KID ROCK
Rock N Roll Jesus
Atlantic Records 2007
www.kidrock.com

Live Kid Rock pics

Genre
Hard Rock / Rap-Rock

The Good
Kid Rock kicks off things with a bang on the album’s title track “Rock N Roll Jesus.” The blend of guitars, horns, and spiritual choir let you know that Rock is on his perch to testify the gospel according to him. On the acoustic heavy track “Amen,” Rock vents his inner frustration of the world, while at the same time delivering a funky blues sound. “All Summer Long” samples Van Morison’s “Werewolves of London” and Lynryd Skynryd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” and uses them to lament about his youth.

“Sugar” is classic Kid Rock from the very beginning. It’s nice to hear that Rock can mature his sound, yet still remember what made him. “When You Love Someone” is going to be the next big radio ballad (should they chose to release it as a single). Another ballad, “Blue Jeans and a Rosary,” tells the tale of a woman that changed Rock’s life.

The Bad
While I loved the riffage on “So Hott,” the song itself is not up to par. “Rock N Roll Jesus” should have been the lead single, not this one. Rock is trying a little too hard with the ballads. One or two is fine, but three is pushing it.

The Verdict
Kid Rock is back and he is on the top of his game. Rock ventures out into new waters and makes it work. To remain loyal to his longtime fans, he lays down some classic style jams as well. I have seen the light! I am a believer! Harkin to the words and music of Kid Rock’s Rock N Roll Jesus!

Did You Know?
Kid Rocks birth name is Robert Ritchie.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne