
Gary Clarke Jr.: The Story of Sonny Boy Slim
4 / 5
Warner Bros. 2015 Reviewed By Caleb SweetingHe’s toured with the Rolling Stones, modeled with Jimmy Page, has fans including Eric Clapton and dates a Victoria’s Secret Model – there’s no questioning Austin born Gary Clark Jr. has something everyone wants a piece of. His 2012 breakthrough album Blak and Blu made it into Rolling Stone’s top 50 Albums of the year and led some critics to label Clark Jr. as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.
Three years on and Clark Jr. is back with his follow up, The Story of Sonny Boy Slim – deeply rooted in African-American soul music – anyone who says they aren’t moved by at least one song on this LP is lying.
The Healing can be interpreted as a metaphorical band-aid for the mistreatment of minority communities around the world. The repetitive lyrics, “This music is my healing,” tied together with a mixture of gospel vocals and hip hop vibe makes it one of the best tracks on the album.
Hold On is a reflection of what we see when we turn on the television, “Another mother crying on TV because her boy didn’t make it,” he sings – pushing you to think beyond what you see on the news while still offering hope, “Hold on, we’re gonna make it,” he reassures.
From start to finish this LP sucks you in – from the funky as all hell Star, to the gospel sounds on Church, Clark Jr. possess that rare ability to send shivers down your spine. The Story of Sonny Boy Slim is a narrative, but not one about any one character in particular – but the journey of a “boy” or girl who’s survived a rough life and allowed their struggles to shape them into a stronger and more complete person.
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