Alabama Shakes Unveil “Another Life,” Their First New Track in a Decade

>

Alabama Shakes Share First New Song in 10 Years, Announce North American Tour

Alabama Shakes have released their first new song in a decade, “Another Life,” venturing into 1960s British soul and rock. Brittany Howard, the band’s lead singer, describes the track as reflecting the multiple lives we carry – the present, the past choices, the what-ifs, and the chance encounters that shape us. “This song is about those threads and how they stretch across time and space, connecting every version of who we are, and realizing that goodbye isn’t really goodbye.”

The band,currently a three-piece without drummer Steve Johnson,reunited for a surprise show in their native Alabama in December and subsequently shared photos from the studio in January,hinting at new material.

Alabama Shakes are currently on a North American reunion tour. Remaining dates include:

Milwaukee, WI on September 5
Rochester, MI on September 7
Cleveland, OH on September 9
Pittsburgh, PA on September 11
Boston, MA on September 13
Philadelphia, PA on September 14.

Tickets are available here.

how did Brittany Howard’s solo work, specifically *Jaime*, influence the emotional depth of “Another Life”?

The Return of a Blues-Rock Powerhouse

After a decade of silence, Alabama Shakes have returned with “Another Life,” a powerful and emotionally resonant track signaling a new chapter for the critically acclaimed band.The release, announced on august 31, 2025, has sent ripples of excitement through the music world, with fans eagerly anticipating what comes next from Brittany Howard and the group. This marks their first new music since the release of their sophomore album, Sound & Color, in 2015.

Decoding “Another Life”: A Deep Dive into the Song

“Another Life” isn’t a radical departure from the Alabama shakes sound,but rather a mature evolution. The song retains the band’s signature blend of blues, rock, and soul, but with a newfound sense of introspection and vulnerability.

Instrumentation: The track features Howard’s distinctive vocals layered over a driving rythm section, punctuated by subtle guitar work and atmospheric keys. The instrumentation feels both familiar and refined.

Lyrical Themes: The lyrics explore themes of resilience,self-discovery,and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. Howard’s songwriting continues to be deeply personal and relatable, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Key phrases hint at overcoming past struggles and embracing a hopeful future.

Production Quality: The production is crisp and dynamic, allowing each instrument to breathe while maintaining a cohesive sonic landscape. It’s a testament to the band’s commitment to sonic excellence.

The Decade-Long Hiatus: What Happened?

The ten-year gap between releases wasn’t simply a creative pause. Following the success of Sound & Color, the band faced internal challenges, including the departure of guitarist Heath Fogg in 2017. Brittany howard embarked on a accomplished solo career, releasing her debut album Jaime in 2019, which garnered widespread critical acclaim and a Grammy Award. This period allowed Howard to explore her artistic vision independently, ultimately informing her return to Alabama Shakes with a renewed outlook. The band’s silence fueled speculation amongst fans,with many wondering if Alabama Shakes would ever record new music.

Brittany Howard’s Solo Work and it’s Influence

Brittany Howard’s solo endeavors were crucial in shaping the sound of “Another Life.” Jaime, a deeply personal and emotionally raw album, showcased Howard’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.

expanded Musical Palette: Her solo work incorporated elements of funk, R&B, and psychedelic rock, broadening her musical palette.

Vocal experimentation: Howard experimented with different vocal techniques and textures, pushing the boundaries of her vocal range.

Increased Songwriting Confidence: The experience of writing and recording a solo album undoubtedly boosted Howard’s confidence as a songwriter, allowing her to approach the new Alabama shakes material with a fresh perspective.

This solo exploration has clearly influenced the nuanced emotional depth present in “Another Life.”

The Future of Alabama Shakes: Album Plans and Tour Dates?

While “Another Life” is a welcome return, fans are understandably eager for more. As of August 31, 2025, Alabama Shakes has not announced plans for a full-length album or tour. Though, the release of this single strongly suggests that a new album is in the works.Industry insiders speculate that a new record could arrive in late 2026, with a potential tour following in 2027. Keep an eye on the band’s official website and social media channels for updates.Searching for “Alabama Shakes new album” or “alabama Shakes tour dates” will provide the latest information.

Where to Listen to “Another Life” and Support Alabama Shakes

“Another Life” is currently available on all major streaming platforms, including:

Spotify

Apple music

Amazon music

YouTube Music

You can also purchase the track digitally through iTunes and other online music stores. Supporting the band directly through these platforms ensures they can continue creating the music we love. Consider adding “Another Life” to your favorite playlists and sharing it with friends.

Related Artists and Genres for Fans of Alabama Shakes

If you’re a fan of Alabama Shakes, here are some other artists and genres you might enjoy:

St. paul & The Broken bones: Similar soulful vocals and a powerful rhythm section.

Leon Bridges: Retro soul with a modern sensibility.

Gary Clark Jr.: Blues-rock virtuosity with a contemporary edge.

Black Pumas: A modern