Soul Asylum reunited with Acclaimed Producer Steve Jordan (Rolling Stones, John Mayer) For a Bold New Chapter
Grammy award-winning and multi-platinum selling rock band Soul Asylum return today with the release of their highly anticipated 13th studio album, Slowly But Shirley. Known for their dynamic blend of punk energy and heartfelt melodies, Soul Asylum's new album delivers a rich array of musical styles, from raucous rockers with guitar-fueled firepower to delicate heartfelt tunes. Collaborating once again with producer Steve Jordan (Rolling Stones, John Mayer, Robert Cray, Keith Richards), who helmed their 1990 album And the Horse They Rode In On, the band finds a seamless balance between revisiting their roots and breaking new sonic ground. At the heart of the album is frontman Dave Pirner's soulful songwriting, with the band recording live in the studio to capture the raw, captivating spirit that defines their unforgettable live performances.
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The album's title and cover pay homage to Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a pioneering drag racer who inspired Pirner in his youth. “When I was a kid, I loved drag racing,” he says. “And she was the first woman of drag race. It meant a lot to me that she was willing to stand up against all these men in racing. My manager called her up, and she gave us her blessing, which means a whole lot to me because she was a childhood hero.”
Slowly But Shirley opens with the powerful track “The Only Thing I’m Missing,” showcasing the band's signature sound with a scorching guitar line and a buoyant tempo, setting the tone for the rest of the 11 tracks. The album flows effortlessly into the deeply introspective “High Road,” a single that took Pirner years to perfect. Its raw vulnerability and hook-laden chorus are quintessential Soul Asylum, embodying the spirit of resilience and evolution that defines the album. The song’s emotional weight is a clear standout, showcasing Pirner's ability to capture personal struggles in an accessible, melodic way.
“Freak Accident” is an easygoing yet poignant track that Pirner performed live for years before finally recording it. Its reflective lyrics touch on the inevitability of human mistakes, underscored by an acoustic guitar sound. The track has quickly become a fan favorite and adds a lighter, yet still thoughtful, element to the album's overall intensity. Delving into the more experimental side, Slowly But Shirley offers the psychedelic “You Don’t Know Me,” adding variety to the album’s sonic landscape. Groovy and textured, it pushes the band into unexpected territories, enriching the overall experience of the album and keeping listeners intrigued.
With Slowly But Shirley, Soul Asylum continues to explore the emotional highs and lows of life while honoring their legacy as one of Minneapolis' most enduring rock bands. The album is a testament to their staying power, combining musical growth with the familiar grit and energy that has defined them for over four decades. “You come into the studio with everything you've learned from previous record-making experiences,” Pirner says. "That can't help but guide you and make it a better, more efficient process.”
Soul Asylum’s legacy spans over four decades, highlighted by their breakthrough album, Grave Dancers Union, which went double platinum and featured the Grammy-winning hit, "Runaway Train." Despite challenges and changes, the band has remained a vital force in the rock scene, continually evolving while staying true to their roots. Slowly But Shirley is a testament to their enduring spirit and creative prowess.