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.
Comments (1-30) of 39 Add your comment
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…
What form of journalism school did you attend?
I have a huge dislike for people who drink and drive! It’s nice the way you made it sound as if it’s the “cool” thing to do.
Great job and way to go Bob! I guess its a step down from the 15 Heineken’s he used to drink.
WOW!! What’s with all the negative on Kid Rock?? Kid’s music is the farthest from the mainstream garbage I hear on the radio, proof was “Devil without a Cause” album, he ventured where most would never go! 11 million sold MF’s, and he wrote most of the songs, just like he always does, unlike alot of “want a be musicians”. Let’s face it, Kid Rock has guts and is not afraid to be creative, Kid is back!! Detroit Baby.
The guy’s sold 20 million records so he must be doing something right. For all of you negative people out there just go to one of his concerts and you will see why he has so many fans. He puts on the best concert in the business.
Kid Rock’s music has heart whether it’s a head banger a country style song or a rock ballad witch is a lot more than I can say for all “popular music” out there. He is a definition of American rock combining Rock & Roll, Hip Hop, Country, Soul with some blues in there for good measure. And he is by far the best live performer you will ever see. And for you people so concerned over a guy having 5 beers with his dinner and driving home get a life. At least I will be listening to some new good music 10/9.
Hayley you clearly have no clue what you are talking about..have you ever listened to his music? seen his live performance?
I don’t care what you think of his lifestyle..this man has TALENT!!
Thank God we are finally gonna have some real music to listen to. I don’t even listen to the radio anymore because the music sucks. Nobody writes their own music anymore and they are just so marketed.This man is the real deal.Go see him live then reply back….
Hello, is anyone out there? You can take Clay Aiken, Madonna or even Celine Dion and boot their commercial crap. I’ll take Kid Rock any day. He’s true blue and walks the walk. Are you scared! God bless our troops.
See Kid’s concert, enough said.
For all you Kid Rock Haters and Especially Hayley!!! Kiss his everloving sweet ass!!!!! Kid Rock is the best musical talent ever and he’s the best front man ever!!!!! You Kid Rock Haters all probably like TOMMY LEE (hairspray boy) the wanaberocker, all he’s talented at is doing drugs!!!!! LOOOOOOSER Just like all Kid Rock Haters Jealous LOOOOOOSERS!!!!! Thank God Pam is GONE!!!!! He finally Launched that SKANK now we get our music back!!!!!!!from his #1 FANS
hayley and kidrock haters screw you b**bches kid rock is the best rocker in the world we love the album american bad a**
Kidrockkrazy…..Ditto!
Nobody said Kid Rock drove, anyway Kid Rock is a great songwriter and performer and you all should see him live cause he puts on the best live show that i’ve ever seen
Luv or hate him, You can’t deny Kid Rock has worked hard and done it his way. Also, he doesn’t charge an arm and leg for his concerts, unlike some other artists I know, his concerts are well worth it, Just wait for the 2008 tour, Rock on!!
Hey Craig, it’s 15million and he wrote ALL of the songs. You don’t have to be a Rock fan to enjoy his show, he covers every genre out there.I am of course a HUGE fan, as I am of all people who aren’t afraid of what others think and don’t forget where they come from
love his old stuff, but his new does not seem that good. i will and see.
There,s only one word that describes the KID and he loves to kick a$$
Bring on the new CD!!!