Happy Hour (Deluxe Version)

Uncle Kracker throws together an unlikely mix and makes it work — elements of hip-hop, nods to hard rock, sunshine L.A. harmonies, Midwestern viewpoints, country music settings, a soft rock appeal, and even a little Auto-Tune to modernize these early ‘70s dreams and potential hits for the early ‘80s and onward. The opening harmonies of “Smile” get things flowing in the right direction and a tune like “Another Love Song” celebrates the very thing Uncle Kracker’s aiming for. This Kid Rock acolyte knows all about having his life changed by rock ‘n’ roll and even if he prefers to chill like a younger, striving Jimmy Buffett, he intends on getting to the party eventually — if not on time. “Livin’ the Dream” tilts towards country with a heapful of Auto-Tune. “Corner Bar” watches the recession repossess his house and car, but it’s the girl who runs off with his girlfriend in “My Girlfriend” that confuses him most. These playful riffs eventually lead him to Detroit’s favorite son Bob Seger, but on the ballad side, with “Mainstreet.”