JPEG RAW by Gary Clark Jr.
Gary Clark Jr.’s new album JPEG RAW is like walking through a crowded music festival with no map—exciting, but you’re never quite sure where you’re headed. The title itself, an acronym for Jealousy, Pride, Envy, Greed… Rules, Alter Ego, Worlds, hints at the swirling blend of emotions and styles he’s playing with, but it also sets you up for a bit of sonic whiplash.
If you came here expecting the blues virtuoso from This Land or his earlier, straight-laced guitar heroics, you’re in for a surprise. Yes, blues is still Clark’s bedrock, but JPEG RAW feels like he’s throwing genre conventions into a blender and pressing “pulse.” You get a fusion of hip-hop beats, soulful falsettos, jazzy horns, and even funk grooves—all dusted with his signature fuzzy guitar riffs. Imagine Curtis Mayfield jamming with George Clinton and Prince, and you’re somewhere in the ballpark.
Musically, the album is a mixed bag. Tracks like “Maktub,” the opener, hit hard with an urgent, electrified guitar riff paired with hip-hop flows that make you want to join Clark’s call for revolution. But as the album moves through its 12 songs, the production choices sometimes feel like they’ve bitten off more than they can chew. “Don’t Start,” featuring Valerie June, tries to marry Sonny Boy Williamson’s blues with modern R&B, and while the ambition is admirable, it’s more like a genre mash-up casserole than a cohesive dish.
Lyrically, JPEG RAW toggles between personal reflections and societal commentary. Clark has never shied away from addressing social issues, but here it’s less of the punch-you-in-the-gut This Land approach and more a philosophical rumination. On “What About the Children,” featuring Stevie Wonder, he poignantly questions how we care for the future, while “Alone Together” taps into his softer, more introspective side. However, not every lyric sticks the landing, sometimes dipping into clichés amid the vast thematic spread.
The standout tracks? “This Is Who We Are Now” brings back that fire with a powerful blend of hip-hop and Clark’s soaring guitar solos, and “Funk Witch U” featuring George Clinton gives you exactly the kind of funky goodness you’d expect from such a legendary pairing . But the album also sags under its own weight at times, particularly toward the end, with “Habits,” a nine-minute slow-burner that drags when it should hit a crescendo.
Cohesion? Let’s just say this is not an album you can listen to passively. It demands your attention, but not always in a rewarding way. The disjointed track flow can make it feel more like a playlist than a thoughtfully sequenced album. That said, for those who appreciate experimentation and genre-hopping, it’s a fascinating journey, even if it gets a bit lost along the way.
JPEG RAW is not for blues purists, but it’ll likely appeal to fans who’ve followed Clark’s trajectory into more eclectic territory. If you loved the genre-blurring, socially conscious vibes of This Land, you might enjoy this, but don’t expect the same tightness. For casual listeners, the album’s scattershot approach might be a little overwhelming, but if you’re open to a bit of everything—from rap to funk to jazz—it’s worth a spin.
