Is it a hit, *hit or miss?

Kid Rock � Kid Rock  by Linda Spielman

Kid Rock � Kid Rock 
Label: Atlantic
Hit, *hit or Miss?:  Hit
Rating: 

The latest, self-titled release from the Detroit City Bad Ass is quite literally a musical journey down the winding back roads of rock n roll. Don�t pick up this CD if you think you are getting the same ole Kid Rock because it�s definitely nothing you�ve ever heard before.
 
This album is a more mature Kid Rock from that of the past. Despite his ability to fuse Southern Rock & Hip Hop throughout his previous endeavors, "Kid Rock" is much more rock driven and more introspective in nature. Laying down the guitar and opting for more piano laden melodies such as "Cold & Empty" which tell the tale of Rock�s woes of separation from his love, or "Single Father" where we get a look into his thoughts of raising his child when still trying to grow up himself, show a softer side of  the musician.
 
Don�t fret listeners, there is plenty of funk, rock, groove and even some hip hop on this CD. "Black Bob" is Rock�s way of lyrically getting even with all the people who disproved or didn�t legitimize his career choice.  A glimpse of past Kid Rock rear its head on track "Hillbilly Stomp" with classic rock/rap tribute to all that is rock n redneck.
 
The CD has it fair share of guest appearances. With the success of Rock & Sheryl Crow�s "Picture" that managed to transcend all major radio formats, including country radio, Crow�s backing vocals on "Run Off To LA" are her way of balancing out the give and take Rock contribution to her album. Hank Williams Jr., even makes an appearance to provide bawdy vocals to the tongue and cheek "Cadillac Pussy".
 
Massive shout outs to ZZ Top, Hank Williams Jr., Run DMC, Lynyrd Skynyrd and many others on the revamped David Allen Coe inspired "Son of Detroit". A few covers even pop up on the inclusive 15 track CD including Bob Seger�s "Hard Night For Sarah" & Bad Company�s "Feel Like Makin Love". 
 
The only way to best describe this CD is to quote Kid Rock himself off of �Son of Detroit�, "I like country soul, rock n roll and I love me some hip hop." Although the bawdy rap stylins of Kid Rock aren�t as prominent on this CD, the influences of music and the ability to weave it together and still pull it all off in true Kid Rock fashion make this CD a great listen. The balance of sparsely placed ballads, southern fried country rock and rap take the listener and Kid Rock fan on an adventurous and newly appealing musical journey