Uncle Kracker is back with his first release post-pandemic, “Sweet 16.” The charming ballad tells the love story of teenage sweethearts who withstand the test of time.
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In the blink of an eye / we came alive as our innocence died underneath the September sky…Now ‘Sweet 16’ is 34 / we traded in a drop-top hot rod Chevy for a four-door Ford / Those sweet memories are forever more, he sings.
The lyrics are carried by an infectious melody and simple beat. “Sweet 16” is an earworm on the surface but, becomes a moving vignette of growing old the closer you listen.
“The inspiration for ‘Sweet 16,’ as strange as this may sound, was divorce,” the multi-genre hitmaker told American Songwriter. “Divorce had me thinking of all the people who don’t follow through with throwing in the towel and break the cycle, pushing forward with loyalty, love, their lives, and family and ultimately end up crossing the finish line.”
According to the singer, he hopes fans will take away a sense of positivity from the track – “and spread a little bit of it [too]….consciously or subconsciously.”
American Songwriter premieres “Sweet 16” below.
Uncle Kracker will continue his time on the road this summer with a number of festival appearances and supporting tour dates.
This weekend (June 8-11), the singer will make a couple of appearances at Nashville’s CMA Fest alongside his fellow country music staples. Uncle Kracker will perform at the Hard Rock Cafe on June 8 at 7:00 pm and the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage on June 9 at 12:30 pm.
Elsewhere, Uncle Kracker is set to join ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour. The group of acts will make stops in Fort Worth, Denver, Cincinnati, Raleigh, and Saratoga Springs. Find the full run of dates HERE.
Credit: Laura Partain / Milestone PR
