Though renowned for her lead vocals in The Alabama Shakes, her career away from the band has allowed Howard to take us on a sonic journey as she explores different themes as an artist. These extend further than the music, as in her band Thunderbitch Howard expressed her rock and roll persona with titles like, “Leather Jacket” and “I just Wanna Rock n Roll”. She also added her vocals to Bermuda Triangle Band since the last release of a Shakes album. With the release of “Jaime” Howard ventures off for the first time as a solo artist and provides you with an eclectic mix of sounds through the album. Some (13th Century Metal) are more experimental than others. Some (Run To Me) remind me of Purple Rain. And others provide a shocking story of racism Howard experienced growing up in the South (Goat Head). The album also presents racial tensions currently experienced by Howard on songs like “Georgia” and “13th Century Metal”. But the common thread between all of these projects and this album is Howard’s voice. On Jaime, Howard extends her vocal range even further. She sings against blues, rock and roll, 808’s and synths, and soul sounds from the band. This album is super dope and the sound is funky and experimental and once Howard starts singing her vocals bring life to the song. It’s great to hear Howard spread her style and present her vocals with a sound other than blues. As much as I enjoy this album, I can’t wait for the announcement of another album by The Shakes.