The Return of Uncle Kracker

It's been six years since Kid Rock friend and protege Uncle Kracker, aka 35 year old Matthew Shafer, was in the top 10 with his remake of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away." Now it looks like he's on the verge of a major comeback with a gentle little song called "Smile." Kracker's last album Seventy Two and Sunny failed to generate in mainstream pop hit singles after his first two albums each had a top 10 smash. He did make an appearance on Kenny Chesney's #1 country smash "When the Sun Goes Down" back in 2004.

"Smile" is a gentle, cheerful wisp of a song, and it just may turn into a multi-format hit. It's already Uncle Kracker's fifth top 20 adult contemporary song. "Smile" is moving up the Billboard Hot 100 as it begins to pick up significant pop radio airplay, and country radio is beginning to express an interest. Welcome back Uncle Kracker, you makes us "Smile."

• Watch "Smile" video

_{Photo courtesy Atlantic Records}