Score: 4/5
When Alabama Shakes named its new album “Sound & Color,” it must have been hinting at the high caliber blues influences woven throughout the 12 tracks.
The band has always produced a more unconventional sound, and with this album’s style being a bit different than its 2012 release “Boys & Girls,” it isn’t lesser quality by any means.
Howard’s vocals have been impressive since the band’s beginning, but upon listening, it’s the instrumentation that also proves itself to be undoubtedly strong. Either way, the rhythmic collaboration between the two is nearly unstoppable.
The listening experience begins with the album’s title track, which opens with a mellow, soft sound and escalates to smooth R&B complemented by Howard’s soulful singing. The song is an easy transition into the rest of the album, which offers a sampling of several styles.
“Don’t Wanna Fight” is automatically a 180 degree switch from the first track and introduces a subtle psychedelic vibe that’s repeated throughout quite a few tracks, but it’s executed without the fear of sounding too ’70s.
A previously released single, “Gimme All Your Love,” is reminiscent of the band’s hit “Hold On” with its rock ’n roll signature. It may not gain the same recognition as the latter, but Howard’s powerhouse vocals and the blend of sharp and soft guitar techniques make for an easy-listening experience Alabama Shakes can produce in a way not many bands are able to do today.
The entirety of the album feels beautifully bluesy, but that’s not to say it doesn’t hit the occasional lull. “This Feeling” and “Guess Who” are good, but they seem to drag on a little more than necessary.
The following track, “The Greatest” wastes no time breaking out of the monotony though. It’s got a grungy sound with raspy lyrics that makes for a toe-tapping tune.
The remainder of the album fluxuates between styles, and each one is done well. If listeners are interested in an ever-changing experiment of sound, this is the album to invest both their time and money in.
With its variety of influences, the band has taken a trip into the past once again, and it’s nice to know those older styles are still well-received and appreciated by a newer generation of listeners. Through “Sound & Color”, Alabama Shakes proves that there’s still a band willing to take all the right musical risks.