Recently, Yung Gravy has traded his usual beats for banjos, delivering a country album that’s as unexpected as it is unforgettable. Serving Country was released on Friday, August 2nd, and proves that there is nothing Yung Gravy cannot make his own. He puts a classic Gravy spin on traditional country characteristics such as rich storytelling, harmonica trills, a love of beer, and Shania Twain. This album is truly “Gravy with country seasoning.” Inspired by artists like Morgan Wallen and Hardy, Yung Gravy says that he “[needed] to do something completely new” with this album. Similar to most of his previous works, “18 to 24-year-old college students that drink beer” will love Serving Country. Produced largely with Diamond Pistols, this journey into a new genre began as an EP. We were given the opportunity through °1824 to hear Gravy speak about this new era.
Gravy admitted that he had so much fun with those few songs that he decided to make a whole album! He proclaims that “it’s actually good” and not just a thoughtless experiment. He clearly has respect and passion for the essence of country music, something that he was immersed in while in school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This reverence for the genre shines through as he pays tribute to country legends while forging a path entirely his own. He assures diehard fans that while this is a new genre, he is still incorporating “a lot of the classic Gravy elements.” As for the songs on this album, there is no shortage of hits. According to Yung Gravy himself, “Clementine is probably the best example of what the album sounds like.” A lighthearted ode to a beautiful Southern girl, it is a great introduction to Gravy’s new sound.
However, he admits that his favorite song on the album is “I Went To Jail in Georgia” because it actually tells a true story. Gravy sets up the outrageous tale by proclaiming, “Well, do I got a story for you.”It is one of the most clever songs on the album, with Gravy speaking directly to the listener with his signature witty humor. One of the more impressive characteristics of the album is Yung Gravy’s collaboration with Shania Twain. In the song “My Day 1’s,” he samples her famous song “You’re Still the One.” Furthermore, in the song “White Claw,” Shania Twain is actually a feature. She might seem like an unusual choice, but in fact, she fits right in with Yung Gravy and his reputation for adoring “hot moms.” He claims that he approached her because “she was a hot mom and [I] had to.” From there, the two hit it off and seem to have become true friends, with Twain even inviting Gravy to her home for the holidays.
With Twain’s influence, “My Day 1’s” and “White Claw” are two standouts on an album already filled with popular tracks. Altogether, Serving Country is one of Yung Gravy’s best works yet. He stays true to his signature style of charm and comedy. However, this new southern twist has allowed him to evolve and become an even greater sensation. With an album this iconic, it is sure to be even better live. He embarks on the Grits and Gravy tour on September 1st, with a stop in Nashville on September 18th. Make sure to check out the new music video for “My Garage” and get your tickets to see Yung Gravy perform Serving Country and all his best hits!
- Abby Jester
