The album is simple in structure and that proves an effective strategy. There's nothing groundbreaking or monumentally profound here, but the catchy, melodic tunes are easy to sing along to, and despite being new, they have a built-in, hummable familiarity.
Album opener "Smile" -- which also serves as the platter's first single -- sets the tone early. It's an upbeat, mellow love song that sounds robust and full, and ol' Kracker pens some of the disc's most creative, heartfelt lyrics.
As always, whether holed up in the studio or on the road in concert, the artist formerly known as Matthew Shafer often pays both subtle and direct homage to his influences.
From mentions of Dobie Gray -- who's 1973 hit "Drift Away" Kracker covered in 2002 -- to Motown legend Marvin Gaye in "Another Love Song," to covers of Bob Seger's "Main Street," Macomb County's favorite everyguy displays both his versatility in blending different genres and showcasing his eclectic love of music.
Kracker even goes so far as to include the chorus of Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" in "Livin' the Dream," another disc highlight.
"Corner Bar" is the most topical song on the album -- an ode to Kracker's hometown and the economic downfall that's gripping a once-vibrant city.
Some sharply pointed lyrics place the blame for Detroit's demise on greed and politicians "falling out of love" with America. Kracker tosses in some witty one-liners throughout, including: "No block party, everybody's evicted," and "Swimming through bills like Michael Phelps," both of which elevate the mood of the dark, depressing subject matter.
Despite being about the Motor City, the song embraces the jazzy funk of New Orleans, as a white-hot trumpet solo brings the song to a fiery close.
"Good To Be Me" is loads of fun, one of those hook-laden, friendly tunes that sticks you snug in the seat of a convertible cruising down an open highway on a warm, sunny day.
Some tasty guitar work kicks things off, and Kracker spills thick memories of a summertime cruise. The singer throws out references to The Temptations' "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," John Coltrane's "Love Supreme" and Kid Rock's smash hit "All Summer Long," which Kracker co-wrote.
"Happy Hour" is one of those albums you can shove into the car's CD player, crank up the volume and take a nice, long drive. It's upbeat, buoyant themes are a great distraction from the everyday grind of life and the dreary state of the economy.
It's catchy and melodic and makes for great background music, but the depth within the tunes and lyrics adds entirely another layer to the album, lifting it above pop-rock cliché.
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