Essential Albums
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Clapton had a hand in writing nearly every track on this laidback LP, a collection devoted more to subtle grooves than raw power. On the title track, the rhythm section locks into a tight, flowing beat as Clapton uses a soft falsetto to croon lyrics that suggest both romantic and religious devotion. And though Bob Dylan penned "Born In Time," Clapton treats the tune as if it were his own, carefully sculpting a bass-heavy soundscape as humid as the night the song describes. - <i>Journeyman</i> saw Clapton closing out the ‘80s with one of his biggest-sounding albums yet, surrounding his fiery guitar playing with rich, dynamic production reminiscent of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. Opener "Pretending" swirls with horns, piano, and gritty vocals, but they all fall away when he goes for a sharp, distorted solo. The drums on "Run So Far"—a collaboration with George Harrison—come loaded with reverb and make a perfect vehicle for the tune's light, twangy melody.
- Eric Clapton’s skills as a guitarist and songwriter came together on this 1977 album. Even the covers, such as J.J. Cale’s hypnotic blues-blast “Cocaine” and John Martyn’s gentle “May You Never,” are soulful and well-sketched. His unhurried guitar playing is subtly persuasive and restrained, especially on the country-influenced “Lay Down Sally,” the melancholic lover’s ballad “Wonderful Tonight,” and blues burner “Mean Old Frisco.” More, Clapton’s singing conveys wide-ranging emotions—from sadness on the telling “We’re All the Way” to contrition on the Dylanesque “Next Time You See Her.”
- 1974
- Upon leaving the often rough and tumble sound of Cream, Eric Clapton embraced a more laid-back style encompassing elements of soul, acoustic blues and country music. Though he might still conjure emotionally wracked moments — think <i>Layla</i> — Clapton’s self-titled solo debut set the template for much of his future work. Though reveling in the sheer musicality of the R&B-drenched Delaney and Bonnie band, which provided much of its backing group, <i>Eric Clapton</i>’s quiet also tapped into the guitarist’s pain and yearning. (Play the lovely “Let It Rain” the next time <i>you’re</i> in a restless mood.) Surely his command of the music, though, lent some comfort. That feeling shines through the party-every-day “Bottle of Red Wine,” the updated old-timey statement of “Lovin’ You Lovin’ Me” and the “Foxey Lady”-gone-mellow “Bad Boy.”