title from last year’s winner, Dee Jay Silver. The One Million Strong Benefit gala dinner will also take place at City Winery on June 6, where the total amount raised will be revealed. So far, over $300,000 has been raised by Campbell and team.
The Country Note will be covering every detail of the Celebrity Cornhole Challenge, so be sure and follow @thcountrynote on all socials.
In the meantime, download Campbell’s latest single, “See You Try” and every other single you can find. Between his unforgettable live performances, enthusiastic fan interactions (yes, he takes requests frequently on Facebook Live), and down to earth personality, Campbell proves that he has long been the artist country music so desperately needs. Always looking ahead but never forgetting his roots, Campbell knows who he is and what’s important at the end of the day. And when he gets his first and waaaayyyy overdue #1, all of country music will say, “It’s about Damn Time!” We can’t wait.
Check out some photos from Campbell’s April 5th performance at Exit / In below: