Brittany Howard's What Now carries a double-edged title that slices through the complexities of modern existence. As the frontwoman for Alabama Shakes, Howard's musical journey has been one of relentless exploration and soulful revelation. With What Now, she dives deeper into the enigmatic depths of the human experience.

Following the critically acclaimed solo debut, Jaime, which garnered five Grammy wins and sixteen nominations, Howard ventures further into uncharted territory on the new album. She masterfully navigates a kaleidoscope of genres, from psychedelia to dance music, dream-pop to avant-jazz. Each song is a miniature universe unto itself, a musical aquarium teeming with life. Recorded at Nashville's legendary Sound Emporium and RCA Studio B, What Now was born from a process of uninhibited creativity. Howard, serving as both producer and performer, worked closely with engineer Shawn Everett to conjure a record built on raw emotion and radical introspection. The result is a feast for the senses, with intricate arrangements and analog instrumentation that pulse with life.

The album opens with "Earth Sign," a slow-burning meditation on love's boundless nature. From there, Howard catapults into the title track, a frenetic whirlwind of syncopated grooves and blistering guitar riffs. Throughout the album, she explores themes of love, loss, and existential angst with unflinching honesty. Songs like "Red Flags" and "Prove It To You" delve into the darker dimensions of romance, while tracks like "Another Day" and "Every Color In Blue" offer glimpses of hope despite the chaos. Howard also showcases her musical versatility, from frenetic piano work to explosive guitar solos, her performance is nothing short of electrifying. And it’s all supported by a backbone of talented players, including drummer Nate Smith and bassist Zac Cockrell.

But perhaps the most striking aspect of What Now is its underlying message of empathy and understanding. Through introspective lyrics and hypnotic melodies, Howard dares you to confront your own inner turmoil and find solace in shared humanity. As she explains, "This record's definitely meant to be listened to alone so you can really meditate with it."

What Now is a declaration of independence, a testament to Howard's commitment to self-expression. With lyrics that cut straight to the heart, Howard lays bare her innermost thoughts and emotions, refusing to sugarcoat the complexities of love and loss. It's a rallying cry, a call to arms for those who dare to dream.