Review: Cracker “Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey”

The rock and roll life must suit the hard-working members of Cracker, who have long been known as one of America's best bands. On Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey," Cracker only enhances its already sterling musical reputation, and "Sunrise" is Cracker's best album in well over a decade.
The album begins with the spirited "Yalla Yalla (Let's Go)." Cracker only gets better as time goes by, and "Yalla Yalla" is a tasty musical treat. The upbeat mood continues with the stellar "Show Me How This Thing Works."

Cracker released "Turn On, Tune In Drop Out With Me" to radio with much success, and the song shows a new, more introspective side of Cracker that is immensely appealing. This track has alt-country and Americana appeal, and the sparkling lyrics and top notch vocal performance create a sizzling record. A full album of similar material would be a chart hit for Cracker.

The biggest surprise on the album is the punk and rock-n-roll influenced "Hand Me My Inhaler." Cracker flexes its country muscle with "Friends," which deserves to be released as a single to Texas country radio. It's a success on all levels with heartfelt lyrics, expert musicianship and an unforgettable appearance by Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers.

Adam Duritz of the Counting Crows joins Cracker for the hauntingly beautiful "Darling One." And John Doe helps give a punk edge to "We All Shine A Light." But the title track is the best song on the album, because it brings the band full circle to the inventive music that made Cracker famous in the 1990s.

"Sunrise In The Land Of Milk And Honey" proves that Cracker is back. The award-winning band has created an album full of diverse and entertaining songs that will delight current fans and create new ones. Rock and alt-country devotees often don't like to wake up too early, but this is one sunrise you won't want to miss.  CountryChart.com