First Kiss cover

First Kiss

Kid Rock · 2015

44 min · 10 tracks · country music

A blend of country storytelling and rock swagger, infused with a nostalgic nod to Americana.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    First Kiss — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of nostalgia and youthful romance, showcasing Kid Rock's signature blend of sincerity and swagger.
  • →
    Good Times, Cheap Wine — This track highlights a carefree lifestyle through its upbeat melody and relatable lyrics, embodying the album's laid-back charm.
  • →
    Drinking Beer With Dad — A heartfelt tribute to familial bonds, this song resonates with listeners through its personal storytelling and emotional depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

43 /100
Lowland
Higher than 2% of albums we've rated

The album combines country storytelling with rock swagger but lacks standout moments that elevate it significantly.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a slow tempo and builds into a mid-tempo groove by the second track, maintaining this energy through most of the album.
  • Several tracks feature prominent guitar solos that blend rock elements with traditional country instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often reflect personal narratives and Americana themes, with a storytelling approach prevalent in the verses.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • nostalgic vibes with friends
  • personal storytelling moments
  • casual gatherings and celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy tracks
  • prefer shorter, standalone songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows Kid Rock's continued ability to blend genres and engage listeners after a hiatus.
Career context
By the time 'First Kiss' was released in 2015, Kid Rock had established himself as a crossover artist blending country, rock, and hip-hop. This album marked his return after a four-year hiatus following the release of 'Rebel Soul' in 2012, during which he continued to evolve his sound while maintaining his Southern rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Jason Aldean· Brantley Gilbert· Toby Keith

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 First Kiss 4:40
  • 2 Good Times, Cheap Wine 4:37
  • 3 Johnny Cash 4:42
  • 4 Ain’t Enough Whiskey 3:37
  • 5 Drinking Beer With Dad 4:39
  • 6 Good Time Lookin’ for Me 4:34
  • 7 Best of Me 4:48
  • 8 One More Song 4:26
  • 9 Jesus and Bocephus 3:51
  • 10 Say Goodbye 4:56

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata