More than a decade after Sound & Color confirmed Alabama Shakes as one of the most fearless bands in modern rock and soul, the Grammy-winning trio is back with I Must Be Dreaming. Rather than picking up where they left off, Brittany Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell push even deeper into the adventurous spirit that made their last album so compelling.

Produced by the band alongside longtime collaborator Shawn Everett, I Must Be Dreaming was recorded at Nashville's Sound Emporium Studios and Blackbird Studio, where familiar chemistry gave way to fresh ideas. The songs still carry the emotional urgency and raw power that have always defined Alabama Shakes, but they're framed by richer textures, dreamlike arrangements, and an increasingly cinematic sense of space.

The album leans into psychedelic soul without ever losing sight of the band's roots. Howard's unmistakable voice remains the emotional center, soaring above swirling guitars, expansive rhythms, and carefully layered production that rewards repeated listens. It's a sound that feels both intimate and immersive, inviting listeners to get lost in its atmosphere while holding tight to the band's unmistakable identity.

For a group returning after such a long absence, I Must Be Dreaming never feels weighed down by expectations. Instead, it captures a band reconnecting with one another and embracing the freedom to explore wherever the music leads. The result is an album that honors everything fans loved about Alabama Shakes while opening the door to an exciting new chapter.