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Editorial Reviews
In addition to 12 of Clark's original compositions, Blak and Blu also features a 13th song - a blistering cover of Little Johnny Taylor's (popularized by Albert Collins), "If You Love Me Like You Say / Third Stone From The Sun" (Jimi Hendrix) is actually a complete reworking of the song utilizing the Hendrix riff reinterpreted by Clark. The result is an extraordinary hybrid of the two ideas that breathes new fire to an old favorite.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
128 of 153 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Teased for so long, Gary Clark Jr., thank you for finally issuing this album. I have played the Bright Lights CD over so many times, waiting for this album to be released. And then it arrives and oh darn it; this is a mangled mess of an album. There are songs on here that make me want to tear my ears out and never listen to music again, and then there are masterpieces that I can listen to a million times. To me, this should have been two albums - a beautiful hard-core rock / blues album that drives hard, and an over produced pop album (and throw in maybe a little nod to the 50's Rock Around The Clock crowd).
This album is a download, not buy. If your tastes run the same direction as his Bright Lights EP, the preview clips do an excellent job showing which tracks are in that same direction and which are the pop tracks to avoid. On the other hand, if pop music is something you love, well avoid those harder tracks and enjoy funk, rock, and 50's music.
The album is a mystery of contrasts and not necessarily put together to listen from track one to thirteen. Yes, 80's funk and urban music has their roots in the blues. But putting John Legend style smooth next to the hard-edged blues song Bright Lights just makes no sense at all. And I will forever scratch my head over how somebody could put a hard-core Delta Blues song on this album. Maybe it will introduce this blues style to new fans.
Ain't Messin Around will probably get radio play. What I've loved about the original EP and Gary's live performances are his amazing guitar playing and clean mixes. Ain't Messin Around is heavily produced with many backing tracks and just too much of everything compared to his other songs. This is just one of those almost pop songs that I hope he makes a pile of money with. There are a lot of reasons to compare Gary to The Black Keys - they are both first and foremost blues bands (yes I know, Dan and Patrick don't want to be called a blues band, because nobody buys blues records). This song does essentially the same thing The Black Keys did with Brothers, they moved to a more accessible style of music. Gary went the 80's funk route with less rock and roll edge on this song.
When My Train Pulls In - This is the Gary Clark Jr. I love. Exactly in the same tone as Bright Lights, he reminds me that he is an amazing guitar player. This is the reason I love this guy. Studio version of what was an excellent live track on The Bright Lights EP.
Blak and Blu - Written by Gary Clark Jr., Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, and Don Robey. This sounds a bit like John Legend, oh how did Gary let his voice move toward that smooth funk, way over produced style of music?
Bright Lights is the final release of the song Gary has been playing for well over a year. It is the big song from his EP.
Travis County - Johnny B. Goode, channeling. I'm sure he had fun making this song. My tastes don't run toward the Rock Around The Clock rock and roll. Gary almost makes this a good song, for me it falls a bit short. I hate to admit it but I picture Fonzie jumping over the shark with this song.
The Life. Oh no, autotune, Gary no no no you can't do this. Where in the world did this come from? Eric Clapton hates you for this song. This is one of those cute pop songs about getting high. Foster The People would be very proud of this song - hide something in a catchy silly pop hook. And it is even worse; the engineer added fake record LP snaps a pops to the intro and close of the song.
Glitter Ain't Gold - Another good follow up to Bright Lights. Doyle Bramhall II collaborated on writing this song with Gary. I would have liked less backing vocals that cover up the music and Gary's voice. Another song where his guitar playing is front and center.
Numb - Yes, finally a real blues song. Hard driving, and painful about his woman doing him wrong. Guitar, drums, and bass - exactly the instruments that make Gary sound the best. Finally, Eric Clapton, and Buddy Guy would be proud of Gary.
Please Come Home - oh please, 50's Frankie Valley crooning. Oh no, this is just plain painful. Fully loaded with the trumpets, violins, and silly background music. And then Gary does a great guitar solo in the middle with all the doo whop music playing at the same time. If I wanted 50's music, I'd buy a greatest hits album.
Things Are Changin' - studio version of the excellent live track from Bright Lights EP. I do kind of like this even though it still has John Legend floating in it. The difference with the other songs, there is a harder edge to his voice, the rhythm is infectious, and works with his voice. I do prefer the live version.
Third Stone From The Sun / If You Love Me Like You Say - Jimi Hendrix song. Gary slowed this song down from the way Hendrix originally performed the song. Where Hendrix cuts words off for emphasis, Gary runs them out a bit longer. They threw in a little organ and scratching for good measure. Gary isn't quite Hendrix on the guitar, but man he is ever so close. This is not a great version of the song, but I still like it.
