Love Story
by Yelawolf
  • Record Label: Polydor
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2015
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 132 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 96 out of 132
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 132
  3. Negative: 32 out of 132
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Spangle
    Apr 30, 2015
    8
    Overall, Yelawolf’s sophomore effort is a definite improvement on his debut album Radioactive. Though I am an apologist for that album and did enjoy it, this is certainly a step up from that and really hit some major highs in the form of tracks like “Devil In My Veins”, “Love Story”, and “Have a Great Flight”. “American You”, “Best Friend”, “Tennessee Love”, and “Disappear”, also reallyOverall, Yelawolf’s sophomore effort is a definite improvement on his debut album Radioactive. Though I am an apologist for that album and did enjoy it, this is certainly a step up from that and really hit some major highs in the form of tracks like “Devil In My Veins”, “Love Story”, and “Have a Great Flight”. “American You”, “Best Friend”, “Tennessee Love”, and “Disappear”, also really stood out to me and showcased Yelawolf at his very best. However, what really held this one back from being better is the length. I am not opposed to longer albums at all, but only when every track brings something to the table. Sadly, this one had a lot of filler in the form of tracks such as “Whiskey In a Bottle”, “Johnny Cash”, and “Fiddle Me This”. Other tracks could have also been cut to make a more concise project, but that would be a good start. Overall, Love Story proves to us that Yelawolf is not just a good rapper, but a good singer as well and is very capable of blending his country roots and hip hop successfully. Without a doubt, he is a guy to keep an eye on to see if he can continue improving.… Expand
  2. bri-bowl-e-oh
    May 15, 2015
    10
    Amazing album. Takes one listen to know its something special and about 10 to really understand the rich layers and emotions tied to this project. Transcends rap into something completely different in the same way Paul's Boutique did back in 89. Incredible...can't stop listening.
  3. slatinator
    Apr 30, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is probably in my top 5 of all time already. This album is an emotional roller coaster, the production is top notch and it's been on repeat all week. Yelawolf takes song making to the next level with this. Love Story will most likely be a classic for years to come when people think of Yelawolf. If you're a fan of hip-hop, you'll love this album. Of course, Yelawolf puts his own country twist on everything which is nice to listen to for a change, but you can always hear the emotion in his voice. There's never a dull moment on the album. So, with that said, give the album a listen!… Expand
  4. JPrince83
    Apr 26, 2015
    9
    This is not a Hip-Hop album. I honestly don't know how to categorize it, and that's not a bad thing that's just how different it is from anything else out there. Rap purists or folks coming to album without an appreciation and an admiration for genres outside of Hip-Hop probably won't enjoy the record. However, "Love Story" is as musically ambition as K-Dot's "To Pimp A Butterfly". YelaThis is not a Hip-Hop album. I honestly don't know how to categorize it, and that's not a bad thing that's just how different it is from anything else out there. Rap purists or folks coming to album without an appreciation and an admiration for genres outside of Hip-Hop probably won't enjoy the record. However, "Love Story" is as musically ambition as K-Dot's "To Pimp A Butterfly". Yela does with folk, country and rock music what Kendrick did with funk, jazz and soul music blending and weaving them into his Hip-Hop fabric. Is one better than the other? I can't say but both should be respected for their willingness to be different from the projects of their peers but still stay true to who they are as individual artist.

    Yelawolf has never shied away from his Southern roots or his affinity for classic rock (See 2008's Stereo) but on "Love Story" he does something he's never done before and that's at time completely immerse himself in these other genres. There are many moments where he leaves behind his rapid fire flow for a twangy but smooth singing voice we haven't heard from him before. In fact on some songs like "Devil in my Veins" Wolf leaves Hip-Hop completely alone to deliver a folk-country tune that would make Outlaw Country icons like Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings proud. (From an authenticity perspective this may be the most country album of the year.)

