05 November 2026
Newsdesk
Celebrating his 52nd birthday today, seven-time Grammy nominee Ryan Adams has announced Animal, a ten-track studio album arriving on 12 February 2027 via his own PAX-AM imprint. The announcement comes alongside the release of lead single "Amethyst," with the album now available for pre-order across vinyl, CD, and digital formats.
Recorded as an almost entirely solo effort, Animal showcases Adams performing drums, bass, guitars, piano, synths, percussion, and harmonica across ten self-penned tracks. Produced and mixed alongside Dror Mohar with mastering by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound, the project features guest contributions from long-time friend Daniel Clarke on synths and Hammond B3 organ, alongside saxophonist J.C. Khul.
Atmospherically set after dark amid bar lights and neon-lit streets, the album ranges from confessions on "Automatic Heart" to the horror-film walk of "Jesus H" and the wintry closing track "Outsiders In." Lead single "Amethyst" offers a bruised and defiant reflection on the music industry, aging, and survival, framing Adams as "the ghost in the attic... the color of driftwood and amethyst."
The new release follows an active period for the songwriter, which included the 25th-anniversary reissue of his defining 2000 solo debut Heartbreaker in 2025. Rising to prominence as co-founder of alt-country pioneers Whiskeytown, Adams has built a prolific solo discography including Gold, Love Is Hell, and Ashes & Fire, alongside producing works for Willie Nelson, Jenny Lewis, and Fall Out Boy.
Animal marks his latest release through PAX-AM, following recent albums such as Wednesdays, Big Colors, and Devolver. Exclusive vinyl variants and bundles are available via the artist's official store ahead of the February release.
