Paisley Gears Up for New Album, Fatherhood

June 15, 2007— -- Country singer Brad Paisley, who's known among friends as a prankster, delivers a humorous (and slightly gross) ode to romantic love in the first single off his new album, "5th Gear," which hits stores June 19.

"I want to check you for ticks," sings Paisley in the song "Ticks." The song is climbing the country charts, and critics are definitely in on the joke.

"If the roar of laughter coming from country programmers … [is] any indication, here is Paisley's next No. 1 … with what may be the most countrified way ever of expressing lust. … Leave it to Paisley to redefine romance, while making country listeners laugh out loud," said Billboard critic Deborah Evans-Price.

Paisley had fans roaring today in New York's Bryant Park for the"Good Morning America" Summer Concert Series when he performed "Ticks," along with "The World," and an exclusive song for ABCNEWS.com called, appropriately enough, "Online."

Paisley will celebrate the release of "5th Gear" this Father's Day, as well as the birth of his first son, Will, who is 4 months old.

"Most of this record was written prior to the birth of my son. I think that influenced my writing a little bit. I can't help but think that a song like ['Letter to Me'] was inspired by the fact that the closest thing you have to a second chance in your own life is when a child comes along. He has possibilities and opportunities ahead that I can't even imagine," Paisley said in an e-mail interview with ABCNEWS.com.

The country artist said his sixth album explores new, emotional challenges while also incorporating the reflections of a new father.

"One of the first things I think of is that it's very guitar driven. But I also think that we said things in these songs that have never been said … or that we've never said at least. And I'm really proud of that," Paisley said. "I really tried to be conscious of that in my songwriting and in the songs I chose. I really feel these -- all these things we're trying to say are new, in one way or another."