Brace yourselves, PopWatchers. Kid Rock is back with a new album, his first in four years, and it’s sure to raise some eyebrows.
EW was treated to an intimate listening session at Rock’s Malibu home last week. An invitation we really couldn’t refuse, especially when paired with dinner at Malibu staple Taverna Tony’s. (The Greek restaurant is a favorite of Jennifer Aniston’s and now I understand why: the tzatziki was fantastic!) It had the makings of one of those rare Hollywood nights that, for a former New Yorker like me, justifies moving out west in the first place. And sure enough, five beers (for Rock) and two cosmos (pour moi) later, I found myself riding shotgun in Rock’s classic American-made 1967 convertible something-or-other, roaring on down the Pacific Coast Highway like a scene out of Entourage.
Upon arrival at Rock’s manse by the sea, he proudly told an audienceof six (myself, fellow EW writer Chris Willman, and a few influentialTV bookers) that this record, tentatively titled Rock-n-Roll Jesus,is his best yet. Then the artist formerly known as Bob Ritchie lit a cigar and let it rip, kicking off with thetitle track, an unabashed, AC/DC-informed rocker befitting theself-anointed American Badass. But as we soon found out, thesehard-driving riffs and fiery choruses were just a warm-up. Thestrip-club-ready "So Hot," Rock’s chosen first single, turned out to bethe album’s unapologetic, sex-fueled tipping point. It’s all meant toremind the music-buying public that this is the guy who had to balls togo from middle-finger-waving rap-metal superstar to country crossoversuccess in just over five years, while at the same time selling around20 million albums. Not too shabby.
And true to the more sensitive side of Rock (I sure did love that"Picture" song), the album features a ballad, a bluesy ode to FatsDomino and "going down to New Orleans" (which, Rock was quick to pointout, could double as a metaphor for oral sex) and a God-loving anthemcalled "Amen." To everyone’s surprise, including maybe his own, Rock’ssinging skills have definitely improved, resulting in only onerap-heavy song. But his bitterness towards ex-wife Pamela Andersoncertainly hasn’t, as was painfully obvious with the last track and itstwangy refrain: "She’s half your age, and twice as hot." Ouch.
So what do you think of the return of Kid Rock, PopWatchers? Can he genre-hop his way to relevance in the year 2007? Discuss.
I love that Kid Rock is getting all this praise for his diversity. He’s not diverse, he’s perverse. He goes with whatever’s in and attacks it like cars at a chop shop. His country is a watered down Shirley Temple and his rock/rap is tired. His straight rock is a bad imitation of what’s been done before. He’s about as bad ass as a balloon animal. Shooter Jennings leaves Kid Rock’s hair all over the wall.
You rode shotgun in a vehicle being driven by someone who’d had FIVE beers? Really?
Brilliant.
Just because you’re in two Gretchen Wilson videos and taped a special with Bocephus does not mean you’re a crossover country success.
I like da Kid! Bring the new album on!
Blah, surely there are better musical talents that can be covered.
Yawn!!!! I’m so over Kid Rock.
For any of the uninitiated, he might come off a a complete blowhard, but he does put on a great live show. PS I was a bartender during the time that “Picture” was popular and it was a jukebox fave of the customers. It still gives me a massive headache. It became on of those “Oh sorry I accidentally unplugged this crazy thing” songs. Pure torture.
cerebrate said exactly what I was thinking as I read this.
I wouldn’t say his latest cd was a country success, but it certainly showcased his diversity. The man has some seriously good talent even though it’s often hidden by his crude lyrics and obscene lifestyle.
What Cerebrate said, + glad you’re alive to write about “roaring down the PCH”. Yeah Shirley, you’re one of the cool kids now. Just like Paris, Nicole & Lindsey. Kudos
see my name
Kid Rock could have success with this album, too. We’ll see. For attitude country, yes, get some Shooter Jennings. And yes, I DO feel like Jackson, Mississippi.
P.S. He could show relevance if he shows a little musical growth. He does have a sense of humor, and it serves him well. He knows his audiences, and in my mind, can be down to earth when he’s allowed. Again, we’ll see.
I totally agree with cerebrate. I couldn’t really concentrate on the rest of the piece after you basically bragged about rolling down the highway in a car being driven by someone who’d had 5 beers. Nice.
Really? Kid Rock? And you’re all over the idea, huh? Sad, lady.
This was well targeted, well-produced novelty music 7 years ago. Can’t hate on the guy – talented, good performer, but now? Almost 2008? No one’s gonna care, ‘cept the NASCAR set.
Either Atlantic Records paid you well to cover this tired sound, or Korn turned down your offers for an interview.
Stop paying attention to crap, and it goes away…