Brittany Howard: A Journey Through Genre-Bending Soundscapes
Brittany Howard, known for her powerful vocals and undeniable musical talent, first captivated audiences as the lead singer of Alabama Shakes. With their soulful, rootsy sound, the band quickly gained recognition and critical acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards. However, instead of following the path of mainstream success, Howard took a different route, embarking on a solo career and pushing the boundaries of her musical exploration.
In 2019, Howard released her solo debut album, 'Jaime,' which showcased her willingness to experiment with a diverse range of genres. The album challenged listeners with its unpredictability, refusing to be boxed into any one category. Yet, as challenging as 'Jaime' may have been to digest initially, it provided the foundation for Howard's newest offering, her Island Records debut album, 'What Now.'
'What Now' builds upon the artistic groundwork laid by 'Jaime' but displays a more fully realized vision. The album opens with the ethereal 'Earth Sign,' featuring a virtual choir of Howards. The track sets a majestic tone that immediately captures attention. Transitioning into the soulful and nostalgic 'I Don't,' Howard's vocals, subtly enhanced by Auto-Tune, transport listeners to the soul hits of the early '70s, reminiscent of Chi-Lites or the Delfonics.
The album takes an unexpected turn with the high-energy title track, 'What Now,' a fuzzy, fiery, and intense rock anthem that undoubtedly pleases fans and showcases Howard's ability to deliver a memorable and exhilarating performance. As the album progresses, tracks like 'Red Flags' and 'To Be Still' offer a taste of Howard's avant-garde side, blending unconventional arrangements and evocative vocals.
Continuing the journey, 'Prove It' embraces electronic rhythms, while the gentle ballad 'Samson' combines jazzy electric-piano-driven melodies with a unique and unpredictable rhythm. A standout moment in the album is a breathtaking trumpet solo that emerges in the closing minutes of 'Samson,' leaving listeners in awe of Howard's proficiency in creating sonic surprises.
The album concludes with 'Every Color in Blue,' an experimental and almost free-jazz track that exemplifies Howard's refusal to be constrained by convention. Throughout the album, the only constant that connects the diverse musical landscapes is the gentle sound of bells, performed by Ramona Reid and Ann Sensing, adding a touch of continuity to the enchanting chaos.
Brittany Howard fearlessly explores the capabilities of her voice, fearlessly embracing distortion, layering, and even making it sound otherworldly. Beyond her haunting vocals, Howard showcases her immense talents as a multi-instrumentalist, providing a majority of the instrumentation on the album. The only guest feature comes in the form of a spoken-word passage by Maya Angelou, adding an additional layer of depth and cultural significance.
While 'What Now' may be more consistent and accessible than its predecessor, it remains a musical journey that requires active engagement from the listener. It traverses a multitude of musical landscapes, often leaving listeners wondering how they arrived at a particular moment. Yet, for those willing to embark on this adventure, the rewards are abundant.
For those seeking an album that gradually reveals itself, surprises with each subsequent listen, and takes them to unexpected destinations, 'What Now' is a testament to Brittany Howard's fearless creativity and boundless musical talent. Through genre-bending soundscapes and captivating vocals, Howard cements her status as an artist unafraid to push boundaries and forge her own captivating path in the ever-evolving landscape of music.
