Alabama Shakes are a rock band from Athens, Alabama and are fronted by enigmatic frontwoman, Brittany Howard. This is the band's sophomore release, and while their debut Boys & Girls was likable, I wasn't blown away by it and expected more of the same on Sound & Color. Luckily, this album turned out to be this year's most pleasant surprise yet, with its focus on Southern Rock mixed with old Soul and the exuberant vocal performances from Miss Howard, it is hard not to love everything the band is doing on this LP.
The album kicks off with the mellow title track, but is followed up by what is sure to be every one's favorite rock single of the year, "Don't Wanna Fight" with its infectious groove and lyrics about the draining effects of a relationship gone sour, it hits all the right spots for a catchy rock tune that is worth remembering at the end of the year and beyond.
From this point on, the album hits an incredibly consistent stride; the track "Dunes" is a bit of a grower that has a great little guitar line that was an incredible ear worm for me, we then get another great single in the form of "Future People" which again, sees the band bending Rock and Soul together in a way that hasn't been this captivating in a long, long time. Plus, the blasts of distorted bass on this track are simply wonderful. However, the crowing jewel of Sound & Color comes in the form of "Gimme All Your Love", a fiery, smooth, and all together captivating Soul song that breaks into a loose, freewheeling jam by the end. Also, this track is easily the best vocal performance that Brittany Howard has ever committed to record; her voice goes from buttery smooth to raucous and wild with no effort at all.
I also loved the track "The Greatest" for its punk energy, and the fact that this song showcases just how much fun the band seemed to have recording this album. This infectious energy is all over Sound & Color and is truly refreshing to hear in Rock music. The only minor slip up this album encounters is the track "Gemini" which maybe could have been paired down a little, or made more eventful to justify its length? Aside from that though, I absolutely loved this album from top to bottom and urge you to give it a listen.
8.8/10
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