    "Love Story" is the evolution of Yelawolf not as a rapper but as an artist as he begins to step away and outside of Hip-Hop to not just incorporate other musical and cultural influences but to pursue them. However, the album also provides plenty of moments that prove that Wolf can still rap and flow with the best of them when he so chooses. Here he's just displaying that there is more to Yela than the speedy and visceral rap tracks that made "Trunk Muzik" & "Trunk Muzik Returns" some of the most highly respected mixtapes in recent years. The dope thing here is it works because it's completely authentic, never once does it feel as Yelawolf is trying to be someone he isn't.

    The album take so many musical twists and turns you are blindsided many times by the direction your going in from one track to another. But, the disorientation is enjoyable and in that way "Love Story" isn't unlike roller coaster at your favorite amusement park. At times you just want to get off and collect your wits only to get back in line and get turned upside down all over again. So if you enjoy folk, country and rock as well as hip-hop than "Love Story" is a must listen. If you are strictly a hip-hop fan and only want raps then this album isn't for you, which is fine because deep down I feel like Yela made this for himself anyway. Anyone else, like myself who enjoys it, is just an added bonus to Wolf.    … Expand
  5. GaryByrne
    Apr 29, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok it isn't the normal hip hop album you here every other day, but that is exactly why it is so good. This album has so much emotional pull, a variety of different songs for different types of listeners. Whoever gave this album bad reviews, you obviously liked at least one of the songs he realised so bought the album.... then gave it a bad review? Yet there's other 'rappers; out there like Tyga, Kanye West, Drake, Lil Wayne etc who are all rubbish and rap about how they have money and **** aload of crap... well in YELA!!

