It's been a long four years since we last heard from Eleven Hundred Springs. With the anthemic (and multi-syllabic) "Long Haired Tattooed Hippie Freaks," "Thunderbird Will Do Just Fine," and "Hank Williams Wouldn't Make It Now in Nashville Tennessee," Bandwagon was a cage-rattling blast of defiance from one of Dallas's most prolific bands.

But after a run of five albums in six years, the country quintet entered an unexpected studio dormancy. Now with Danny Crelin in for Aaron Wynne on pedal steel, Jordan Hendrix added on fiddle, and Chris Claridy off to Darren Kozelsky's band, the newly reconstituted Eleven Hundred Springs is back at last with a tasty serving of Country Jam.

What happened to slow the guys down? Parenthood, if we judge by "Nobody Told You About the Love," a gorgeous love song from an awestruck father to child:

Everyone said it would be work and it'd take up all your time
Everyone said that it might hurt and you'd spend up your last dime
Everyone told you you were gettin' in way over your head
Everyone said you best be bettin' it'll haunt you 'til you're dead…
But nobody said it wouldn't be fun
Nobody said it would be so hard that it could not be done
Nobody told you it might be better than all that you'd dreamed of
Nobody told you about the love

A similar theme re-emerges in "I'll Be Here for You," a lullaby that perfectly matches Matt Hillyer's soothing lead with backing vocals from guest Heather Myles.

So this is a kinder, gentler Eleven Hundred Springs — but that's not to say this jam is bland by any means. The rockabilly "Every Time I Get Close to You" adds some spice, and things get even tangier with the retro classic "Rocket 88."

Despite the long layoff and slight lineup shuffle, Eleven Hundred Springs still sounds tight as ever. These guys were born to play dancehall music, and Hillyer's will always be a welcome voice.

At first I missed the provocativeness of the Bandwagon days, but the more I listen the more I appreciate the solid songwriting and impeccable musicianship of Country Jam.

The only downside? Each time I look at the sumptuous food photography that lines the CD package, I find myself craving a heaping plate of pancakes, eggs, and sausage. But instead of a feast, I'll happily content myself with another serving of Jam.

Listen:

"Nobody Told You About the Love"

"Whose Heart Are You Breaking Tonight"

"I'll Be Here for You"

"Rocket 88"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes