When My Train Pulls In

Zoo Freaks, get ready for a deep dive into "When My Train Pulls In" by Gary Clark Jr., a standout track from his 2012 album Blak and Blu. This seven-minute blues epic is a journey, slithering with a groovy backdrop and a dark, soulful undertone that creates one of the most memorable modern blues atmospheres. The song, clocking in at 177 beats per minute, stretches out to let Clark’s guitar prowess shine, especially in the final three minutes where he unleashes a psychedelic, hammer-on-filled solo that feels like an organic burst of emotion. Originally a solo acoustic piece on his 2008 album Worry No More, it was re-recorded with a full band for Blak and Blu, giving it a richer, more electric vibe. The 2014 music video, directed by Carmela Makela, weaves two gritty storylines—one about a high school girl navigating romance and rejection, and another featuring a young man, played by Keith Stanfield, caring for his family. Makela fought to keep a controversial sex scene in the video, arguing it was crucial to the narrative’s raw honesty.

The song’s live performances are legendary, with a stunning 10-minute rendition captured at the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival, showcasing Clark’s ability to bring raw heat to the stage. Fans on Reddit have called it a “monster” track, with some saying it converted them to blues fans despite not typically vibing with the genre. A Big KRIT remix of the song, released in 2014, adds a hip-hop twist, showing Clark’s versatility and willingness to experiment across genres. Critics have noted the song’s Hendrix-like qualities, with its riff echoing “Voodoo Child,” and its despairing lyrics about seeking new beginnings paired with a gritty, three-minute guitar solo that amplifies the emotional weight.

Gary Clark Jr., born February 15, 1984, in Austin, Texas, started his musical journey at age 12, picking up a guitar and quickly finding his place in the city’s vibrant blues scene. By his teens, he was gigging at small venues, sharing stages with legends like Jimmie Vaughan and Hubert Sumlin. His raw talent earned him a reputation as a prodigy, and by 2010, Eric Clapton handpicked him to perform at the Crossroads Guitar Festival, a moment that catapulted him into the spotlight. Clark’s early independent releases, like 2005’s Tribute and 2008’s 110, laid the groundwork for his major-label debut, Blak and Blu, which blended blues, soul, R&B, and rock. His fuzzy guitar sound and smooth vocals, influenced by blues, jazz, soul, country, and hip-hop, have drawn comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, though Clark resists being boxed into just one genre.

Clark’s career has been marked by bold moves, from scoring films like Full Count to acting in John Sayles’ Honeydripper. He’s collaborated with heavyweights like Alicia Keys, Foo Fighters, and Stevie Wonder, and his 2019 album This Land tackled political themes, earning him three Grammy Awards. His latest work, 2024’s JPEG RAW, weaves in African music influences, showing his constant evolution. Fans can connect with him on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, check out the Gary Clark Jr. Fans Facebook group, a hub for sharing love for his music. You can also explore fan-driven content on sites like Gary Clark Jr. Tour Dates for updates on his live shows.