Kid Rock is officially a grandfather now (in case you were wondering, he wants to be called “grandrebel”).
So it looks like this rebellious grandpa rocker has officially traded in his rowdy, hip hop lyrics for a more country, Southern rock sound.
His new single and his newest album’s title track, “First Kiss,” kicks off with a classic Southern rock feel in this nostalgia based summer anthem. It’s an easy-going musical choice, especially for a guy who used to perform shirtless in those horrible, baggy sweat pants.
The country theme continues throughout the record with songs such as “Johnny Cash,” “Good Time Lookin’ For Me” and “Drinking Beer With Dad.” Complete with heavy acoustic guitar and violin sections, the album is a smoother listen than his previous rap-based records.
There’s a strong Southern rock presence strewn throughout most songs. Just when you think it’s a clear country tune, an Allman Brothers-like electric guitar riff followed by the Michigan native’s gravelly rock ‘n’ roll vocals combine to create a heavy Southern rock sound.
In typical Kid Rock fashion, there is a fair share of up-tempo party anthems to go around. Similar to his 2007 single “All Summer Long,” new songs such as “First Kiss,” “Good Times, Cheap Wine” and “Good Time Lookin’ For Me” all embrace those same themes, with a touch more bluesy, Southern themes and sounds mixed in.
But Kid Rock hasn’t completely changed. We all know the long-haired hillbilly is a huge redneck – and he’s proud of it with lyrics in the feel-good song “Good Times, Cheap Wine” like, “I ain’t never gonna fit into skinny jeans/ And Cochella, honey, really ain’t my kinda scene.”
Not to worry though – Kid Rock will have some new, easy-going tunes to sing his grandson to sleep. The redneck rocker shows his softer side with “Best of Me,” an honest, imperfection-themed love song, and “Drinking Beer With Dad,” another slow childhood, nostalgia-based song.
Near the end of the album, Kid Rock threads his love for country music and the man upstairs with the nearly a cappella religion-meets-country music anthem, “Jesus and Bocephus.” With a fair amount of steel guitar and violin thrown in, the song is an honest testament to Kid Rock’s themes both musically and content wise. The sinner-meets-Jesus themed tune is brilliantly crafted with simple lyrics and a church-like, “Amazing Grace” feel.
This bad boy rocker might have changed his sound and a bit of his rough demeanor, but somehow “First Kiss” is still a Kid Rock Rebel – with maybe just a touch more “grandrebel” thrown in.
