The Alabama Shakes showcase a soulful sound in their debut album, “Boys & Girls.” The Alabama Shakes is a band comprised of Brittany Howard, a former postal worker, as lead singer and guitarist, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell and drummer Steve Johnson. Howard and Cockrell were high school classmates who met Johnson, while he worked at the only record store in town. The band was formed in Athens, Ala., in 2009.

Band members found fame in 2011 when they sent the track, “You Ain’t Alone” to Justin Gage, founder of popular music blog, Aquarium Drunkard. They created 11 tracks for “Boys & Girls,” and the album was released in April 2012.

The band’s sound of powerful guitar riffs and ballads have been praised by critics. Lead singer and guitarist Howard has been compared to 1960s soul powerhouses such as Janis Joplin, Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin.

Howard’s voice is emotional and raw, with lyrics taken from Howard’s experiences in love and life. There are songs such as the emotional and soul-influenced “Be Mine,” in which Howard croons about a boy who is different from the other suitors she’s had. There’s the fun “Hang Loose,” a cheerful track about escaping the troubles and worries of reality and spending time with the one she loves.

Those who enjoy 1960s soul artists such as Joplin and Franklin will enjoy the sound of Alabama Shakes. The album is available in stores, on iTunes and Amazon and is offered in multiple formats, including vinyl.