Appearing on this week’s Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Alabama Shakes blew everyone away with their rendition of their song Joe. Choosing it over the standard track listing off their current album Sound & Colour, the song has only be made available as a live version and on some editions of the band’s sophomore album. But no one could contest their choice as the band pulled off a sensational performance.
A pared down, soulful track that draws on Motown greats and a Hendrix sounding blues-rock influence, Joe loses nothing set up against some of Alabama Shakes’ belters. This performance also absolutely confirmed Brittany Howard as one of today’s greatest voices. As if we had any doubt? Pushing her electrifying vocals to a gut wrenching intensity, she was joined by gospel style backing on the choruses. With the hair raising emotion of soul and the poignancy of The Smiths, who also yearned after “what I want”, Howard and her band tore the house down with this song.
Another live recording of the track was released online immediately after their performance, available to stream through Spotify. The band are gearing up for their European tour in November, following the release of Sound & Colour earlier this year. Check out our thoughts on the album here, a phenomenal follow up to their debut. You can also catch the video below for the live performance of Joe – prepare yourself for some goosebumps.