Alabama Shakes | New Album Announcement

Published on 21 July 2026 at 06:00

“Alabama Shakes Announce New Album, First Since 2015’s Sound & Color”

(Artist Update)

Written by: Cody Denning  


Alabama Shakes is set to release a new album in August. This announcement surprised fans around the world, as it has been over a decade since the band released their last album Sound & Color. This album was a massive success, winning 3 Grammys and setting the stage for the band to perform massive tours.

Alabama Shakes went on hiatus in 2018 after touring behind Sound & Color for almost three years. During the hiatus, Brittany Howard continued to release music and tour as a solo act, headlining festivals like Bonnaroo and others. Zac Cockrell played bass and toured with Howard. Heath Fogg released a solo LP under the name Sun on Shade in 2020.

After 10 years in December 2024, they ended the hiatus with a surprise reunion show in Tuscaloosa. Howard was booked for a solo show, opening her set with an acoustic version of "Short and Sweet." Immediately after she left the stage claiming she forgot her electric guitar, she returned with the band and performed as Alabama Shakes. This was not just a reunion show — this was a return.

On August 29, 2025, they released the single "Another Life." This would be their debut to a new label, signing with Island Records and ending their run with ATO Records, the indie label that put out both Boys & Girls and Sound & Color — marking a new chapter for the band and kicking off new tours.

July 7, 2026, Alabama Shakes shared an album trailer, officially announcing the band's new album "I Must Be Dreaming," giving fans options for pre-order and Spotify pre-save. The band produced this album in Nashville's Sound Emporium Studios and Blackbird Studio, with some of the same minds that had been working with the band since the early days like Shawn Everett, longtime producer and friend of the band. This album is full of fire and spirit, continuing the soulful psychedelic blend of blues rock the band is known for with a new spirit of hope. You can hear this on the latest singles "American Dream" and "I Feel Hope Coming."

The new album comes on August 28, 2026. Arriving mid-tour, giving the tour some big hype. The band is back in full swing, running a packed schedule of headlining shows, festival dates (Bonnaroo, Jazz Fest, High Water), and many more dates. Though these shows draw massive crowds, somehow the band still creates an intimate atmosphere with their soulful vibe and Howard's connection to the audience. Speculating on the new label, new album launch and heavy tour schedule, I would say this is just the beginning of a new era for Alabama Shakes.

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Written By: Cody Denning

(Report)

(Sources)


 Website/EPK/Contact,

Spotify,

Youtube,

Meta,

Rolling Stone,

Consequence,

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Jam Bands,

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