Album: Sound and Color
Year: 2015
Rating: 91/100
With the likes of the Black Keys, Blues Pills and Gary Clark Jr. among others enjoying acclaim from critics and fans alike, it was surely only a matter of time before Alabama Shakes had their turn in the spotlight as part of the new blues-rock revolution. Led by Brittany Howard's captivating, soulful vocals, "Sound and Color" is the Athens, Alabama quartet's second album.
Right from the start, Alabama Shakes grab the listener from the opening strains of the title track, with its sumptuous grooves and guitarist Heath Fogg's excellent guitar work. Lead off singles "Don't Wanna Fight", "Future People" and "Gimme All Your Love" provide Brittany Howard with the chance to play to her strengths with her vocal power. "This Feeling" is a beautifully worked acoustic blues number which changes the pace a little. The final two tracks, "Gemini" and "Over My Head" are slow burners that burn ever so brightly as the song winds down and has the listener yearning for more.
The influences that are evident on "Sound and Color" might not be wholly original. But Alabama Shakes's sound just feels so unforced that everything they attempt works a treat, and they still manage to sound like the same band, even when they attempt something different. It's a mature and hugely diverse effort that works primarily because the Shakes dared to be different. If that works for you, definitely give this album a look.
Track List:
- Sound & Color
- Don't Wanna Fight
- Dunes
- Future People
- Gimme All Your Love
- This Feeling
- Guess Who
- The Greatest
- Shoegaze
- Miss You
- Gemini
- Over My Head
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