What makes Sound & Color by Alabama Shakes notable?

'Sound & Color' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and received widespread critical acclaim, earning Grammy nominations including Album of the Year. Its unique sound helped solidify Alabama Shakes as a pivotal force in the contemporary rock scene, influencing a generation of artists with its blend of genres. Released in early 2015, 'Sound & Color' marked Alabama Shakes' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, 'Boys & Girls' in 2012. This album showcased the band's evolution, expanding their sound beyond traditional Southern rock to incorporate more diverse influences and complex arrangements.

Who is Sound & Color for?

Sound & Color works well if you're into raw emotional depth throughout, vibrant soundscapes for exploration and soulful anthems for sing-alongs.

How many songs are on Sound & Color?

Sound & Color has 15 tracks, running approximately 58 minutes.

Sound & Color

Alabama Shakes · 2015

58 min · 15 tracks · soul

A vibrant blend of Southern rock and soul, infused with experimental textures and raw emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don’t Wanna Fight — This track stands out for its intense energy and powerful vocal delivery, encapsulating the struggle between love and conflict that permeates the album.
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Gimme All Your Love — With its soulful groove and passionate lyrics, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge rock with deep emotional resonance, making it a live favorite.
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The Greatest — This track features a reflective tone and lush instrumentation, serving as a powerful anthem about resilience and hope amidst adversity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and production, with distinct shifts in mood and style throughout.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build that contrasts sharply with the upbeat tempo of the second track, creating a dynamic shift.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for improvisation and exploration of sound textures.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

raw emotional depth throughout
vibrant soundscapes for exploration
soulful anthems for sing-alongs
dynamic shifts in energy
captivating live performance recordings

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek consistent pacing throughout

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2015, 'Sound & Color' marked Alabama Shakes' second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, 'Boys & Girls' in 2012. This album showcased the band's evolution, expanding their sound beyond traditional Southern rock to incorporate more diverse influences and complex arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors: Leon Bridges· Gary Clark Jr.· The Black Keys

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

The Greatest

The bridge shifts into an optimistic declaration about overcoming struggles, presenting an uplifting perspective on personal growth.

This moment contrasts earlier verses filled with doubt, marking a shift towards empowerment that deepens the song's emotional impact.