Catalog Number: 09362487310 Color: Black Format: LP UPC: 093624873105 Gary Clark Jr.'s upcoming album, titled "JPEG RAW," represents a significant milestone in his musical journey as his fourth studio release. It serves as a powerful and expansive artistic statement. While maintaining the profound resonance of his blues roots and showcasing guitar virtuosity with subtlety and conviction, Clark ventures beyond familiar territories. The focus is on songwriting and studio craftsmanship without sacrificing the raw essence that defines his youthful legend (as recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine, which dubbed him "The Chosen One"). The music on the album is dense and adventurous, featuring a cohesive synthesis of Clark's eclectic musical palette. Elements such as hip-hop samples, influences from Thelonious Monk and Sonny Boy Williamson, and flourishes of African and World Music, blend seamlessly with blues, rock, R&B, and rap. Clark explores familiar genres with a newfound unity, creating a fresh and distinctive style. His lyrics are pointed, deeply personal, outspoken, and socially conscious, occasionally delving into rap and spoken word. The sonics create an immersive experience, bordering on modern groove-oriented psychedelia, with hip-hop-driven beats in verses transitioning into anthemic choruses enriched with power chords and wide fuzz riffage. Key tracks like "Maktub," "JPEG RAW," "This Is Who We Are," "Hyperwave," and the epic 10-minute journey of "Habits" defy easy categorization in the often corporate and predictable world of "alt" music. The co-written duet with Stevie Wonder, titled "What About The Children," feels like an immediate classic, reminiscent of Wonder's iconic albums like Innervisions or Talking Book, albeit with Clark's distinctive fuzzed-out riff and hip-hop sensibilities. Gary Clark Jr. has always exuded swagger and sensuality in his sound, showcasing formidable skills when handling six strings. "JPEG RAW" encapsulates all of that while breaking new ground, delivering a thrilling and inspiring experience on every level.