Simon RushworthBrett Young — 2.0 (Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment)
Brett Young is one of only nine country artists worldwide with an RIAA Diamond-certified single.
In simple terms that means the Californian’s mega hit In Case You Didn’t Know has shifted more than 10 million copies.
Just let that sink in for a moment.
More people have bought or streamed digital or physical copies of Young’s 2017 song than live in Greece, Hungary or Austria.
So it seems entirely sensible — safe, almost — to include a reworked version here.
Multi-sport athlete, stunt performer and singer songwriter Hannah McFarland duets on the remixed fan favourite. She’s a bold and brilliant choice.
And it means there’s Young and old on 2.0.
Of course, reprising In Case You Didn’t Know might imply the 44-year-old’s relying on past glories.
Couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact 2.0 features a whole bunch of glossy new songs that breathe new life into an artist under pressure to bounce back from 2023’s Across The Sheets misstep.
Once again Giant alumnus Dann Huff’s on production duties and there’s a reassuring confidence underpinning another glorious exercise in pop country perfection.
Young’s primary strength is his power of persuasion: it’s easy to believe he’s a living, breathing embodiment of some seriously affecting lyrics.
2.0 is a searingly personal, daring deep dive into the fragile psyche of a husband, father and gigging musician.
Throughout, Young’s heart runs free.
Brett Young’s back — In Case You Didn’t Know
Is there really a case for another version of In Case You Didn’t Know?
McFarland makes sure the answer’s an unequivocal ‘yes’ by dominating a dreamy reinterpretation of a country radio staple.
But it’s not like Young saved the best ‘til last on the record that should reignite a stalling career.
The storming set closer’s preceded by a slew of festival-ready, breezy new tunes.
And 2.0 emerges as the polished reboot fans have been craving.
It pitches former baseball prodigy Young as a voice of purpose and a beacon of hope for mid 40s drifters everywhere.
This is a record that reappraises life, focuses on the positives and doubles down on familiar family values.
Full House is a fabulously uplifting case in point.
Who I Do It For develops the theme as the understated Lady A collab is presented as a love letter to Young’s daughters.
But Kiss To Forget and You Still Got It revisit familiar territory for an old romantic rooted in tales of love lost and bridges burnt.
The Back To Basics World Tour — visiting a city near you in 2025 — might well say it best of all.
But 2.0 is more than that. It’s more like Brett Young back to his best.
