Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. 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.
  2. Feb 27, 2019
    90
    This Land is a triumph for Clark and a quantum leap forward for the blues.
  3. 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.
  4. Feb 25, 2019
    80
    It frequently upends expectations while confirming Clark's broad talent and imagination, and if this doesn't convince you he's a major artist, nothing will.
  5. Feb 22, 2019
    80
    It’s an effective blend superior to earlier attempts at versatility, as on the Bright Lights EP and, during the aforementioned “What About Us,” comparable to the absorption of musical elements present on previous full-length studio albums like Blak And Blu.
  6. Q Magazine
    Feb 20, 2019
    80
    The Texan singer and guitarist's fifth album feels like a one-man exploration of African-American music. .. The blues is in safe hands. [Apr 2019, p.110]
  7. Mojo
    Feb 20, 2019
    80
    On This Land, Clark and his guitar stay true to the mission. [Apr 2019, p.92]
  8. 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]
  9. 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.
  10. Mar 22, 2019
    78
    This Land runs as a philosophical course correction, as a truer start on his path forward.
  11. Mar 14, 2019
    75
    This Land proves Clark knows his way around a soundbooth, too, not to mention the news cycle. He’s a restless artist in the best way, and if he keeps chasing those kinetic blues, there’s surely only more good to come.
  12. Feb 22, 2019
    70
    At 17 tracks, This Land feels packed with too many ideas, only some of them landing. At its best, though, the album points to a new way forward for Clark. It’s a crucial stride for an artist who’s long been searching for direction.
  13. Uncut
    Feb 20, 2019
    70
    This fifth studio release is no less diverse, hitting hardest with the Woody Guthrie-alluding title track, a raging blast of rap-hop that addresses prejudice and intolerance in the Trump era. More frequently, though, Clark immerses himself in funk and soul. [Mar 2019, p.26]
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 25
  2. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. 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. Full Review »
  2. Mar 4, 2019
    10
    Play it loud, no other suggestion is necessary....especially while driving !
  3. 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.
    Full Review »