Alabama Shakes have released a new single titled “American Dream,” marking another major step in the band’s long-anticipated return and hinting at their upcoming third studio album.
The blues-rock group debuted the song after teasing new material online, giving fans their first clear look at the direction of the band’s next era. “American Dream” blends the soulful intensity and gritty guitar sound that helped define Alabama Shakes’ earlier work, while also showcasing the powerful vocals of frontwoman Brittany Howard. The track arrives as the band prepares for renewed touring activity and the rollout of their next full-length project.
The release is particularly significant because it follows a lengthy gap between albums. Alabama Shakes’ last studio record, Sound & Color, arrived in 2015 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 while earning multiple Grammy Awards. After years of heavy touring, the group eventually went on hiatus in 2018 while Howard pursued a successful solo career.
During the break, Howard released acclaimed solo albums and explored a wide range of musical styles, further expanding her artistic profile. Meanwhile, the rest of the band stepped away from the spotlight until their surprise reunion performance in 2024 signaled that Alabama Shakes were preparing to work together again.
The band officially regrouped and began hinting at new material in early 2025, posting studio photos and teasing upcoming projects. The emergence of “American Dream” now suggests that a full album announcement may not be far behind.
Since forming in Athens, Alabama, in 2009, Alabama Shakes have built a reputation for blending blues rock, soul, and Southern rock influences. Their breakthrough debut album Boys & Girls and its standout single “Hold On” helped launch the band to international attention, while Sound & Color cemented their status as one of the most acclaimed rock acts of the 2010s.
With “American Dream,” Alabama Shakes appear poised to begin a new chapter—one that reconnects the band with fans who have been waiting more than a decade for another full-length release.
Alabama Shakes have released a new single titled “American Dream,” marking another major step in the band’s long-anticipated return and hinting at their upcoming third studio album.The blues-rock group debuted the song after teasing new material online, giving fans their first clear look at the direction of the band’s next era. “American Dream” blends the soulful intensity and gritty guitar sound that helped define Alabama Shakes’ earlier work, while also showcasing the powerful vocals of frontwoman Brittany Howard. The track arrives as the band prepares for renewed touring activity and the rollout of their next full-length project.
The release is particularly significant because it follows a lengthy gap between albums. Alabama Shakes’ last studio record, Sound & Color, arrived in 2015 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 while earning multiple Grammy Awards. After years of heavy touring, the group eventually went on hiatus in 2018 while Howard pursued a successful solo career.
During the break, Howard released acclaimed solo albums and explored a wide range of musical styles, further expanding her artistic profile. Meanwhile, the rest of the band stepped away from the spotlight until their surprise reunion performance in 2024 signaled that Alabama Shakes were preparing to work together again.
The band officially regrouped and began hinting at new material in early 2025, posting studio photos and teasing upcoming projects. The emergence of “American Dream” now suggests that a full album announcement may not be far behind.
Since forming in Athens, Alabama, in 2009, Alabama Shakes have built a reputation for blending blues rock, soul, and Southern rock influences. Their breakthrough debut album Boys & Girls and its standout single “Hold On” helped launch the band to international attention, while Sound & Color cemented their status as one of the most acclaimed rock acts of the 2010s.
With “American Dream,” Alabama Shakes appear poised to begin a new chapter—one that reconnects the band with fans who have been waiting more than a decade for another full-length release.
The blues-rock group debuted the song after teasing new material online, giving fans their first clear look at the direction of the band’s next era. “American Dream” blends the soulful intensity and gritty guitar sound that helped define Alabama Shakes’ earlier work, while also showcasing the powerful vocals of frontwoman Brittany Howard. The track arrives as the band prepares for renewed touring activity and the rollout of their next full-length project.
The release is particularly significant because it follows a lengthy gap between albums. Alabama Shakes’ last studio record, Sound & Color, arrived in 2015 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 while earning multiple Grammy Awards. After years of heavy touring, the group eventually went on hiatus in 2018 while Howard pursued a successful solo career.
During the break, Howard released acclaimed solo albums and explored a wide range of musical styles, further expanding her artistic profile. Meanwhile, the rest of the band stepped away from the spotlight until their surprise reunion performance in 2024 signaled that Alabama Shakes were preparing to work together again.
The band officially regrouped and began hinting at new material in early 2025, posting studio photos and teasing upcoming projects. The emergence of “American Dream” now suggests that a full album announcement may not be far behind.
Since forming in Athens, Alabama, in 2009, Alabama Shakes have built a reputation for blending blues rock, soul, and Southern rock influences. Their breakthrough debut album Boys & Girls and its standout single “Hold On” helped launch the band to international attention, while Sound & Color cemented their status as one of the most acclaimed rock acts of the 2010s.
With “American Dream,” Alabama Shakes appear poised to begin a new chapter—one that reconnects the band with fans who have been waiting more than a decade for another full-length release.