Alabama, the biggest country act of the '80s (and the bestselling country band of all time) has announced that it will release a new album Southern Drawl, which will be the group's first collection of new material in 14 years. Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen—the core three that have been with the band since its debut in 1976-will all be along for the ride.
More purist fans of country might hope that this will mean a break from the quote-bro-country-end-quote that currently dominates the airwaves, but don't be so sure: Guitarist Cook suggests that Southern Drawl won't necessarily be a clone of the band's golden (and platinum) years.
"Country music, when we took our 'vacation,' is not the same country it is today," he said. "For people who knew the original Alabama, [Southern Drawl] is going to be a little different to their ears."
That shouldn't be too hard to believe: Alabama took a much more rock 'n' roll approach to the concept of country music, bringing electric guitars and a more pop-oriented approach to songwriting, influences that are obvious when looking at the music of Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan and others.
Early reports suggest that the first single, "Wasn't Through Loving You," would be at home on any of the band's previous releases however. Other highlights will include "Come Find Me," which features guest vocals from Alison Krauss, and "Hillbilly Wins The Lotto," which just sounds like a good time.
Alabama had quit from the road during 2004 but returned fairly quickly, launching a new set of dates during 2011. Four years later, the group finally hit the studio for a new album. The band will continue to tour in support of Southern Drawl during the Fall.
Alabama released eight no. 1 Country albums during the '80s, as well as one more in 2006. Its success on the country singles chart is unprecedented however, including 21-consecutive no. 1's from 1980-'87, plus another 11 no. 1s on top of that.
