Another Life: Alabama Shakes Release First Single in 10 Years

Alabama Shakes

Recently Alabama Shakes released their new single titled Another Life and we have to say it is awesome.  Another Life picks up at the intersection where the group and Brittany Howard’s solo work left off.

One great thing about this band is that they have a lot of groove.  That combined with the soulful vocal stylings of Howard, we have a track that is ethereal and full of emotion.

The track itself stays in the pocket, but builds into a squall of regret and sorrow.  That is one of the things that we love about the work of Alabama Shakes and Brittany Howard, her soulful wail on the microphone bring any performance to life.  

Midway through the track takes on a feeling of apprehension that adds on to the building tension.  From there we are treated to a solo that really cuts into the feelings of the story teller before ending the song in what feels like panic.  

The track successfully communicates the feelings of fear, regret, tension, longing, sorrow, and panic.  While that might sound like a downer to some people the truth is that these are feelings that generally connect or hit people with more impact that just happiness and sunshine.

Most people can relate to these feelings with their partner, spouse, friend, or even family member.  Whatever the conflict, there’s nothing like the feelings of knowing that this is something that we are going to have to discuss and resolve, even if that means parting ways.

The chorus pleads “Can we try again, can we try in another life?”  Sadly there is no answer.

We don’t know the outcome of this conflict, but we do know what it feels like to be in the position of just wanting another chance.  Sometimes the heart can’t give up that one thing, even if we know it’s bad for us.  

We all want resolution in conflict but not knowing if we are going to get it or what will happen is mental agony.  Another Life is a portrait of conflict inside one parties mind that is very real for many people struggling with their social or personal relationships.

The song calls back to the likes of Etta James’s I’d Rather Go Blind and the devastation seeing that one person walk away.  When Howard says “That I found a way to say goodbye, so it doesn't hurt so much, ooh when you cross my mind” one can’t help but call back to when Etta said “When the reflection in the glass that I held to my lips now baby revealed the tears that was on my face.”

In those times we all find a way to cope, one way or another.  The difference in these songs however, is that while James' song is sad, it has a feeling of acceptance whereas Howard's song feels of struggle and pleading.  

 That being said, we are not directly comparing these two songs or saying one is better than the other.  We are merely drawing connections and similarities between the two phenomenal songs.

Where one is bitter sweet sadness, the other is angst.  A mixture of emotions that builds like an echo in a dark cavern, Another Life takes the listener on the emotional rollercoaster of someone going into conflict while at the same time pleading for another chance.

We give the latest release from Alabama Shakes high marks and are adding it to our playlists.

Alabama Shakes is currently on tour throughout the US and will be making a stop in San Antonio TX on the 25th of this month.  At the time of this publication we have reached out to artist management for comment on the tour and the new release but have not heard back.

Stay tuned however, as we will be covering the show in San Antonio and will be writing a review.  Shakes, Howard, we love you guys, keep it going.