Alabama Shakes has released "I Must Be Dreaming," their first album in 11 years, marking a significant return for the band after their last album, "Sound & Color," in 2015. Despite lead singer Brittany Howard's successful solo career and a seven-year break, the trio — Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, and bassist Zac Cockrell (drummer Steve Johnson is not part of the reunion) — have regrouped, not to pick up where they left off, but to explore new sonic territories.
The album demonstrates a notable evolution in their sound, moving beyond their earlier roots-rock and soul influences. It incorporates elements of disco drums and post-punk guitars, as heard in tracks like "Tea Time" with its boom bap beat and Afrobeat guitar fragments. Other songs showcase R&B psychedelia, particularly in "American Dream," which has been compared to Curtis Mayfield's early solo work. The band also delves into 1960s rock, latter-era Beatles psychedelia, and even Radiohead-esque guitar skronk, filtered through their soulful roots.
Lyrically, "I Must Be Dreaming" grapples with the complexities of adulthood and contemporary societal issues. Howard addresses themes ranging from personal love and vulnerability in songs like "Friends" and "Easy" to broader sociopolitical concerns. Tracks such as "American Dream" indict national problems like paltry wages and gun violence, while "I Feel Hope Coming" serves as a rare protest song, advocating for clean air and offering a message of encouragement and hope, reminiscent of Obama-era mantras. The album, released on Island records on August 28th, reflects the band's matured perspective and creative purpose.