    p.s WLPWR's production = amazing    … Expand
  6. real2real
    Apr 26, 2015
    9
    You often hear artists suggest fusion is the future. Love Story delivers a razor edge that incorporates the roots of rap with a southern twist. This album truly defines Yelawolf as the artist he intended to be without any restrictions from the typical pesky record label that determines what's best. We hear this in the salute to shady on the final track 'Fiddle Me This'. You can hear he hasYou often hear artists suggest fusion is the future. Love Story delivers a razor edge that incorporates the roots of rap with a southern twist. This album truly defines Yelawolf as the artist he intended to be without any restrictions from the typical pesky record label that determines what's best. We hear this in the salute to shady on the final track 'Fiddle Me This'. You can hear he has put his heart and soul into each and every track. The album is consistent and flows like a story which is a massive improvement from Yelawolf's previous album Radioactive. Production is flawless and there is no doubt the necessary time and effort went into making everything sound right. Love Story has all the bells and whistles. Perhaps in the past Yelawolf felt he hadn't received the recognitions he had deserved. That may have been rightfully so, however, with this most recent release we can see the evolution of the artist come full fold. It may be time to give credit where credit is due. Yelawolf has emerged as a hallmark artist in his genre. Love Story is an album that gets better each time you listen through it.… Expand
  7. RemyEm
    Apr 24, 2015
    10
    This is far better than Radioactive. I've never though Hip Hop and Country music would be so good together. Tracks like Till It's Gone, Disappear, Johnny Cash, Best Friend, Box Chevy V, American You are so good. Yelawolf has a great growth as an artist. I love his originality. And he can sing !
  8. mousedroid
    Apr 25, 2015
    10
    This album is amazing, I swear I've listened to this album 5-6 times already and it grows on me with every listen. I cannot tell you the last time I heard an album this good. I kept thinking throughout the album "Where is the bad song?" I honestly couldn't find one. The production is top notch too. It is amazing to see how far Yelawolf has come as an artist. His lyricism and ability to mixThis album is amazing, I swear I've listened to this album 5-6 times already and it grows on me with every listen. I cannot tell you the last time I heard an album this good. I kept thinking throughout the album "Where is the bad song?" I honestly couldn't find one. The production is top notch too. It is amazing to see how far Yelawolf has come as an artist. His lyricism and ability to mix hip hop and country is something I've never seen before. Yeah sure, if you're expecting Trunk Muzik, don't bother. But this is the Yelawolf from Arena Rap and CreekWater, really old school Yelawolf. This is his roots and he's evolved them to where he is now (while incorporating some elements of Trunk Muzik). I don't agree with the critics at all here, this is my current Album of the Year. I hope more people start listening to Yelawolf and especially this album. You owe it to yourself to give this a listen.… Expand
  9. Gunplay
    Apr 25, 2015
    10
    Definitely shows the growth of Yelawolf from Trunk Muzik tunes to Psycho White to Black Fall he's always been versatile but this album tops all of them . A perfect display of all his skills . The only downsides are "American You" which has a corny pop sound to it and "Tennessee Love" an amazing song , but being a carry over from TMR it increases the length of the album .
  10. geedup
    Apr 26, 2015
    3
    This is his 2nd album after Radioactive, on which after killing freestyles and guest appearances, was a fair debut. Although not equal to talent of his label mates (i.e Slaughterhouse, Em), he has more talent than what he displayed on this latest album. Yelawolf made a son that appeared on Sons Of Anarchy (til' its gone) which was acoustic and well received. Well this whole album is likeThis is his 2nd album after Radioactive, on which after killing freestyles and guest appearances, was a fair debut. Although not equal to talent of his label mates (i.e Slaughterhouse, Em), he has more talent than what he displayed on this latest album. Yelawolf made a son that appeared on Sons Of Anarchy (til' its gone) which was acoustic and well received. Well this whole album is like that! What a disappointment. Not to say he can't pull it off, but if I wanted actoustic blatherings I wouldn't be into Hip hop. One track was nice, which was the first. But after I didn't like a single funking song! Don't turn into Everlast or some ****… Expand
  11. emilbodsater
    Apr 26, 2015
    10
    The critics are just simply wrong, this album is a straight 11/10, 18 songs and none is bad, they are all amazing, like this is probably the best album released in the last 10 years 'cause it is that good, give it a listen people!
  12. Ahlgreenz
    Jul 12, 2016
    10
    This album is an instant classic, like Trunk Muzik was, even though they are completely different. I get that people could possibly be upset that Yelawolf is taking his music in a new direction instead of sticking to the style of Trunk Muzik, but saying the style he's rocking now is new, is false, as it was a style he attempted to run with back in '05, but it didn't gain any traction.This album is an instant classic, like Trunk Muzik was, even though they are completely different. I get that people could possibly be upset that Yelawolf is taking his music in a new direction instead of sticking to the style of Trunk Muzik, but saying the style he's rocking now is new, is false, as it was a style he attempted to run with back in '05, but it didn't gain any traction.

    To the reviewers who say "It feels like Yelawolf is just going through the motions"... I have no idea what the hell you are smoking, but it can't be good for you as it's making you delusional. How can anyone in their right mind say that what Yelawolf is doing is "going through the motions". He has taken his music in a new (technically and old) direction - how the hell is that "going through the motions"? Going through the motions would be to keep doing the exact same stuff he did on Trunk Muzik or Radioactive.

    To be completely honest I would have liked there to be more than just 1 "real" rap song on the Album (Outer Space), but even with just that 1 old school rap song on the album, it's still absolutely incredible and there are not even a single stinker on the album. Not to me, at least.

    10/10 Yelawolf is a phenomenon, witness him now or lose the opportunity forever.    … Expand
  13. bossmanrwat11
    Jun 15, 2015
    9
    Pleasantly surprised by this album. Yelawolf bends folk rock/country with hip hop in a perfect balance. He's got a great rock-style singing voice (who knew?) and he is able to hold his own on the album without any features (minus the rap God) because of it. There has never been a hip hop album that has ever sounded like this; a very unique production sound that will allow this album toPleasantly surprised by this album. Yelawolf bends folk rock/country with hip hop in a perfect balance. He's got a great rock-style singing voice (who knew?) and he is able to hold his own on the album without any features (minus the rap God) because of it. There has never been a hip hop album that has ever sounded like this; a very unique production sound that will allow this album to stand the test of time. As a lyricist, he tells his life story and holds nothing back when it comes to his emotions, showing us a side of American culture that is not often exposed to mainstream media. Yela's best release by a country mile.… Expand
  14. JustinHowell
    Mar 26, 2017
    7
    [WRITTEN BACK IN 2015]

