Playing the blues may seem simple to the casual listener, but once you dig into this music genre and actually play it, you learn what a challenge it really is. One must have soul to be able to do the genre justice. These days, there are not many albums in the public eye that represent the blues in addition to contributing something new to the genre. However, there are exceptions: Alabama Shakes’ “Sound & Color” is one of them.
Artwork for Alabama Shakes’ award winning record, “Sound & Color”
Alabama Shakes is a blues rock band from Athens, Alabama. The band consists of singer and guitarist Brittany Howard, bass player Zac Cockrell, guitarist Heath Fogg and drummer Steve Johnson. Howard, a self taught multi-instrumentalist who wrote songs from a young age, met Fogg at a high school party. After recruiting Fogg’s friends, Cockrell and Johnson, they started playing in local venues and bars. The band became very successful after their album “Boys & Girls” (2012) gained notoriety in the musical press, opening for acts like Jack White and Drive-By Truckers. The band continued to gain success when their second album “Sound & Color” (2015) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.
I was unfamiliar with Alabama Shakes until earlier this year when I was introduced to “Sound & Color” through an internet video series called “What’s In My Bag.” Usually, it takes a great deal of time before I can appreciate an album in it’s entirety, but this album blew me away upon first listen. The band pulls from many different styles of music such as funk, shoegaze, folk and punk, constructing an album that is not only danceable and catchy, but that will also tug at your heartstrings. Songs like “Over My Head” evokes feelings that remind you how overwhelming love can be, while “Don’t Wanna Fight” makes you want to get out of your chair and groove.
Howard has more emotion and soul in her voice than a 28-year-old should. Her voice is moving and powerful enough to lead a revolution, which you can hear in a song like “Future People.” Howard has also shown through this collection of songs that she is a killer songwriter. Songs like “Dunes” and the album’s title track are perfect examples of her mastery of the craft.
If you have not heard this album, I implore you to pick up a copy as soon as possible. While the blues may be a difficult genre to tackle, Alabama Shakes play as though they invented it. “Sound & Color” is proof of that.