*“American Dream” single artwork. (Island Records)*

Alabama Shakes’ new single, 2026, arrives in the form of “American Dream,” the reunited band’s second original track since returning from a six-year hiatus at the end of 2024.

Frontwoman Brittany Howard offered a candid look at the song’s inspiration, describing it as a reflection of the pressures defining everyday life right now. She pointed to the gap between how hard people work and how little systemic support exists, citing something as basic as taking time off to bring a sick child to the doctor as an example of the absurdity she wanted to capture.

Howard also expressed hope that the song would eventually serve as a time capsule. “My hope is that one day people will hear this song and say, ‘Yeah, s*** was crazy back then, but we made it through,'” she said.

“American Dream” follows “Another Life,” which arrived in 2025 as the band’s first new music since their acclaimed 2015 album Sound & Color. Both tracks have emerged since Alabama Shakes confirmed their reunion, signaling that a more substantial return may be on the horizon.

The band will hit the road stateside beginning April 16 in Richmond, Virginia.

Content for this summary was derived from original reporting by ABC Audio, as featured on 105.7 The Point