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"24 Hours a Day," released in 1997, is the third album by American band The Bottle Rockets and their only record with Atlantic Records. The album was underpromoted by the label, and its delayed release was attributed to internal reorganization. Despite being labeled as "alternative country," which limited rock radio airplay, the band gained critical acclaim for their straightforward rock 'n' roll style. Produced by Eric "Roscoe" Ambel in Bloomington, Indiana, the album features themes of time and place, drawing inspiration from 1970s concept albums. Brian Henneman's songwriting reflects his upbringing among rednecks, with tracks like "Slo Toms" and "Perfect Far Away" highlighting regional culture and personal reflections. The album also includes songs about mundane experiences, such as being stranded in Indianapolis due to a broken fuel pump. Additional recordings from the sessions were released in 1998 as "Leftovers." Critical reception was mixed: while some critics dismissed the band's style as overly redneck, others praised their authenticity and energetic rock sound, comparing them to influential acts like Wilco and Ramones. The album was lauded for its plainspoken songwriting and connection to working-class, Midwestern roots, with some reviewers even labeling it a masterpiece. Despite its acclaim, the album faced commercial challenges due to limited promotion and genre pigeonholing.