Alabama Shakes Unveil Long-Awaited Album 'I Must Be Dreaming' and Extensive Tour Dates
Alabama Shakes, the acclaimed band, has officially revealed details concerning their highly anticipated new album, "I Must Be Dreaming." This marks their first full-length release in over a decade and is scheduled to debut on August 28 via Island Records. The forthcoming album will feature previously unveiled tracks such as "American Dream" and "Another Life," with an additional single, "I Feel Hope Coming," slated for release this Friday. The announcement also includes an extensive tour itinerary, providing fans with numerous opportunities to experience their music live.
Vocalist Brittany Howard shared insights into the album's evocative title, "I Must Be Dreaming," noting its profound double interpretation. She articulated that the title encapsulates both a sense of disbelief at the current tumultuous state of the world, suggesting a reality so intense it feels like a dream, and simultaneously, an acknowledgment of the world's undeniable beauty, also perceived as dreamlike. This dual perspective underscores the band's thematic depth and their approach to reflecting contemporary experiences through their art.
The trio, comprising Howard, Heath Fogg, and Zac Cockrell, commenced work on this new project following a surprise reunion performance in December 2024. This marked their first collective appearance since their 2015 album, "Sound & Color." Since then, Alabama Shakes have been actively touring, with their current series of performances scheduled to conclude at the end of September. Fans can find comprehensive details regarding the album's tracklist, its distinctive artwork, and all upcoming tour dates below.
The new album, "I Must Be Dreaming," features a carefully curated collection of eleven tracks. The album opens with "Tea Time," followed by "Another Life" and "Garden." Subsequent tracks include "I Feel Hope Coming," "Time," and "Friends." The latter half of the album features "Easy," "How Love’s Supposed To Go," "Waist Deep," "American Dream," and concludes with "Tied To You." This diverse tracklist promises a rich and varied listening experience for their dedicated fanbase.
Alabama Shakes has announced an extensive tour schedule for 2026, spanning across Europe and North America. The tour kicks off in Lucca, Italy, on July 7, continuing through various European cities like Lisbon, Bilbao, and Madrid. The North American leg begins in Tacoma, WA, on July 24, and includes stops in major cities such as Vancouver, Boise, Salt Lake City, and Jackson Hole. Later dates include performances in Highland Park, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York, and Montreal, concluding on September 26 at the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA. Many of these performances will feature special guest artists, enhancing the live concert experience for attendees.
The long-awaited return of Alabama Shakes with "I Must Be Dreaming" signifies a new chapter for the band, showcasing their evolved sound and continued artistic exploration after a significant hiatus. The album title itself, rich with dual meaning, sets the stage for a contemplative yet hopeful musical journey, reflecting the complex interplay between global challenges and inherent beauty. With a robust tracklist and an ambitious tour schedule, the band is poised to reconnect with fans and introduce their latest creative endeavors to a broader audience, reinforcing their distinctive presence in the music scene.