Album of the Day

Released five years ago, THE STORY OF SONNY BOY SLIM further cemented Gary Clark Jr.'s reputation as one of the best blues guitarists around. The bus depicted on the cover of the Austin-born phenom's second Warner Bros. album is appropriate; among the busiest touring performers, the singer-songwriter has shared stages with Eric Clapton, the Dave Matthews Band and the Rolling Stones. More importantly, Clark has absorbed a wide variety of influences in his travels, and these 13 tracks incorporate rock, soul and hip-hop touches on such highlights as “Grinder,” “Can't Sleep” and “Shake.” The axework is exemplary without ever becoming showy, and insightful lyrics and confident vocals (including some wonderful falsetto) add to the appeal. A Billboard Blues Album chart-topper, THE STORY OF SONNY BOY SLIM suggests that Clark's story is just beginning.