Watch Craig Campbell’s Gentle Faith Hill Cover
Craig Campbell might be best known for hits like “Family Man” and his spiritual ballad “Outskirts of Heaven,” but on Wednesdays, he’s made a habit of interpreting songs originally performed by women from across all genres. Dubbed “Women Cover Wednesdays,” he’s tackled everyone from Maren Morris to Adele. Today, it’s a version of Faith Hill’s “It Matters to Me.” Watch above as Campbell swaps acoustic guitar for the track’s tender piano and showcases his smooth Southern croon.
Male country singers can often be skittish about covering songs originally performed by women, which is why Sam Hunt’s tour medley of female-sung songs by artists like Trisha Yearwood and Reba McEntire was pointedly refreshing. On one hand, Campbell’s interpretations help to break down gender associations, but it also begs the question: Is it possible to get to a place where these songs can simply be covered with no “female” modifier necessary? Hill certainly offered versions of tracks released by men – Bruce Springsteen’s “If I Fall Behind” among them – with no gender context necessary.
Hill – one of the best-selling country artists of all time – just announced the upcoming release of “Speak to a Girl,” a duet with her husband Tim McGraw that will ship to radio tomorrow. The single will serve as the first from the duo’s upcoming album, a long-awaited moment from the couple who launch the third installment of their joint Soul2Soul Tour on April 7th in New Orleans.