The wait is finally over for fans of critically acclaimed rock outfit Alabama Shakes – they've just announced their long-awaited new album, 'I Must Be Dreaming', which will crash-land on our shores on August 28th. This highly anticipated record, distributed by Island Records, marks a triumphant return to the studio after an 11-year hiatus that began in 2018. To get us in the mood, they're dropping a new single, 'I Feel Hope Coming', this Friday, July 10th – and trust us, you won't want to miss it!
The band's reformation last August brought a collective sigh of relief from fans who thought they'd never hear those signature Alabama Shakes sounds again. Comprising the incredible talent of Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell, they've been quietly working their magic behind closed doors – and we can't get enough! Their recent single 'American Dream' was a stark reminder of their ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Frontwoman Brittany Howard gave us a glimpse into the mind behind the album's title, 'I Must Be Dreaming', which she says could be seen as either a reflection of our chaotic world or its underlying beauty – proving that sometimes you can't have one without the other. When it comes to the new single, 'I Feel Hope Coming', Howard is bursting with optimism, crediting the younger generation's discernment and their ability to hold onto hope in these uncertain times.
The album itself was recorded in Nashville at Sound Emporium Studios and Blackbird Studio, where they dove headfirst into a "richly textured, psychedelic soul sound" that will leave you breathless. Expect themes of love, mortality, human connection, and the surreal contradictions of modern life to be explored in depth – it's shaping up to be an album for the ages!
This bold new offering promises to build on the fearless musical exploration that defined their sophomore masterpiece, 'Sound & Color', which won over fans worldwide with its bold soundscapes and earned multiple Grammy Awards. During their hiatus, Brittany Howard has been making waves as a solo artist, releasing two studio albums – 'Jaime' in 2019 and 'What Now' in 2024 – while the rest of the band has been perfecting their craft, ready to return to form with this highly anticipated new album.