Kid Rock Hillbilly Stomps His Way Back

The transition is complete.

Kid Rock burst into the mainstream with Devil Without a Cause, an album that helped fuel the late '90s rap-metal boom, scoring huge hits by mixing hard rock with more old school rap than other acts of the day. The only hint we had that he was into southern rock was Only God Knows Why, a sorrowful but hopeful on-the-road ballad.

He followed up with Cocky. Alongside the rap-rock tracks, he showcased his softer side with slower, country-type ballads. But he seemed hesitant to really go country, and instead threw in rapped verses where he felt the songs were slowing too much. The major exception was Picture, a duet with Sheryl Crow that was released after a long wait. It turned out to be a smart move, as the song brought Cocky back on the charts and earned Rock a lot of credibility in the country music world.

Now Kid Rock has shown that he is confident in making country songs, even slow ones, without having to rap for a second. His 2003 self-titled album arrived with little hype but has so far been well received. Sure, he still remembers how to rock and rap, but this time he seems more content to score hits on CMT than MTV. Yes, the transition is complete.

Don't think Kid Rock has gone soft. He still knows how to have fun. Rock n' Roll is just that - a piano-powered, feel-good tribute to the power of down home rock. Son of Detroit follows suit with a fast-paced rocker about being "the long-haired, redneck, rock 'n' roll son of Detroit." His cover of Feel Like Making Love is decent, adding some attitude to the song. Cadallac P*ssy, featuring Hank Williams, Jr. is fun and crude, but it could have been better had Rock wrote another verse instead of repeating the first one. Jackson, Mississippi gives us a taste of the old heavy screaming, and Intro goes back to his rapping flair. The most fun comes in the form of Hillbilly Stomp. His rap delivery is familiar, but the beat and the chorus make you feel like you're dancing around a trailer in the Ozarks. This is Rock's best redneck anthem yet.

Towards the end of the album, we're treated to some really slow-paced, emotional songs about relationships. Run Off to L.A. is the most upbeat of the bunch. Sheryl Crow returns for this fun, get-the-hell-outta-my-life track. Do It For You is a touching heartbreak song with powerful lyrics: "And I know this might seem crazy/ I would end my life for you/ You know I don't want to/ But I'd do it for you." Hard Night For Sarah and Single Father are filled with lots more emotion, singing about the pain of divorce. Single Father is especially tear-jerking, as Rock tells about trying to explain to his son "Why there's just two/ When there should be three of us."

Despite all the fun and maturity, there are some flaws in this album. First is the overkill on the topic of his musical diversity. We can tell just by listening that he infuses lots of styles into his music - we don't need him bragging about it in more than one song. Further overkill comes on the topic of touring lonliness. First of all, if you don't like it, then quit. Don't want to give up that life? Didn't think so. Second, we already have Only God Knows Why - do we need more on this subject? I'll forgive Cold and Empty since it's so beautifully heartbreaking, but Rock 'n' Roll Pain Train is nearly useless.

Also, the album just doesn't rock nearly enough. I enjoy the slow stuff. I enjoy his country/southern rock style. But I like the way he rocks and raps too. Am I wrong to want a little more rap-rock? What I love about Kid Rock is his ability to mix several different styles. He brags about it so much on this album, but he doesn't do it enough to back up the claims.

Regardless, this is a good album. I have a feeling this is the Kid Rock we'll be seeing for a while. For the most part, we're looking at a country boy but one who rocks out when he wants and can be crass or sweet whenever he chooses. He's never had a more appropriate album to self-title. He's confident in who he is as a musician, and on Kid Rock, he shows it proudly.