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Kid Rock The History of Rock

Kid Rock

The History of Rock

(Atlantic)

One Star

Kid Rock, the self-proclaimed "Detroit Playa," claims a multitude of personalities on his latest album - from "American Bad Ass" to "Early Mornin' Stoned Pimp" to "Prodigal Son."

Yet one thing remains glaringly apparent on The History of Rock. Kid Rock is neither a talented musician nor a creative lyricist.

The album is essentially split into two musical genres. Half of the songs are rap-based, with funk and bass rhythms reminiscent of artists like the Beastie Boys and Tupac Shakur. The other half is an aggressive, guitar-driven list of songs that expose the simple abilities of Kid Rock and his band.

Although he raps on most of the songs, he chooses to sing a few heart-felt ballads - a miserable expansion from the testosterone-filled self-glorification on the rest of the album.

On "My Oedipus Complex," Rock sings, "We all need somebody, won't you help me / We all need somebody, won't you tell me who I am." Rock then contradicts his sense of personal confusion by employing a host of songs where he claims to be more than a man with an identity crisis.

With nearly every song, Rock displays an enormous amount of bravado while glorifying the life of a drug user, dealer and addict. Rock treats these hard topics in such a immature fashion that listeners may find it endearing. The History of Rock is not a portrait of a reformed man, but rather one who relishes in the notoriety that the lifestyle brings.

There is some redeeming value to the album, however. The funky rap beats are fun and energetic. The aggressive guitar work, while primitive, can still be enjoyed superficially. Rock's vocals also work well with the music, seeming to add another instrument to the sound.

Still, for music fans who look further than superficial sounds, The History of Rock is a complete failure.

-Ty Young