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87. Blak and Blu - Gary Clark Jr. (2012)

Blues Rock

A strong case could be made that “When My Train Pulls In” is among the most important songs released in the 2010s. It instantly cemented Gary Clark Jr. as a modern-day guitar god, in a time when nobody wants to play guitar anymore. His fretwork on this track, and throughout the entire album, is nothing short of transcendent, immediately conjuring memories of Jimi Hendrix and other icons without feeling like an imitation. 

From the opening riff, through anguish-soaked verses to the end of the monstrous 3-minute solo, the track is nearly 8 minutes of bonafide 21st century blues. Like so many of the greats that came before him, Gary Clark Jr. conjures a truly signature sound, but he doesn’t box himself in with it. On the cheekily named title track, a much stronger R&B vibe comes through, while the lyrics remain decidedly within the blues canon. On “Bright Lights”, the snarling guitar returns in force, lamenting the rockstar lifestyle and drowning sorrows. The album is nostalgic, reminiscent of some of the most quintessentially American music, while remaining a creation all its own, fresh and revitalizing. You just can’t help stomping your feet.

*image; cover art for the album Blak and Blu by the artist Gary Clark Jr.