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Before I write these reviews, I scan through recently released albums on iTunes, browse through small seemingly unknown bands I’ve never heard of, and eventually find an album worth harping on for more than 5 minutes. My biggest test is to see if I can listen through the whole album, start to finish, at least once, without the urge to skip to the next song. And, if you knew me, you’d realize how incredible that must make an album, considering I’ve had a love affair with the next button for as long as I’ve been aware of its existence. I read about the band, their history and how they came to be, and finally I read plenty of reviews already written about the album to see how I can bring new insight to the table. 

So now, before I proceed to do just that, I feel the overwhelming urge to bring attention to one particular reviewer’s spiralling downfall - Rolling Stone. What was once a magnificent publication that used to write such awe-inspiring articles practically driving you to buy the albums that instant, is just dreadfully out of touch. For goodness sake, they’ve recently written articles titled “Rebecca Black Leaves School Due to Bullying” and “Why Rebecca Black's Much-Mocked Viral Hit 'Friday' Is Actually Good” - two titles I never expected to see on TMZ or Tiger Beats let alone Rolling Stone! It pains me to even mention her name in this article for fear of giving too much recognition.

With that in mind I was less than thrilled reading the “Editor’s Choice” review of Gary Clark Jr.’s new EP. Granted I do believe the man has incredible talent but Rolling Stone failed to recognize Clark for his feats and instead made an all too terrible review of how he sounds like 18 too many rock and blues greats. Alright already we get that he has serious skill! And now for a more telling review.

Background

Gary Clark Jr. of Austin, Texas is a guitarist and actor, often pegged as the “Savior of Blues”. His work is unique yet familiar, a modern twist to an otherwise antique style, combining rock & roll and blues. To date, Clark has released 2 EPs and has appeared in the film Honeydripper, contributing 3 songs to the soundtrack. His most recent EP titled The Bright Lights was released on August 8, 2011 by Warner Bros. Records.

The Album

The four-track begins with an undoubtedly southern rock anthem fitting for the opening to any super charged blockbuster or prime-time cable TV show. The catchy “bright lights, big city, goin’ to my head” chant lends itself incredibly well to the insane guitar solos and blues twang. The following track, “Don’t Owe You A Thang” keeps up with the heavy rock with blues intertwined and kick-ass guitar riffs, featuring a vocal phenomenon making it hard to believe that Clark is only 27. Suddenly breaking from the now expected distorted guitar is a couple of live solo electric acts, “Things are Changin’ ” and “When My Train Pulls In,” demonstrating the young talents versatility from powerful and instrumental hard rock to soft vocally driven ballads.

Intrigued? Check out Gary Clark Jr.’s new EP The Bright Lights on iTunes.