Kid Rock's new album isn't as revolutionary as the artist and title proclaim; yet it IS rather pleasing, and is indeed a bit maturer than much of Rock's previous work. The only hints of the rock/rap that will haunt him 'til the day he dies are found in "Sugar" and "Don't Tell Me U Love Me"--and even then, both songs stand testiment to the fact that Rock doesn't distinguish between musical boundaries. You have to respect him for that, if nothing else.
The album's strength, like it's two immediate predessecors, lies in its southern rock backbone. Nowhere is this more clear than on "All Summer Long," a melodical melding of Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama" and Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" (the opening riff makes me wish Rock would record "Werewolves;" honestly, he would tear that song up--in a good way). The country blues of "New Orleans" (a co-write with the one and only David Allan Coe) is another joyous sing-along, and one of Rock's most enjoyable tunes in a long time. "Amen" gets a bit too serious, but it is still enjoyable; naturally, Rock makes controversial declarations like "God d*** it, I'm afraid to send my kids to church" and "Our nation's race relations got me feelin' guilty for bein' white." The stone-cold country of "Half Your Age" helps convey the songs hilarious--and scathing--message. "Blue Jeans and a Rosary" touches upon gospel vibes, as does the previously-mentioned "Amen." Even the title track, though lyrically unoriginal, is catchy and listenable.
To me, this is Kid Rock's third record. I know, he had a career before COCKY; but here we see a man evolving musically and lyrically. While he still isn't at the creative high he insists he is, Kid Rock has managed to transcend genres, and to create some truly memorable music. ROCK N ROLL JESUS is a great album, if only for the fact that you can't easily place it in one musical category. While I don't recommend worshipping Rock for that, I do suggest we pay him some respect, and lend him our ears. Preach on, brother. Rock n Roll Jesus
"Rock 'N Roll" is the operative. Less rap and more rock, as promised, for the most part. Which is not to say it is anything worthy of critical praise- sloppy, unoriginal sophomoric lyrics, uninventive riffs, awkward rhymes, at times pretty amateurish sounding garage band stuff.
But if you like Kid Rock, especially the more rock and to some extent the southern rock vibe, you probably would like this album. It is actually better rounded out than the Cocky and Kid Rock albums in an overall listen.
Rock N Roll Jesus - pretty standard, generic stuff, maybe he kept it on the album because he liked the title and needed it on the album to make it make sense: 2/5
Amen - Bob Seger inspired arrangements and pretty listenable, maybe the most cross-over mainstream ready track on the disc: 4/5
All Summer Long - Zevon's Werewolves piano riff carries the verses, with some Skynryd for the chorus. Literally. Unoriginal but autobiographical lyrics maybe some people will like it. A fun listener but as unoriginal as you can get. 4/5 (just have to dig the Wolves + Skynyrd in any form!)
Roll On - Actually, this is probably the most likely radio hit, fit for any pop format, a nice laid back tune and a hook-sure chorus. 4/5
So Hott - Pretty raunchy lyrics, fit to be a favorite in strip clubs, except that it might encourage the guests to be a little too upfront. Sure, we all think it sometimes, but do you need to sing it? 1/5
Sugar - Nicely produced rocker with some signature Kid Rock rap/rock mashing going on, with some references to older hits (think Devil Without a Cause, the song). But "give me some sugar?!" Kind of strange, maybe I'm out of touch, but who call it "sugar"? 2/5
When You Love Someone - Slower song, like you would guess, gospel backing vocals with some banjo-picking. Kid Soft. Maybe a little John Mellencamp sounding, even if Kid might not like the comparison. 4/5
New Orleans - "Artistically confused" is what KR said on Larry King. Strange nasally vocal! 3/5
Don't Tell Me You Love Me - Two tracks with "Love" in them?! Classic Kid Rock sound and nicked lyric references, no matter, the most 'typical' Kid Rock track in many ways on the album, if a little slower than the rest (think Wasting Time' vibe) 4/5
Blue Jeans and a Rosary - Come on Kid, you really are a romantic, huh? Would you believe Bob Seger verses with Elton John chorus? It really works. Right up there with Picture in the 'ballad' department. 5/5
Half Your Age - You knew it was going to be there. If "Run Off to LA" wasn't really about Pam, well, there can't be a mistake this time around. Fiddles, steel guitars, upright piano, and the rest of the roadhouse country blues band sounds. Sure to be a karaoke favorite one day (listen for John Daly, yep, the golfer, in background hollerin'). 4/5
Lowlife - Typically, the last song is one that Kid probably put on there because he could. Then again it might become an anthem for some people our there. Who knows. 3/5
If this doesn't help you make up your mind, then just forget about it. You either like Bobby or you don't. Either you get it or you don't. I gotta love him.
This is the best of any Kid Rock cd I've bought. Ok, it's a little bit more on the "religious" side - if you can use the words "religion" and "Kid Rock" in the same sentence and not have a lightning bolt strike you dead. There are about 3 songs that are the reason the "Explicit Lyrics" sticker is on it. Only 1 almost made my ears bleed, but this ain't Helen Reddy. Another plus (or minus depending on how much you like Kid Rock) you can make out almost 100% of the words.
Do I recommend it? Yes.
The song Amen is pure inspiration. Then you have the filthy lyrics sometimes causing me to blush all by myself driving..sometimes too much to even take and I switch the song. Have to give this a five star. Something about it is totally Epic. Definitely, it rocks! - Excellent Music - Rock And Roll - Great Tunes - Awesome'
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