This Land (CD)
Gary Clark Jr.
Amoeba Review
09/03/2020
Gary Clark Jr.’s latest, This Land, showcases a throwback blues guitar maestro at the height of his lyrical and instrumental powers. The title track takes on racism, Trump, and American culture over dark riffs, funk beats, and searing guitar. “Feed the Babies” shows off the artist’s classic soul side; he sings in a Marvin Gaye-style falsetto, accompanied by an excellent horn section and ‘70s style melodies. One of the greatest strengths of This Land is how Gary Clark Jr. manages to take on multiple genres over the course of its run time, taking what he needs and adding his own spin to genres as disparate as country-rock and dub. Angry yet hopeful, fierce yet caring, it’s a timely record that truly packs an emotional punch.