You Saved Me - nasty gritty fuzzed guitar opens this song. But then his voice comes in a little too perfect, a little too smooth. But the contrast is good in this case. I'm not a huge fan of the rhythm guitar hook, a little too simple compared to the gritty lead guitar. Overall, this one pulls those differences off.
Next Door Neighbor Blues - Delta Blues!!! Gary on the slide guitar and a ratty old blues microphone, life is fabulous. Hubert Sumlin, and Honeboy Edwards would be proud of this song. I have no idea how anybody could possibly put this song and the opening track the same album. They are just so different and appeal to such a different audience.
One big omission from the EP - You Don't Owe Me A Thang is not on this album. I love that song. He could have easily gotten rid of one of those over produced pop pieces of trash and published this song.
In the end, download this album, pick and choose tracks carefully. Gary Clark Jr. is an amazing singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He works darn hard and deserves a huge paycheck. I hope he was paid very well for this album. I also hope that his next album goes to what he knows how to do so well, write great music, play an incredibly guitar, and sing his heart out. Leave the engineers and corporate marketing people out of the music.
The Bright Lights EP
This album is a download, not buy. If your tastes run the same direction as his Bright Lights EP, the preview clips do an excellent job showing which tracks are in that same direction and which are the pop tracks to avoid. On the other hand, if pop music is something you love, well avoid those harder tracks and enjoy funk, rock, and 50's music.
The album is a mystery of contrasts and not necessarily put together to listen from track one to thirteen. Yes, 80's funk and urban music has their roots in the blues. But putting John Legend style smooth next to the hard-edged blues song Bright Lights just makes no sense at all. And I will forever scratch my head over how somebody could put a hard-core Delta Blues song on this album. Maybe it will introduce this blues style to new fans.
Ain't Messin Around will probably get radio play. What I've loved about the original EP and Gary's live performances are his amazing guitar playing and clean mixes. Ain't Messin Around is heavily produced with many backing tracks and just too much of everything compared to his other songs. This is just one of those almost pop songs that I hope he makes a pile of money with. There are a lot of reasons to compare Gary to The Black Keys - they are both first and foremost blues bands (yes I know, Dan and Patrick don't want to be called a blues band, because nobody buys blues records). This song does essentially the same thing The Black Keys did with Brothers, they moved to a more accessible style of music. Gary went the 80's funk route with less rock and roll edge on this song.
When My Train Pulls In - This is the Gary Clark Jr. I love. Exactly in the same tone as Bright Lights, he reminds me that he is an amazing guitar player. This is the reason I love this guy. Studio version of what was an excellent live track on The Bright Lights EP.
Blak and Blu - Written by Gary Clark Jr., Gil Scott-Heron, Brian Jackson, and Don Robey. This sounds a bit like John Legend, oh how did Gary let his voice move toward that smooth funk, way over produced style of music?
Bright Lights is the final release of the song Gary has been playing for well over a year. It is the big song from his EP.
Travis County - Johnny B. Goode, channeling. I'm sure he had fun making this song. My tastes don't run toward the Rock Around The Clock rock and roll. Gary almost makes this a good song, for me it falls a bit short. I hate to admit it but I picture Fonzie jumping over the shark with this song.
The Life. Oh no, autotune, Gary no no no you can't do this. Where in the world did this come from? Eric Clapton hates you for this song. This is one of those cute pop songs about getting high. Foster The People would be very proud of this song - hide something in a catchy silly pop hook. And it is even worse; the engineer added fake record LP snaps a pops to the intro and close of the song.
Glitter Ain't Gold - Another good follow up to Bright Lights. Doyle Bramhall II collaborated on writing this song with Gary. I would have liked less backing vocals that cover up the music and Gary's voice. Another song where his guitar playing is front and center.
Numb - Yes, finally a real blues song. Hard driving, and painful about his woman doing him wrong. Guitar, drums, and bass - exactly the instruments that make Gary sound the best. Finally, Eric Clapton, and Buddy Guy would be proud of Gary.
Please Come Home - oh please, 50's Frankie Valley crooning. Oh no, this is just plain painful. Fully loaded with the trumpets, violins, and silly background music. And then Gary does a great guitar solo in the middle with all the doo whop music playing at the same time. If I wanted 50's music, I'd buy a greatest hits album.
