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This Land
by
This Land Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth full-length studio release for the Austin singer-guitarist was co-produced with Jacob Sciba.
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Top Track

I Got My Eyes On You (Locked & Loaded)
I left home to never come back But I want you, but I want you Your persuasion brought me back 'Cause I want you, 'cause I want you Expectations got... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. The New York Times
    Feb 20, 2019
    90
    On This Land, his third major-label studio album, his songwriting has caught up with his playing. ... It has something to do with the power of contrariness: that is, Clark’s determination to deliver the raw, analog, spontaneous opposite of crisply quantized digital content. And it has a lot to do with America in 2019, where division, frustration and seething anger can use an outlet with the historical resonance and emotional depth of the blues.
  2. Exclaim
    Feb 27, 2019
    90
    This Land is a triumph for Clark and a quantum leap forward for the blues.
  3. Variety
    Feb 27, 2019
    90
    A good amount of the record adds up to a concept album about a successful musician trying to balance the demands and rewards of the road with home and family life. That’s not exactly unexplored territory on a rock (or blues or soul) record, but it does feel like Clark is honestly grappling with some internal issues here, in a variety of musical styles and subgenres that all go down easy.
  4. Classic Rock Magazine
    Feb 20, 2019
    80
    As Clark wraps up with the formulaic 12-bar of Dirty Dishes Blues, you realise how much the rest of the album pushes the envelope and applaud him for it. [Mar 2019, p.88]
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  5. Pitchfork
    Mar 4, 2019
    79
    This Land is the first place where Gary Clark Jr. doesn’t appear hemmed in by the past. The album may be informed by old sounds and forms, yet these familiar tropes feel fresh thanks to Clark’s idiosyncratic splicing.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    Mar 22, 2019
    78
    This Land runs as a philosophical course correction, as a truer start on his path forward.
  7. Under The Radar
    Feb 27, 2019
    60
    This Land might not be a huge success. Some parts of the 16-song album are cheesy ("Feeling Like a Million"), too lyrically aggressive ("This Land"), or lacking innovation ("Low Down Rolling Stone"). However, few guitarists can consistently play notes this high, and do so with such quality. Clark Jr. can really rip a solo—that's his appeal to listeners—and a few more of those guitar extensions would have done This Land better.

See all 14 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. jasharkowalski
    Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Play it loud, no other suggestion is necessary....especially while driving !
  2. vini_sab
    Dec 22, 2020
    9
    It's ecletic, powerful and establishes Gary Clark Jr. as one of the best and most relevant guitarist nowadays.
  4. averagejoe23
    Feb 28, 2019
    9
    At 17 tracks long, this is an ambitious effort, combining various styles and themes. Inevitably there is some drag toward the middle and backAt 17 tracks long, this is an ambitious effort, combining various styles and themes. Inevitably there is some drag toward the middle and back end of the album but just when you're thinking that the album will peter out, a new and vibrant song catches your ear and renews your interest.

    Particular highs for the album are the title track, This Land which is a vicious attack on the current political climate in the US that grabs your attention through its raw emotion and thumping beat. Also, the delightful surprise of the punk-influenced Gotta Get Into Something really shows an evolution from the blues that characterizes much of Clark Jr.'s discography. Two other great highs for me were the soulful love anthem When I'm Gone and similarly heartfelt The Guitar Man.    … Expand
  5. sammyanthony
    Mar 1, 2019
    7
    Could've been more compact and minimal. This Land feels like a live rendition from Gary Clark, Jr. and is comparable with any other blues rockCould've been more compact and minimal. This Land feels like a live rendition from Gary Clark, Jr. and is comparable with any other blues rock musicians'. Nothing really outstanding except for his lyricism and 6-string prowess.… Expand

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