Listen Up: Pitbull, Uncle Kracker, Kid Rock

by Edna Gundersen, Brian Mansfield and Jerry Shriver, USA TODAY

Posted November 19, 2012

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Pitbull's 'Global Warming' features an all-star supporting cast. (Credit: Kevin Winter, Getty Images)

Pitbull, Global Warming
* * * out of four
Hip-house

The Miami rapper follows 2011's huge Planet Pit with a thumping dance party, crowded chart-hijacking duet partners like Christina Aguilera, The Wanted, Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. His song with Usher says it all: Party Ain't Over. -- Edna Gundersen

Download: Last Night, Don't Stop The Party, Feel This Moment

Uncle Kracker, Midnight Special
* * 1/2
Country

After eight years, Kracker's When the Sun Goes Down with Kenny Chesney still gets good airplay. He sticks close to that sound — good-time shuffles, midtempo country-rockers, nostalgic drinking ballads — all sung in his easygoing, throwback style. -- Brian Mansfield

Download: Nobody's Sad on Saturday Night

Kid Rock, Rebel Soul
* *
Rap-rock

There's barely a whiff of rebellion on this by-the-numbers effort, and Kid's soulful side emerges only occasionally. Aging diehard fans may find some solace here, but thinking downloaders (Kid's finally ended his iTunes holdout) will likely will not. -- Jerry Shriver

Download: Let's Ride (Mideast Battle Hymn), The Mirror, Mr. Rock 'n' Roll