This critique represents the personal views of blogger Adeline Lennon. Lennon’s views do not necessarily reflect those of The Royal Page staff as a whole.

The month of April certainly reigned in a number of highly anticipated alternative albums (Matt & Kim’s New Glow, Passion Pit’s Kindred, and Violent Femmes’ Happy New Year to name a few), but none were quite as impressive as Alabama Shakes’ Sound & Color.

After a three years’ wait, I was ready to jump on almost anything released by Alabama Shakes. Their nostalgic and stripped down sound had drawn me in from the beginning, but the twelve tracks of this album exceed expectations.

Brittany Howard’s incredible lead vocals are the dominating force throughout Sound & Color. The powerful raw emotion that she is able to convey makes her, in my opinion, one of the best female vocalists of this generation.

Alabama Shakes’ first album, Boys & Girls, heavily featured Howard’s strong vocal expression as well, but Sound & Color has experimented with new sounds to accompany her. “Future People” features dream-like instrumentation, “Don’t Wanna Fight” is greatly soul-inspired, and “The Greatest” is almost reminiscent of a 90’s garage band sound.

This sophomore album seeks to explore and expand while maintaining its soulful roots. It retains every bit of Southern-influenced zeal of the Shakes’ debut, but keeps former and newer fans alike engaged with newly integrated sounds. While Boys & Girls was a refreshing breath of simplicity, the latest release ushers in modernized accompaniments.
Whether you’re a returning Alabama Shakes fan or are just being introduced, relish in the sound of Howard’s heavenly vocals, and the added color of the band’s eclectic instrumentation.