Alabama Shakes returns with a new album after 11 years and a reunion at a craft brewery gig
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Alabama Shakes will release “I Must Be Dreaming” Friday, marking the Grammy-winning group’s first studio album since 2015’s “Sound & Color.” The reunion grew from a late-2024 benefit performance at Druid City Brewing Company in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, after co-founder Bo Hicks invited Brittany Howard to perform. Howard contacted guitarist Heath Fogg and bassist Zac Cockrell, and rehearsals revived the trio’s musical partnership. The band subsequently recorded 11 songs in Nashville with producer Shawn Everett. The album combines psychedelic soul, love songs and socially focused material, including “I Feel Hope Coming” and “American Dream.” Official artist and label listings confirm the Aug. 28 release date and 11-track lineup. The group has also resumed touring, with 2026 performances across North America and Europe. Former drummer Steve Johnson is not part of the reunited lineup. The supplied story is broadly accurate, but its wording should be updated: the album remains unreleased as of today.
More context
Timeline
- 2012 — On 2012, Alabama Shakes released Boys & Girls, gaining acclaim.
- 2015 — On 2015, Sound & Color topped charts and won Grammys.
- 2017 — On 2017, Alabama Shakes paused amid exhaustion and changing priorities.
- December 2024 — On December 2024, Howard reunited Fogg and Cockrell for fundraising.
- August 2025 — On August 2025, Alabama Shakes released Another Life, ending silence.
- April 2026 — On April 2026, American Dream introduced the band’s political direction.
- July 7, 2026 — On July 7, 2026, the album announcement confirmed August release.
- July 10, 2026 — On July 10, 2026, I Feel Hope Coming was released.
- August 25, 2026 — On August 25, 2026, reviews assessed the album before release.
- August 27, 2026 — On August 27, 2026, the album remains scheduled for tomorrow.
- August 28, 2026 — On August 28, 2026, I Must Be Dreaming arrives publicly.
- Coming months — Over coming months, Alabama Shakes will continue touring North America.
- Coming years — Over coming years, future releases depend on continued band collaboration.
Why it matters
Immediate US impact: US fans gain major roots-rock release and renewed concert opportunities. Possible long-term US impact: Successful reception could sustain touring, streaming, and renewed cultural relevance. Reader priority: Readers should prioritize official announcements, reviews, release listings, and interviews. Most Affected: Fans, venues, retailers, streaming platforms, Alabama communities, especially.
Coverage notes
Left: Left coverage emphasizes protest themes, Trump, social justice, and Howard’s political voice. Center: Center coverage emphasizes reunion details, album release, touring, music, and verified chronology. Right: Evidence was insufficient for a distinct right-leaning framing.
Primary report
On July 7, 2026, Universal Music Canada announced album details.
Sources
- The Guardian
- Rolling Stone Australia
- Los Angeles Times
- Associated Press
- Financial Times
- The Wall Street Journal
- NME
- Pitchfork
- Stereogum
- Consequence
- JamBase
- The Line of Best Fit
- Relix
- Premier Guitar
- Minnesota Star Tribune
- Exclaim!
- Still Listening Magazine
- Rock & Blues Muse
- Louder Sound
- SPIN
- Our Culture
- Salt Lake Magazine
- Isthmus
- Official Charts
- AllMusic
- SeattlePI
- The Hour
- universalmusic.ca
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
