Top Dog/Atlantic recording artist Uncle Kracker has announced the forthcoming release of his eagerly anticipated new album, “HAPPY HOUR.” The Detroit-based singer/songwriter’s 12-song collection arrives in stores and at all digital retailers on September 15th.“HAPPY HOUR” is being preceded by the first single, “Smile.” The track landed at Hot AC radio outlets nationwide on June 16th, while a companion music video is currently in pre-production, with plans to shoot in the Motor City later this month. “Smile” made its premiere last week with an exclusive stream on Entertainment Weekly’s music website, The Music Mix, and can now be heard on his official website.
Produced by multiple Grammy Award-winner Rob Cavallo (Kid Rock, Green Day, Paramore), “HAPPY HOUR” sees Uncle Kracker continuing to craft his idiosyncratic blend of country-flavored pop and rock ‘n’ roll. Although initially known for his role as DJ in Kid Rock’s legendary Twisted Brown Trucker band, Uncle Kracker has also played a significant role as Kid Rock’s songwriting collaborator, with co-writing credits on such blockbuster hits as “Bawitdaba,” “Cowboy,” “Forever,” “Only God Knows Why,” and 2008’s #1 classic, “All Summer Long.”
“’HAPPY HOUR’ is undoubtedly sonically his best record, and I also think it’s his best written record,” said Kid Rock about his best friend’s new album and latest release on his Top Dog imprint. “And it should be, ‘cuz he’s had like 4 or 5 fucking years to write it.”
In 2001, Uncle Kracker stepped into the spotlight, making a stunning solo debut with “DOUBLE WIDE.” Fueled by the #1 smash, “Follow Me,” the album exploded into the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and went on to double-platinum success.
“NO STRANGER TO SHAME” followed in 2002, highlighted by the top 10 Hot AC hit, “In A Little While,” as well as Uncle Kracker’s second chart-topping single, a cover of Dobie Gray’s classic “Drift Away.” The track reached the top 10 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” while also setting the record for most weeks at #1 on the AC chart, remaining atop the format’s ranking for a remarkable 22 straight weeks.
2004’s “SEVENTY TWO AND SUNNY” showcased Uncle Kracker’s melodic songwriting and a unique stylistic synthesis of pop, rock, country, soul, blues, and even doo-wop. That same year, “When The Sun Goes Down,” his collaboration with country superstar Kenny Chesney, gave Uncle Kracker his third #1 success on a third different chart – the song sat atop Billboard’s “Hot Country Songs” chart for five consecutive weeks.
