Alabama Shakes Return with New Song 'American Dream'

The band's first new music since their surprise 2024 reunion

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:13pm by

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring overlapping black silhouettes of the members of Alabama Shakes against a bold red background, conveying the band's raw energy and social commentary.Alabama Shakes' new single 'American Dream' captures the strain and struggle of modern life through their signature sound and powerful visual imagery.Eugene Today

After nearly a decade of inactivity, Alabama Shakes have returned with a new single called 'American Dream.' The track is the second song the band has released since their surprise reunion gig in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in late 2024, and serves as a snapshot of the challenging times the country is facing in 2026.

Why it matters

Alabama Shakes' return to music after a long hiatus is significant, as the band has built a loyal following and critical acclaim over the years. The new song 'American Dream' reflects on the current state of the country, touching on issues like work-life balance and lack of social support, which many Americans can relate to.

The details

The song 'American Dream' was released by Alabama Shakes, the trio of Brittany Howard, Zac Cockrell, and Heath Fogg. It is the second track the band has dropped since their surprise reunion in late 2024, following the release of 'Another Life' in 2025. The band is reportedly working on their third studio album, which will be their first release with Island Records after signing with the label in 2025.

  • Alabama Shakes staged a surprise reunion gig in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in December 2024.
  • The band released their first new song in over a decade, 'Another Life,' in 2025.
  • Alabama Shakes will release their third studio album later this year, their first with Island Records.

The players

Alabama Shakes

An American rock band formed in Athens, Alabama in 2009, consisting of Brittany Howard, Zac Cockrell, and Heath Fogg.

Brittany Howard

The lead singer and frontwoman of Alabama Shakes.

Zac Cockrell

The bassist for Alabama Shakes.

Heath Fogg

The guitarist for Alabama Shakes.

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What they’re saying

“It's a snapshot of what we're living through in 2026. I look around and wonder how we got to a place where there's so much strain and so little support. I mean, it shouldn't be impossible to take off work so you can bring your child to the doctor—that's actually insane. My hope is that one day people will hear this song and say, 'Yeah, shit was crazy back then, but we made it through.'”

— Brittany Howard, Singer, Alabama Shakes

What’s next

Alabama Shakes will embark on a North American amphitheater tour starting on April 16, 2026. They will also serve as the opening act for Zach Bryan concerts in Eugene, Oregon and Dover, Delaware.

The takeaway

Alabama Shakes' return with the new single 'American Dream' reflects the band's desire to capture the challenging realities of modern American life in their music. The song's themes of social strain and lack of support resonate with many listeners, making it a timely and meaningful addition to the band's discography as they prepare to release their first new album in over a decade.