    Overall, this is Yelawolf’s strongest project yet. Yelawolf tells his life story, and crystal clearly conveys his emotions with amazing hooks, smooth production and incredible lyricism and storytelling. It’s not perfect, however. It has a weak opening track and, and Complex was right in saying it’s momentum really fizzles out by the end. The track “Sky’s the    [WRITTEN BACK IN 2015]

    Overall, this is Yelawolf’s strongest project yet. Yelawolf tells his life story, and crystal clearly conveys his emotions with amazing hooks, smooth production and incredible lyricism and storytelling.
    It’s not perfect, however. It has a weak opening track and, and Complex was right in saying it’s momentum really fizzles out by the end. The track “Sky’s the Limit” should’ve been moved up to directly follow “Till It’s Gone,” and otherwise tracks 14-17 should’ve been taken out. That would've left us with 15 tracks of brilliance.
    At the album’s best, musicality and sound quality wise, it’s better than the best points of Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp a Butterfly,” that’s true. But at it’s worst, namely the dragging out of the song “Have a Great Flight,” the lackluster quality of “Johnny Cash,” the all around horrible cheesiness of the opening track and “Disappear,” and occasional moments of cheesiness scattered throughout the album, it can also be worse than the worst points of Young Thug’s “Barter 6."
    Even with all of that said, it’s definitely the one of the best albums of 2015 so far…. but don’t expect an album of the year nomination at the next Grammy's... and it's definitely not an "instant classic."

    Great Tracks: Change, American You, Whiskey In a Bottle, Ball and Chain, Till It’s Gone, Devil in My Veins, Best Friend, Empty Bottles, Heartbreak, Tennessee Love, Box Chevy V, Love Story, Sky’s the Limit.

    Average/Good but Forgettable/”Eh” Tracks: Outer Space, Johnny Cash, Fiddle Me This

    Bad Tracks: Have a Great Flight, Disappear.    … Expand
  15. FerBau
    Oct 16, 2015
    10
    An amazing album, I don't agree with the critics at all here, this is one of the best Albums of the Year. I can't belive how emotional make me feel, Yelawolf sings with the heart and his soul. A mix of country and hip hop.
  16. tomonautsmuse
    Jun 4, 2015
    9
    Loving this album! It's not what you'd expect from Yelawolf, but he has a very haunting and rich voice which he uses well on tracks like "Devil in my Veins" and "Disappear" (my two favorite tracks). "Have a Great Flight" is also a fave.
  17. DanishFridge
    Nov 7, 2015
    10
    As far as my opinion goes this is album of the year, at least in the hip-hop world. The beats are good and the lyrics are solid. I do that Tennessee Love had no place on the album since it was part of Trunk Muzik Returns but if Yela really wanted to put old songs on here then Faces with Ed Sheeran would have been a better choice, in my opinion.
  18. lisiak
    Dec 19, 2015
    6
    I really, really like this album. Beautiful country-rap tracks we got here, but not everything is OK. There are worse moments on 'Love Story', and Eminem's featuring is tragic.

Awards & Rankings

59
#59 Most Discussed Album of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. RapReviews.com
    Jul 21, 2015
    60
    Much of Love Story is tepid, but there are moments where Yela nails the singing/rapping combination.
    Read full review
  2. DJ Booth
    Jun 24, 2015
    80
    It may have been a little long for my liking, but that's a small price to pay for listening to something this remarkably unique.
    Read full review
  3. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2015
    60
    Ask a Yelawolf regular for a listener's guide then split apart this purposeful beast accordingly.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »