Alabama Shakes formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009 around the gospel-charged voice of Brittany Howard, mixing soul, blues rock, and Southern rock. Boys & Girls (2012) channels classic Stax and Muscle Shoals; Sound & Color (2015) hit number one, won the Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and got weirder in the best way. Shop Alabama Shakes vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
Alabama Shakes formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009 around vocalist and guitarist Brittany Howard. The original quartet of Howard, Heath Fogg, Zac Cockrell, and Steve Johnson signed with ATO Records and released their debut album Boys & Girls in 2012. The follow-up Sound & Color (2015) debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and won three Grammy Awards. The band has been on hiatus since 2018, with Howard pursuing a solo career.
Alabama Shakes' sound combines soul, blues rock, and Southern rock with Howard's gospel-influenced vocals. Boys & Girls drew comparisons to classic Stax and Muscle Shoals recordings, while Sound & Color expanded into more experimental, psychedelic, and atmospheric territory.
ATO pressings of both Alabama Shakes albums have been issued in multiple variants, including translucent and color vinyl editions. Sound & Color has appeared in deluxe anniversary editions.
Listeners new to Alabama Shakes typically start with Sound & Color (2015) or Boys & Girls (2012).
