Kid Rock
Born free

Kid Rock (born Robert James Richie) gained notoriety a few years ago when he married Pamela Anderson. This means that Mr. Richie doesn’t expect any high cultural qualities from his better half. However, as far as his music is concerned, here in Italy he hasn't found a very large audience. Partly because of his image as a tattoo-covered ruffian, with motorbikes and praise for oral sex. In America, however, he has a quite substantial audience, so much so that in 2007, with the release of "Rock N Roll Jesus," he managed to dethrone none other than "Magic" by Bruce Springsteen. The well-informed know that Kid Rock in the past has tackled hard rock and rap, while this latest album, "Born Free," released in November 2010, is entirely focused on country rock sounds. It's true that country is a practically ignored genre here, but in my opinion, "Born Free" is not as inaccessible and embarrassing as certain country songs can be.

The album flows smoothly, quite enjoyably. Without peaks of genius and without innovations, of course. It's simply about songs that want to continue a tradition. An all-American tradition. Kid Rock doesn’t aim to invent anything and doesn't want to renew the music scene; he just wants to build a credible image in new country rock, and perhaps cleanse himself from past excesses. The title track is certainly a manifesto song regarding the thoughts of its author: "You can knock me down and watch me bleed, but you can't keep no chains on me" sings the Michigan artist. The lyrics are well written and the music will certainly rally many Americans waving stars and stripes flags. The album maintains the same level, with very catchy songs with sometimes interesting and other times unpretentious lyrics. Like the bluesy "Rock Bottom Blues" with that harmonica in the background marking a rhythm certainly already heard, but which still makes you tap your foot. "Slow My Roll" is an invitation to take things more calmly, having reached the age of forty, while "Care" and "Purple Sky" are purely radio-friendly tracks. The first is a duet with Mary J. Blige. Initially, the duet with Sheryl Crow on "Collide," which boasts Bob Seger on piano, might seem interesting, but unfortunately, the song turns out to be the album's most boring episode. A pity. Remember that the queen of new American country had already collaborated with Kid Rock on the song "Picture" from the 2001 album "Cocky." A noteworthy episode is undoubtedly "Times Like These," which vaguely recalls Springsteen's "My Hometown" regarding the depiction of the emotional relationship with one's city. One of the more serious songs by Kid Rock, with an adorable melody in my opinion. "God Bless Saturday" can be commented on by saying it's quite catchy, but any criticism related to the lyrics would be predictable as it's already contained in the title.

"When It Rains," "Flyin' High," and "Rock On" are respectable songs that fit well into the new country scene. While closing the album is the falsetto of "For The First Time (in a long time)" a song that has a South American feel and could work well as a unique episode because falsetto doesn’t quite suit Kid Rock. In conclusion, I think the production by Rick Rubin (Aerosmith, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Mick Jagger, AC/DC, Tom Petty) has benefited the sound of the album. I recommend the album to country rock lovers. If you want to listen to a pleasant and enjoyable album, it’s worth giving "Born Free" a listen. I personally have listened to it on more than one occasion while traveling, and its company was pleasant. I like the idea that if I want to listen to a good country rock album, I don’t have to go back to albums from 30 years ago but can easily do so with an album from 2010. Then of course, the past holds great importance. But if we focus on the present, perhaps, we can enjoy certain things to the fullest.

Until next time...