So what's on the album? Well, it ain't country.

Here's how a publicist describes the 12-song collection: ''It's a moody, brooding record that melts American music forms down into a warped Southern Gothic reality.''

Loosely and liberally translated: It's pretty intense — and eclectic.

The album also includes a cover of the Byrds' Kennedy assassination song, "He Was a Friend of Mine."

Most everything else was written or co-written by Billy Bob.

There are two spoken word songs, "Beauty at the Back Door," about the back waters of Thornton's native Arkansas and his first lust, and "Forever," about a twisted trucker heading home who stops at the Waffle House.

The album also includes a tune called "Walk of Shame," about getting out of a one-night stand with some dignity, and an Ozark bluegrass song called "That Mountain," inspired by a story from the late Jim Varney, a Billy Bob friend.

And yes, the album includes a couple of songs inspired by Billy Bob's wife, Angelina Jolie, including "Your Blue Shadow," about when Billy Bob and Angelina first fell in love.

By Brad Schmitt