You might not necessarily think of Kid Rock – the rap-rocker-turned-country-star – as entirely relevant in today’s music landscape. His latest album, however, proved to be a pleasant surprise and is a reminder that sometimes artists develop their most influential work later in life.

Released in February of this year, Billboard music critic Richard Bienstock wrote, “First Kiss is hardly [Kid Rock’s] most adventurous project, but it is perhaps his most easy going, tuneful one. The production is crisp and clean, the guitars are sparkling, the vibe is rollicking but relaxed…he sounds better here than he has in a long time.” Read more