Self-proclaimed “rednecks” are a funny breed.

Many have no real affiliation with a farm or livestock, and if you give them an acoustic guitar, you’re likely to hear twangy tunes about tractors, moonshine and the occasional “skirmish in the woods.” Real “hair on your chest” stuff.

In the case of Brantley Gilbert, somebody went as far as giving him a motorcycle and leather jacket. That person owes everyone a very big apology.

Perhaps the biggest mistake for country music, Gilbert’s newest album “Halfway to Heaven” is more of an attempt at becoming a Puddle of Mudd cover band than making any legitimate headway in country music.

Sporting a new rough-rider attitude, Gilbert is back to make a statement  — he had a blast “bending the rules and breaking the law.”

It’s common knowledge that some country songs lack in the “lyrical depth” department. Case in point: “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.”

However, Gilbert takes this stereotype and runs with it — “Look at them boys in the back of that truck/Somebody ought to jerk a knot in their butts.”

Jerk a knot in their butts?

Gilbert has taken his pretty-boy, wife beater, “I wish I was Kenny Chesney” image and burned it.

No longer does he sing of “G.R.I.T.S.” (girls raised in the south) or being a “modern day prodigal son” —  he’s simply a biker man. A true Jesse James badass.

The album’s opening song, “Hell on Wheels,” is potentially the most ridiculous, as it involves him riding down the highway at 95 mph to get whiskey.

Or “Country Must Be Country Wide,” in which Gilbert had a little epiphany — a guy driving up in a truck with an Ohio license plate can still be “country.”

As far as “coming into his own,” that is up for someone else to decide. Is the real Brantley Gilbert a softy, “redneck Romeo” who is out to have fun on Friday nights, or a Harley-riding bad boy with an attitude and a drinking problem?

VERDICT: Brantley Gilbert is about as intimidating as a toy gun — just because it can make noises doesn’t mean you should take it seriously.