Things Are Changin' - studio version of the excellent live track from Bright Lights EP. I do kind of like this even though it still has John Legend floating in it. The difference with the other songs, there is a harder edge to his voice, the rhythm is infectious, and works with his voice. I do prefer the live version.
Third Stone From The Sun / If You Love Me Like You Say - Jimi Hendrix song. Gary slowed this song down from the way Hendrix originally performed the song. Where Hendrix cuts words off for emphasis, Gary runs them out a bit longer. They threw in a little organ and scratching for good measure. Gary isn't quite Hendrix on the guitar, but man he is ever so close. This is not a great version of the song, but I still like it.
You Saved Me - nasty gritty fuzzed guitar opens this song. But then his voice comes in a little too perfect, a little too smooth. But the contrast is good in this case. I'm not a huge fan of the rhythm guitar hook, a little too simple compared to the gritty lead guitar. Overall, this one pulls those differences off.
Next Door Neighbor Blues - Delta Blues!!! Gary on the slide guitar and a ratty old blues microphone, life is fabulous. Hubert Sumlin, and Honeboy Edwards would be proud of this song. I have no idea how anybody could possibly put this song and the opening track the same album. They are just so different and appeal to such a different audience.
One big omission from the EP - You Don't Owe Me A Thang is not on this album. I love that song. He could have easily gotten rid of one of those over produced pop pieces of trash and published this song.
In the end, download this album, pick and choose tracks carefully. Gary Clark Jr. is an amazing singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He works darn hard and deserves a huge paycheck. I hope he was paid very well for this album. I also hope that his next album goes to what he knows how to do so well, write great music, play an incredibly guitar, and sing his heart out. Leave the engineers and corporate marketing people out of the music.
The Bright Lights EP
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I am a bit surprised by all of the ambivalent reviewers on Amazon. This album is remarkable from start to finish and I'm not finding any dull tracks whatsoever.
First, let's get something clear. Gary Clark Jr. is not a newcomer as some people are suggesting. He has several self-released albums which for some reason are not available on Amazon but I have in my iTunes library: Worry No More, 110, Gary Clark Jr. and the commercially released Bright Lights EP. Those releases sound like demos compared to 'Blak and Blu' - which offers rich instrumental arrangements and seamlessly unites the classic with the modern.
The production is diverse and provides a fusion of so many different influences and genres: a creature that's part Jimi Hendrix, part Gov't Mule, part Amorica/Three Snakes-era Black Crowes, and a tablespoon of Ben Harper, while interstitially placing songs resonating classic Muddy Waters and even Marvin Gaye ("Please Come Home" is the modern-day "Distant Lover"). And his guitar solos? Please. He hits each one with such conviction and emotion that you can't but shake your head in amazement.
This album is The Truth. Clark hasn't gone 'commercial'-- for crying out loud several of the tracks are over seven-and-a-half minutes long. This is an expression of a true Bluesman, and I believe this is a work that will be influential to a new generation of rock musicians.
Please, pick up this record and listen through it, and I assure you that you'll be pleased.
First, let's get something clear. Gary Clark Jr. is not a newcomer as some people are suggesting. He has several self-released albums which for some reason are not available on Amazon but I have in my iTunes library: Worry No More, 110, Gary Clark Jr. and the commercially released Bright Lights EP. Those releases sound like demos compared to 'Blak and Blu' - which offers rich instrumental arrangements and seamlessly unites the classic with the modern.
The production is diverse and provides a fusion of so many different influences and genres: a creature that's part Jimi Hendrix, part Gov't Mule, part Amorica/Three Snakes-era Black Crowes, and a tablespoon of Ben Harper, while interstitially placing songs resonating classic Muddy Waters and even Marvin Gaye ("Please Come Home" is the modern-day "Distant Lover"). And his guitar solos? Please. He hits each one with such conviction and emotion that you can't but shake your head in amazement.
This album is The Truth. Clark hasn't gone 'commercial'-- for crying out loud several of the tracks are over seven-and-a-half minutes long. This is an expression of a true Bluesman, and I believe this is a work that will be influential to a new generation of rock musicians.
Please, pick up this record and listen through it, and I assure you that you'll be pleased.
21 of 25 people found the following review helpful
By Eric
Format:Audio CD
I saw Gary Clark Jr perform on the first day of Chicago leg of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan last summer (July 8, 2011), and I have been waiting for him to release a full album ever since that day. Shortly after Gary Clark Jr started playing that day I knew that I would be buying any album he released on day one. Until today, I had been living off a fan's audience recording of Clark Jr's performance at the Caravan, but now I have an entire album and a wider variety of music to experience.
