After a long twelve-year hiatus, the return of Uncle Kracker has finally occurred. Doing so with his sixth solo title, Coffee & Beer, is it exactly what fans would expect from his beloved fusion of Country, Rock, and Hip Hop?
Recapping his story, we all recall that Uncle Kracker (Matthew Shafer) previously was the turntablist for Kid Rock’s backing group Twisted Brown Trucker, but since 1999 has been a solo artist. A great move, his singles 2000 “Follow Me” and 2002 “Drift Away” were both top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, finding him a path toward further success. Now over twenty years since those early days, the multi-platinum artist returned on July 12, 20224 with the thirteen track Coffee & Beer via Sturgeon General Records. His first studio album since 2012’s Midnight Special, with Coffee & Beer he deftly employs his strengths to announce to the world that he has returned, and has not lost a step.
Buoyed by the pre-release of several songs – including “Sweet 16,” “Reason to Drink,” and “Cruising Altitude”- Uncle Kracker had the music industry buzzing when the new album’s release finally rolled around. From longtime Producer/Collaborator Josh Bright, answering the initial question raised here, Coffee & Beer is pure Uncle Kracker; the smoky croon, smooth craftsmanship of blending multiple genres, and an unapologetic expertise at remaining himself when perhaps industry trends point in other directions.
As the first note rings out, you are thrust into a sauntering, boot-stomping Southern Rock concoction that rips the seams out of the album immediately. Done so with “High On My Horse,” it builds such intense momentum for the remainder of the tracks; which fortunately continues rolling along as the tracks race by far too quickly. This is while the title-track of the record is a small-town Country ditty that should find itself on the Country charts. Here Uncle Kracker sings with such soul and precision that you would think the Country genre was where his primary efforts lie. In all, it is a tune that brings thoughts of sweet tea and tobacco fields, willows and catfish, and puts Uncle Kracker at the top of today’s crop of current Country crooners.
With the passing of each track, you are joyfully exposed to the blending abilities of Uncle Kracker and his team. From the aforementioned “Sweet 16” (a nostalgic reflection upon the young lives that we all live, but pass through so quickly), to a beach anthem “Beach Chair” (which would lift the great Jimmy Buffett up out of his own chair into the sand to dance with reckless abandon), to a staggeringly powerful guitar solo on the oil-slick groove “Life Goes On,” there is plenty to love here.
It takes a true musician to combine the elements that Uncle Kracker uses on Coffee & Beer, and the only negative surrounding the release of this album is that fans had to wait over a decade to hear its sweet secrets. This is never more accurate than on the wonderfully executed “Lonely Lets You Down” which is yet another gem. Something that should find its way onto the charts, it puts you on a trek of love; a journey that is not always pretty or sweet, but one of absolute necessity. Featuring spine-tingling slide work that weaves in and out, Uncle Kracker is the companion for loneliness nobody thought of… but is perfect for the role.
Which leads to the final dish served up, “Mark On Me.” A striking track, an emotional gurgle slightly escaping from his voice make you think that this one may mean the most to him, but it will undoubtedly tug on all who are lucky enough to listen. The almost whiskey-laden sound puts a beautiful sound to the feeling that ‘life happens, but does indeed go on.’ We cannot remain in our mistakes, in our traumas, but instead, work diligently and passionately to improve the life we live and the world around us.
Overall, Uncle Kracker has returned and he is at the top of his craft. Sure, there may have been a bit of a wait, but how sweet the reward is! With Coffee & Beer Uncle Kracker remains the diverse and passionate artist that created such a chaotic frenzy back in early 2000s, and although hopes for another release remain to be seen, the gift of Coffee & Beer will never fade away. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this album 4 out of 5 stars.
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