Alternative-pop artist Banks is set to release her next album, which marks a return to the sound that first brought her acclaim. The new album, titled “Off With Her Head,” is scheduled for release on February 28 and is described by Banks as a spiritual successor to her debut album “Goddess.”
Released in 2014, “Goddess” received critical and commercial success, peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, the highest chart position in Banks’ career. It was followed by “The Altar” in 2016 and “III” in 2019, which debuted at Nos. 17 and 21 respectively. In 2022, Banks explored a more experimental R&B style with her fourth album “Serpentina.”
“In many ways, this album serves as a big sister to Goddess,” Banks stated. She explained that for her latest project, she has reunited with the core team of musicians and producers who were instrumental in her debut album. “Yet, it also represents something entirely new, reflecting my growth as both an artist and a person,” she added.
The upcoming album delves into themes of personal evolution and the shedding of outdated identities. “[The album is] about shedding past identities that no longer resonate,” Banks told Billboard. “The title symbolizes the various ways we construct, perform, express, and sometimes hide our thoughts. There’s a tension between how we see ourselves and the roles that society imposes. Breaking free from that has been incredibly liberating, and this journey is captured throughout the album.”
As part of the album’s promotion, Banks is set to release a new single, “Best Friends,” on November 22. The track explores the complexities of evolving friendships and the emotional challenges of growing apart.
Prior to the launch of “Off With Her Head,” Banks has another special release lined up for her fans. On December 13, she will celebrate the 10th anniversary of “Goddess” with “Goddess Unplugged,” an acoustic version of her debut album.
The return to her musical origins with “Off With Her Head” not only reconnects Banks with her earlier work but also showcases her evolution as an artist over the past decade. Fans of Banks can expect a blend of familiar emotive tones with new, mature insights into her artistic and personal growth.