NEW KID ROCK ALBUM

Rock said, recently, "I really feel like I've kind of got this figured out. I think I can make an equally good record, if not better than the last one -- which is once again putting quite a weight on your shoulders. But I do like the pressure."

"There's very good rock-feeling stuff, very soulful stuff. I'm focusing on great melodies, really great American rhythm-and-blues, rock-and-roll-based stadium songs," he says. "I'm excited."

Rock is working on the songs with producer Rick Rubin, who has long been a friend and advisor but has never honed one of his discs. Rock came to Rubin with more than a dozen songs, and Rubin liked what he heard. "He told me, 'You've got a better start than anyone I've ever worked with,'" Rock says.