The wait is almost over for Kellie Pickler's third studio album. With six of its 11 tracks co-written by the 25-year-old blond beauty, '100 Proof' will hit stores Jan. 24, with pre-ordering available now.

"When people hear the new record, they're going to hear the new direction that we're going," Kellie tells The Boot. "The production is completely different because I'm not with the same producer. ('100 Proof' was produced by Frank Liddell.) There's a whole different team I'm working with now.

"When you first start out, there's a lot of paying your dues kind of thing," she continues. "The more I do this, the more freedom I get with it ... I've really been able to go in the studio and just play, and really find myself as a songwriter. I've been writing since 'American Idol,' but I've found more of who Kellie, artist Kellie is."

Kellie, no doubt, gets very personal on '100 Proof,' as there are songs inspired by her upbringing. The North Carolina native weathered her father being in jail and her mother abandoning her. She was raised by her adoring grandparents.

"With 'Mother's Day,' I think that's really going to be an 'I Wonder," Kellie explains of one of the new tunes, comparing it to a big hit from her debut album inspired by the sad story of her mother's neglect. "That was my story from more of a younger perspective. 'Mother's Day' is the woman singing the song ... I think when people hear that song, that's going to be when it clicks and people are going to go, 'Wow, she's not the little girl on 'American Idol' anymore. She's a woman now. It has been a little tricky transitioning into the adult."


'100 Proof' Track List:

'Where's Tammy Wynette'

'Unlock That Honky Tonk'

'Stop Cheatin' On Me'

'Long As I Never See You Again'

'Tough'

'Turn on the Radio And Dance'

'Mother's Day'

'Rockaway (The Rockin' Chair Song)'

'Little House on the Highway'

'100 Proof'

'The Letter (To Daddy)'

Watch Kellie's 'Tough' Video



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