But enough about me. Here is my take on the album:
The tracks range from up tempo (Ain't Messin' 'Round; Travis County) to a bit of hip hop (Blak and Blu, The Life) to blues (Bright Lights) to a "crunchy" cover of 'Third Stone from the Sun.' I love the throw back to the Chuck Berry style guitar in 'Travis County,' and even though it is the second shortest song on the album it is one of my favorites already. 'Bright Lights' is one of the biggest highlights from the first time I heard Gary Clark Jr, so I was excited to see it included on this album and it does not disappoint. Finally, I want to comment on 'Next Door Neighbor Blues.' As soon as that track started playing I immediately thought of Robert Johnson and other early blues artists. It sounds like it was recorded in the studio next to Johnson back in the '30s, and I mean that in the best way possible. You can really hear the influence that old-time blues has had on Clark Jr not only in the recording style of this song, but also in story in the lyrics and the way he plays his acoustic guitar. It is truly one of the gems of the album.
I have been through the album twice, and it will be playing on a loop in my car and on my iPod for the next day or so before settling into my regular rotation.
Overall, if you're a fan of excellent guitar work with a heavy blues influence, you should pick up a copy of 'Blak and Blu.'
But enough about me. Here is my take on the album:
The tracks range from up tempo (Ain't Messin' 'Round; Travis County) to a bit of hip hop (Blak and Blu, The Life) to blues (Bright Lights) to a "crunchy" cover of 'Third Stone from the Sun.' I love the throw back to the Chuck Berry style guitar in 'Travis County,' and even though it is the second shortest song on the album it is one of my favorites already. 'Bright Lights' is one of the biggest highlights from the first time I heard Gary Clark Jr, so I was excited to see it included on this album and it does not disappoint. Finally, I want to comment on 'Next Door Neighbor Blues.' As soon as that track started playing I immediately thought of Robert Johnson and other early blues artists. It sounds like it was recorded in the studio next to Johnson back in the '30s, and I mean that in the best way possible. You can really hear the influence that old-time blues has had on Clark Jr not only in the recording style of this song, but also in story in the lyrics and the way he plays his acoustic guitar. It is truly one of the gems of the album.
I have been through the album twice, and it will be playing on a loop in my car and on my iPod for the next day or so before settling into my regular rotation.
Overall, if you're a fan of excellent guitar work with a heavy blues influence, you should pick up a copy of 'Blak and Blu.'
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rising Star
I've been hearing about Gary Clark Jr. for a few months now and I finally bought his CD. One word "awesome". Great voice to go along with excellent gutiar playing. Read more
Published 1 day ago by Nevyn H. French
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspired songwriter delivers album of variety
Gary Clark Jr.'s latest album Blak and Blu makes you realize everything that is right with the world. Read more
Published 3 days ago by staticantics
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best young bluesman around
Keep it coming Gary
Love the serious, almost Hendrix-like guitar and bluesy rock.
I'll be interested to see how his music evolves over the coming years
Love the serious, almost Hendrix-like guitar and bluesy rock.
I'll be interested to see how his music evolves over the coming years
Published 8 days ago by Marshall
2.0 out of 5 stars
Looking for more of an old school sound
Way too much rock influence for my taste.
I have Gary many times live and know he has major blues chops. Please give me more of that.
I have Gary many times live and know he has major blues chops. Please give me more of that.
Published 11 days ago by Texasleaguer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get it NOW !
This is by FAR....The BEST , I said the BEST new artist, and Blues LP I've heard in a Loooooong time !!! period.
Published 15 days ago by B.T. Richardson
4.0 out of 5 stars
bought it cause a buddy of mine said he was like a white stevie ray...
i really liked it. I bought two copies cause i let my little brother listen to it and he also liked it.
Published 16 days ago by Richard Woodall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow!
I was pleasantly surprised by the content on this CD. I'd been hearing buzz about Gary Clark Jr. from local Austin radio stations, and bought this one on a whim. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Garp10
5.0 out of 5 stars
Guitar genius
Multitalented musician. Will be breaking out soon. Great buy. Will not be disappointed. Hendricks would be proud of his cover.
Published 1 month ago by Franklin Russell
2.0 out of 5 stars
More R&B than Blues
Very different than what you see him do live.I like the artist and if you see him live you'll know what I mean.
Published 1 month ago by jim arter
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you like Robert Randolph..
This album has a nice blend of old and new. The title song has a great mix of sounds that make it different and worth listening to more than once. Read more
Published 1 month ago by skisno
