Brittany Howard, “What Now.”

The musical power of Brittany Howard lies in her ability to express herself with unwavering fearlessness through her dynamic vocals and bona fide lyricism. On her sophomore solo album, What Now, she delivers an unpredictable medley of soul, piercing honesty and an urgency that demands attention.

What Now follows her mesmerizing debut, Jaime, which offered powerful statements like “Stay High” and “History Repeats.”

On this spellbinding 12-track album, Howard delves into the complexities of love and introspection, juxtaposing these themes on a background of sharp lyrics and psychedelic sounds. She also throws in some soul and blues. Like Jaime, this album illustrates Howard’s journey with relationships and love, her thoughts on the world and liberation and some words of encouragement and reassurance.

What Now was inspired by Howard reflecting on her life after taking a break from Alabama Shakes and growing as an independent artist. After the success of her debut, pandemic lockdowns and everything that’s happened in between, she sits with the titular question: “What now?”

On the title track, the Grammy-winning vocalist clamors for change in a relationship and brings herself to confront the realities of love. She explodes on the bridge over heavy chaotic riffs and drumming. “I surrender let me go/ I don’t love to give you more/ You’re fucking up my energy/ I told the truth so set me free,” she bellows. Brittany Howard is unapologetic and aware, and this dark, raged energy also translates in the visuals for the video.

“Red Flags” also carries this chaotic energy. It’s an electric rollercoaster with fast-paced beats and eclectic vocals that confront the realization of toxic love.

Like Jaime, What Now is an album of self-discovery and a platform for Howard to explore her range as a vocalist and instrumentalist by shapeshifting through genres. “Prove it” is a pop banger. It’s fun and groovy. Its fast-paced tempo becomes a veil over the vulnerable and lucid lyrics. “I’ve never been good at falling in love/ I fall so hard I never get up/ Don’t hurt me ’cause I can’t take it any more,” she sings. Admitting to heartbreak and attempting to love again is courageous and frightening, and Howard doesn’t shy from wearing her heart on her sleeve.

Soul and jazz lovers will marvel over “I Don’t,” “Samson” and “Patience.” Like the hit “Stay High,” “I Don’t” carries an alternative blues energy that’s relaxing and cheerful, while asking more important questions: “Does anyone remember what it felt like to laugh all night?/ Sleep in late?/ Without a want for anything?” she asks.

The simplicity and abstractness of “Samson” is what makes this love ballad a highlight. The arrangement is somber, yearning and layered with rustic singing Howard continues this conversation that’s prevalent throughout the album: “I’m split in two/ Don’t know what I want to do/ Should I stick with you?/ Don’t know how I’m gonna choose.” There’s a consistent turmoil over love.

Growing up in Alabama as a queer girl from a multiracial family, Howard advocates for equality and liberation; she’s clear about that in her music. She breaks the middle of the album with an interlude: an excerpt from Maya Angelou famously reading her poem “A Brave and Startling Truth” to the United Nation in 1995.

This is followed by “Another Day,” an upbeat banger that erupts from the beginning. “I believe in a world where we could go outside/ And be who we want and see who we like/ And love each other through this wild ride,” she sings. It’s joyous and hopeful.

Brittany Howard concludes the album with “Every Color in Blue,” a pandemonium with trumpets and echoing vocals. It’s a whirlwind of sounds that carries a wild spirit that only she can execute.

Listeners who enjoyed Jaime will love What Now. Like the debut, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. It’s erratic and fast-paced, while dreamy and romantic.

Follow Dumisani Mnisi at Twitter.com/nairobi_1899 and Instagram.com/nairobi_1899.