Every Friday on my drive to work I listen to an album from my past; Flashback Friday. The selection criteria is as follows:

1. The album must have been on steady repeat at some point in my life
2. The album must be over 10 years old
3. No skipping tracks.

I think those funky 311 basslines really shook something loose last week because the rap/rock theme continues. Today’s drive was much better than I could have ever imagined thanks to a rousing start from the American Badass himself.

Artist: Kid Rock
Album: Devil Without A Cause

Bob “Kid Rock” Ritchie is mostly an afterthought nowadays. Every once in a while you’ll hear his songs on the radio or see him at some event. He even has a loyal following that has no problem selling out a cruise every year. I hadn’t thought of Mr. Rock much lately, but all that changed this morning.

MY NAME ISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS KIIIDDDDDDDDDDDD ROCK!

The moment those words came pouring out of my car’s speakers I knew nothing would be the same. I instinctually began chanting along with every bawitdaba and amazingly remember a majority of the words that followed. Words that might make a hardened sailor blush, but those words are the driving force behind Kid Rock.

Normally if I were to hear some yahoo sing about topless dancers, 40’s, Southern Comfort, shots of Jack, hookers tricking and those bastards at the IRS, I would sigh and think “Stop trying so hard”, but when Rock does it, I believe him. More than believe him, I want to party with him. I want to get in the pit with him. “Bawitdaba” sets the table for everything that comes next.

How can I guy go from a hardcore street thug to modern day cowboy? I have no idea, but Kid Rock does it. “Cowboy” comes on at the perfect spot during my drive. There is something twisted and poetic about driving down PCH, watching the waves as Kid Rock is saying he’s rocking up and down the coast in yacht with a flag that says “chillin’ the most”. I imagined that yacht out there cruising on the water, and gave a little salute.

There is something so earnest about Kid Rock. He cane talking about partying, drinking and hanging out, and there is no question he wants to, and has, done everything he just rapped about. I did have one question though, rock states he wants to start an escort service for all the right reasons, and I’m curious what exactly those reasons are.

These first two songs have put me in a great space. I’m amped up, but chilled out and ready to take on whatever life throws at me next. I assume this is what Kid Rock feels like all the time.

As the Kid Rock party vibe continues, something I completely forgot about shows up, Joe C. For those that don’t remember, Joe C was a little person that would rap on stage with Kid Rock. This sounds dumb, offensive and gimmicky but just like everything else associated with Kid Rock a midget in his band is sincere and executed flawlessly. Joe C was a serious part of the aesthetic, and wasn’t in on any joke because there was no joke to be in on. He was a contributing member to the team. Unfortunately Joe C died but his memory will always live on. RIP Joe C.

Back to the party. It is amazing how fun this Kid Rock album is. These songs are every fond memory from every fun car trip I’ve ever taken mixed together and set to music. Driving and Kid Rock are a perfect complement. I think Kid Rock is even altering my drive this morning. I take the same route to work every day, and somehow this morning is the first time I noticed the strip club I apparently always drive by. Part of me thinks it’s a Kid Rock induced hallucination.

Usually the no skip rule bogs my listening experience down at some point during the commute, but not with this album. Every song is fun and pretty much about the same thing, but who cares. I had no idea Kid Rock would be the perfect start to a Friday morning. All of the songs subtlety hint how the weekend is almost here, and have some less than subtle suggestions about how the upcoming weekend should be handled.

“Devil Without A Cause” is great. Kid Rock is the perfect spokesman for this blend of music and lifestyle. The amount of joy this album provided me was completely unexpected. Maybe the me from 1999 could make some good choices, or maybe those choices were more aligned with Kid Rock. Whatever the case may be Kid Rock and “Devil Without A Cause” is the perfect way to start this Friday.