Yelawolf – War Story (Album Review)

“War Story” offers an opportunity to delve deeply into the many layers of Yelawolf.

STREAM

TOP 5

Honorable Mention. Lookin Over

Yelawolf takes a trip down memory lane in “Lookin Over.”

I believe the standout hook on this album comes from “Lookin Over.” It’s pleasant, highly infectious, and genuinely moving. While Yelawolf’s verses didn’t strike me as particularly memorable, I do appreciate the privilege of hearing a personal childhood story that feels relatable.

5. Marijuana

Tell me a track dedicated to marijuana that is bad. (I’m about to eat this big-ass sandwich while I wait for you to give me a song.)

Let me get this out of the way first: I absolutely hate the altered vocals Yelawolf uses on the hook—they completely disrupt the cold-blooded vibe of the track. That aside, I love nearly everything else. The guest singer (who sounds like that big dude who belted the “Gangsta’s Paradise” hook) delivers a powerful, passionate chorus. Yelawolf channels his inner Eminem with a dark, sharp rap style, and I especially enjoy the way he personifies marijuana as a dangerous femme fatale—seductive enough to empty your bank account.

4. Goodbye Mornin

In “Goodbye Mornin,” Yelawolf tells one of the craziest Bonnie and Clyde stories I’ve ever heard.

In “Goodbye Mornin,” Yelawolf delivers a vivid narrative steeped in sex, drugs, and pure recklessness. What immediately grabs me is the production—it carries that nostalgic College Dropout-era Kanye West vibe, warm yet unpredictable. Pair that with Yelawolf’s steady flow and unwavering tone, and you get a performance that feels both chaotic and controlled at the same time.

What’s most impressive is his composure while navigating a storyline full of highs and lows, painting the scene without ever losing balance. Without giving too much away, let’s just say this: LSD is one hell of a drug.

3. Make You Love Me

Yelawolf morphs into a dark rockstar in “Make You Love Me.”

In “Make You Love Me,” Yelawolf radiates confidence, sounding like he has a folden broom that knocks his lady off her feet. He details the lengths he goes to keep his partner captivated—from treating her to memorable experiences to proudly flaunting their love. At the heart of the track is Yelawolf’s belief that no one else can secure her affection the way he can.

What makes the song especially engaging is his smooth, almost effortless singing, which meshes seamlessly with the mellow, alternative-pop production. The vibe is dreamy yet grounded, setting the stage for Yelawolf to slide into a trademark rap verse eventually. His dynamic flow and slick tone in that closing section remind us of his versatility as both a vocalist and a rapper.

Altogether, “Make You Love Me” is an impressive effort from the Mississippian—showcasing not just his confidence in love, but also his ability to move fluidly between genres without losing his edge.

2. Trailer in the Sky (Ft. Jelly Roll)

In “Trailer In The Sky,” Yelawolf repeatedly tells listeners to kiss his white ass.

It’s intriguing that Yelawolf chose to open his album with an introspective “f**k you” anthem—I would’ve expected it as an outro or somewhere mid-album. Regardless, it works brilliantly. Yelawolf unapologetically narrates his journey and rise, making his story compelling from the first note. Jellyroll’s intense chorus, filled with vivid imagery of trailers in heaven, combined with the impactful, B.o.B-style beat, elevates the track and immediately grabs the listener’s attention.

1. Cars

Catfish Billy is unleashed from the confines of jail, primed and eager to wreak havoc!

“Cars” stands out for its undeniable replay value. On this high-energy track, Yelawolf unleashes his inner madman, delivering unchained vocals, razor-sharp punchlines, clever wordplay, and fiercely competitive bars. The Eminem-inspired flair, catchy hook, and the intense second verse all combine to make this one of the album’s most compelling moments.

SONG BY SONG BREAKDOWN

1. Trailer in the Sky (Ft. Jelly Roll) (4.5/5)

2. Glasses Up (4/5)

3. Make You Love Me (4.5/5)

4. Juliana (3.5/5)

5. Marijuana (4.5/5)

6. Goodbye Mornin (4/5)

7. Cars (4.5/5)

8. Lookin Over (Ft. DJ Paul) (4.5/5)

9. Farewell (Ft. Struggle Jennings) (4/5)

10. Talkin (3.5/5)

11. Cookin Cocaine (4.5/5)

12. Legend (4/5)

13. New Me (4/5)

14. Bad News (4/5)

15. Box Chevy 8 (Ft. Killer Mike & Bub Styles) (4/5)

16. Another Drink (4/5)

17. Barn Fire (3/5)

18. Flashlight (4/5)

19. Bang Bang Bobby (3/5)

20. Tonight (4/5)

21. Everything (4/5)

22. Bad Motherfucker (Ft. Pressley Vaughn) (4/5)

23. Work (4/5)

24. Ticket (3.5/5)

25. Put Em Up (3.5/5)

RGM RATING

(79%)

It’s frustrating that Yelawolf has never fully reached A-list status as a rapper. In my opinion, he’s a highly skilled, thoughtful artist who can deliver powerful performances whenever he wants. The silver lining is that on War Story, he sounds hungry, like a new artist—exactly when he’s at his best.

One of the standout aspects of War Story is its diverse production. Across the album, listeners are treated to everything from old-school hip-hop beats to bluesy rhythms and alternative rock influences. At times, these worlds blend together into dynamic, unexpected concoctions. What’s impressive is how Yelawolf consistently holds his own against such varied backdrops—can you imagine if 21 Savage had access to this kind of beat selection?

That said, I do think Yelawolf holds back at points in his music. While there are moments of pure fire, like on “Cars,” much of War Story is focused on vivid storytelling and syncing with the flow of the beats. But because Yelawolf is one of the most articulate Southern rappers out there, his words always grab your attention, making each track compelling—even when he’s taking it slow.

My biggest gripe? Length. In 2024, a 25-track project is a lot to ask for from listeners with short attention spans. While Yelawolf keeps things entertaining for the full hour and 27 minutes, it’s undeniably a marathon. Still, his passion shines throughout, making him relatable and powerful. War Story is a strong showcase of his versatility, skill, and the unique flavors he brings to hip-hop.

Loading poll ...