Kid Rock’s forthcoming eighth album, “Born Free,” features guest spots by Sheryl Crow, Bob Seger and T.I., but the title track finds the singer returning to his Southern rock roots without relying on a featured artist. With producer Rick Rubin contributing to the lead single’s arena-ready sound, Rock recalls Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” by pairing charging guitar riffs with lyrics about well-worn American ideals. “Deep like the grandest canyon, wild like an untamed stallion/If you can’t see my heart you must be blind,” he sings. The song slows down during the interlude, as a grand piano takes the place of the rhythm guitar, but soon picks up with a drum roll and an epic final chorus. As a logical follow-up to his hit single “All Summer Long,” “Born Free” lets Rock get back to what he does best: making classic rock music with a modern twist.
