KID ROCK ‘Rock N Roll Jesus’ (Atlantic) RATING: 6/10

By GREG MAKI

As I listen to thoughtful lyrics about hunger, dying soldiers, problems in the church and racism, an unthinkable thought enters my mind: Has Kid Rock matured?

“Amen,” which addresses those serious topics, and a handful of other contemplative songs sprinkled throughout Rock N Roll Jesus, the Kid’s first studio album in four years, make a strong case for what would have been a ridiculous notion just a few years ago. Despite his moniker, he’s not a kid anymore. He even acknowledges his fading youth on “Roll On,” singing, “Man, I was just 16 and now I’m starin’ at 36.” Nostalgia is the pervading theme on “All Summer Long,” which niftily incorporates elements of “Werewolves of London” and “ Sweet Home Alabama .” Yep, the American Badass is growing up.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The disc’s first single, “So Hott,” rocks with an AC/DC-style stomp and a similar lack of subtlety. “I don’t want to be your friend/I want to fuck you like I’m never gonna see you again,” Rock sings in the chorus. Then there’s the country twanger “Half Your Age,” perhaps a dig at ex-wife Pamela Anderson, on which he boasts his new girlfriend is “half your age and twice as hot.” And “Sugar” leaps out of the speakers with every bit as much bravado as Devil without a Cause-era Kid Rock.

But on Rock N Roll Jesus, these are the exceptions to the rule. Though he sings, “Damn it, I’m scared to send my children to church,” the album is, as the title suggests, a spiritual affair. “Amen” features gospel backing singers, and “Roll On” has a similar R&B feel. Rock tries honky tonk on for size on “New Orleans” with middling results exasperated by the song’s six-and-a-half-minute length. He sounds sincere in every style he explores, but most of the album lacks that trademark swagger. It’s clear his faith is not in any particular religion, but in country ballads and ‘70s-inspired rock n’ roll. I just wish he’d rock a little harder.