Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 08/06/1996
Run Time: 36:41
Eric Clapton's eponymous solo debut was recorded after he completed a tour with
Delaney & Bonnie.
Clapton used the core of the duo's backing band and co-wrote the majority of the songs with
Delaney Bramlett -- accordingly,
Eric Clapton sounds more laid-back and straightforward than any of the guitarist's previous recordings. There are still elements of
blues and
rock & roll, but they're hidden beneath layers of
gospel,
R&B,
country, and
pop flourishes. And the
pop element of the record is the strongest of the album's many elements --
"Blues Power" isn't a
blues song and only
"Let It Rain," the album's closer, features extended solos. Throughout the album,
Clapton turns out concise solos that de-emphasize his status as guitar god, even when they display astonishing musicality and technique. That is both a good and a bad thing -- it's encouraging to hear him grow and become a more fully rounded musician, but too often the album needs the spark that some long guitar solos would have given it. In short, it needs a little more of
Clapton's personality.
~Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
;)
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