Blak and Blu
by Gary Clark, Jr.
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 25, 2013
    60
    His guitar and voice are at their best on the likes of opening Stax stomper Ain't Messin' 'Round and the heavy soul of When My Train Pulls In, Numb, and the funky Bright Lights--his guitar crunchy and full in a way you only get with good amps and pedals.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Feb 22, 2013
    60
    Large parts of Blak and Blu are spent crooning falsetto soul numbers or cranking out chunky rockers in the vein of the Stones and Bob Seger.
  3. BBC Music
    Feb 12, 2013
    60
    What remains is an adequate compilation of nostalgic sounds, largely void of Clark’s unique voice. Greater consistency would have worked wonders.
  5. Q Magazine
    Feb 12, 2013
    60
    Gary Clark, Jr merges smooth vocals with economical guitar wizardry and makes it all sound less wearyingly pub-rock by embracing the 21st century. [Mar 2013, p.95]
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  6. Mojo
    Feb 6, 2013
    60
    Producers Mike Elizondo and Rob Cavallo smooth away many of the rough edges, and it's the tracks that escape the industry sander that are great. [Mar 2013, p.87]
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  7. NOW Magazine
    Nov 1, 2012
    60
    By trying to please all demographics here, Clark gives little sense of who he is.
  8. Consequence
    Oct 26, 2012
    60
    In a perfect world, he'd have everything necessary to run the blues flag worldwide; for now, we'll have to settle for something merely enjoyable.
  9. American Songwriter
    Oct 23, 2012
    60
    As is, our appetite has only been whetted and not satiated.
  10. Blurt Magazine
    Oct 23, 2012
    60
    Clark's talent is undeniable, but only when he's not flogging it half to death.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Most Shared Album of 2012

User Reviews

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User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. powerhouse66
    Nov 14, 2013
    9
    Solid blues with added surprises of hip hop, soul and power pop! One of my favorites to wake up the party or travelling in the car! Gary ClarkSolid blues with added surprises of hip hop, soul and power pop! One of my favorites to wake up the party or travelling in the car! Gary Clark Jr is the latest in a long line of talented and versatile guitarists in the guitar hero mode.… Full Review »
  2. VivaMexico4
    Dec 6, 2012
    9
    Gary Clark Jr. is amazing at what he does. That solo on "Please Come Home" is filled with so much soul I don't know how else to describe it.Gary Clark Jr. is amazing at what he does. That solo on "Please Come Home" is filled with so much soul I don't know how else to describe it. "Third Stone from the Sun / If You Love Me Like You Say" is just plain crazy. He has is own signature sound. It's kind of like how you can tell just by listening when Hendrix is playing, or Santana, or Jack White. That little lick he plays on that song (Third Stone form the Sun...) is derived from Hendrix's version but he made it his own. I like it all. There's something missing, though. I was expecting another song like "Numb" but with even more energy. Maybe Gary can create something crazy in his next album. I'd love to hear some Muddy Waters mixed with Jack White and some Hendrix flavor on a track.… Full Review »
  3. MetricStation3
    Nov 19, 2012
    5
    Good, not great. Some songs have enough power in them to make the album worth listening to worth while, but ultimately most songs areGood, not great. Some songs have enough power in them to make the album worth listening to worth while, but ultimately most songs are skippable. Such a contrast from song to song does not fair well to a listener looking for consistency from song to song. Ultimately, this album fell short of its potential.… Full Review »
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