Album Review: Gary Clark Jr. Solidifies “This Land” IS HIS!

Artists are known as sensitive souls, and these are times when we need their sensitivity. Throughout history the artist has not only been a reflector of the times but also a moral compass; trying to bring a moral mirror to people in hopes they will decide to do better. With this in mind, Gary Clark Jr’s This Land reveals to listeners, especially Americans, that hate and hypocrisy have played far too big a role in history.

From slavery to Native American’s genocide and DON’T GET ME STARTED ON PUERTO RICO, America is marked by violence, of which Gary turns up his usual sultry, serener melodies to have a seething string. From “This Land” to “The Governor,” Gary’s annotates his voice with the combined rambunctious, sweetness of Chuck Berry and the steady, story-telling vocals of Muddy Waters. He does this to, ultimately, call America out, and ask why are we so hateful? Yes, history proves we have a “hate problem,” but, as human beings, why do we consistently write and beg for love only to give and enact her opposite? Blessed with a voice that can grab attention through its frothed, raw raspiness, Gary Clark Jr. makes you LISTEN to his words. 

This Land is 100% percent one of Gary Clark Jr’s best albums, in part, because you feel his spirit. From his arrangements to his messages, he oozes with heart and hurt, and using songs such as “Feed The Babies,” “I Walk Alone,” “Dirty Dishes Blues,” and “Gotta Get To Something” to muddle through how history has not only played a role in molding the destinies of the black/ POC communities but also has roughened how its members find their individual humanity. He cannot go anywhere without being seen as black man, but, in that truth, he must find out how he sees himself as a human being. Hence, This Land comes off like a sociological, “think tank” veiled by bluesy, rock music. In this sonic forum, The Professor, Gary Clark Jr., steers discussion with personal anecdotes of his own struggles and hopes.

Sonically, Gary Clark Jr’s This Land swings from the nostalgic, Jimi Hendrix vibes of “Pearl Cadillac” to the raucous, lovelorn guitar of “Feeling Like A Million.” Honestly, this record is cinematic in how it drives you, through sound, into every emotion a person can feel. Gary uses the guitar like a heart monitor; completely cognizant of how fast he wants your heart to beat when he reaches certain subjects or levels of soulfulness. The result is a record that, to put plainly, is really good. For More Information On Gary Clark Jr. And To Buy This Land On February 22 Click Here.