Whitney have always had a gift for turning the everyday into something luminous, but Small Talk feels like the album where they’ve distilled everything they’ve been chasing since their debut into one cohesive statement. Set for release November 7th on AWAL, the Chicago band’s fourth record is not just their most affecting to date, it’s arguably their best, full stop. If their past albums flirted with brilliance, this one weds it, an effortless blend of their signature soft-focus soul, shimmering folk-rock warmth, and tenderly crafted pop that glows from the first note to the last.

Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek spoke candidly with us about the making of this record, and what came through most clearly was a sense of freedom. Every instrument sits exactly where it should, every harmony breathes, and yet the album never feels overworked. Partially recorded in the confines of their apartment, it quickly proved you don’t need multimillion-dollar studio space to create something that’s as grand as this is.

The singles already hinted at a band in rare form, but it’s the album’s deep cuts that elevate it to something transcendent. “Evangeline,” featuring a stunning guest vocal from Madison Cunningham, is the kind of track that sneaks up on you, delicate, aching, and unshakably beautiful. It’s one of those rare moments that makes you stop whatever you’re doing just to listen closer, and it crystallizes the quiet power Whitney have perfected.

What makes Small Talk so special is that it plays like the best of Whitney’s past records rolled into one. The hazy nostalgia of Light Upon the Lake, the understated elegance of Forever Turned Around, and the exploratory spirit of Spark all find their echoes here, but elevated, refined, and seamlessly fused. It’s an album that feels lived-in but never stagnant, timeless yet urgently present.

Small Talk builds a world that’s tender, warm, and endlessly replayable. At a manageable runtime, it’s the kind of record that begs to be started over as soon as it ends. In a career already full of highlights, Whitney have delivered their masterpiece.

The band has a couple shows planned for the rest of this year, but 2026 is looking to be their most fruitful yet. They’re embarking on a world tour, and if our experience with seeing them live is any indication, it’s a show and experience you don’t want to miss! We urge everyone out there to enjoy our conversation with the band, but more importantly, to gear up for the big release by checking out all those important links below.

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Whitney Open Up on "Small Talk", Touring, Recording, & So Much More