461 Ocean Boulevard

Probably a 3 really, but fuck him

There are a lot of ways in which I detest Eric Clapton as a person, since he has the audacity to be a racist while ripping his entire career off of Black American blues musicians. Listening to this album provided a unique opportunity to see how empty his skill set really is. He is an excellent guitar player. This is a cover album that rarely features his skills as an instrumentalist because I guess he wanted to show off his skills as doing uninspired cover versions of popular songs. His version of Hand Jive is most appropriate for a funeral, since I don't see how anyone could enjoy dancing to it. I Shot The Sheriff is a cover I had to hear constantly in my youth, and now I spend hours trying to explain to my therapist why I harbor so much anger towards an over-rated artist being covered badly by an even more over-rated artist. Listening to Clapton try and fail to do anything interesting with a song that already didn't have much going for it is the audio equivalent of watching a scrambled porn channel back in the 90s only to realize that the show you were trying to watch was a scrambled cooking show the whole time. Eric Clapton is proof that heroin doesn't turn every musician into a brilliant artist.

Awful, racist, rapist, anti-vax conspiracy funding cunt. And the music is shite.

when did this become 1001 albums that'll make you WANT to die

I won't listen to Eric Clapton, because he is a racist, anti-vaxx douchebag who stole Black music and thinks Black people should all be removed from the UK. Eric Clapton is trash.

He might be an amazing guitarist, but he is a terrible person. Unfortunately that affected my experience of this album.

Fuck Eric Clapton and his anti-vaxx shit. This album of mediocre tunes doesn’t make me reevaluate my distaste for him.

When I saw this was the album with Clapton's cover of "I Shot The Sheriff" on it, my heart sank. Why on earth would a guy like Clapton cover Bob Marley except to whitewash reggae for a white audience and cash in? At least put your own spin on it like The Specials or The Police. Jeez. The first tune on the album, Motherless Children, made me think that maybe my fears were misplaced. It's an energetic blues cover in the pop style of Clapton's debut solo album, and a good listen. But every subsequent tune is a disaster. It turns out that 461 Ocean Boulevard is a middle of the road, poppy, radio ready take on roots music, and it's about as exciting as watching somebody fart in a swimming pool. Basically, Clapton takes a huge dump on the legacy he crafted with Cream and his first solo album. It's fucking nauseating, just vile, a complete waste of talent, a competent backing band, time, and vinyl. Every copy of this record should be cut up and turned into guitar picks.

well you could knock me down with a feather. this isn't just another generic eric clapton does the blues. there is something a bit more to this. still he's a massive cunt and i can't be arsed with him or his music. at least he tried.

That's all very middle of the road. It's not horrible, it's not great, it's just enough. I do't have much more to say about it.

A penguin walks into a low lit bar on the outskirts of town. He glances each way at the assorted villainous characters as they eye him up and down. He slowly walks to the bar and orders a large whisky. A drunken camel approaches him, keen to start an argument. The penguin pauses then whips out a gun and shoots the camel in his temple, killing him instantly. A walrus gets a little excited by the commotion and sidles up alongside the penguin. He charms the penguin with his bawdy laugh and buys him a Smirnoff Ice. They dance slowly in the corner of the room for a while until a single tear rolls down the cheek of the walrus. He sniffs the penguin's ear and whispers something the audience can't quite hear. The penguin gives a wry smile and heads towards the bathroom. He lights a cigarette and waits. There is a loud knocking on the bathroom door. The penguin exhales deliberately, adjusts his glasses and slowly begins to turn the door handle. A look of horror washes over him. His cool exterior is now a distant memory. He slumps to his knees and gulps. An ominous shadow hides his face. He looks up to see a kangaroo. The kangaroo is laughing menacingly and holding a large framed painting of a donkey. The donkey is the penguin's former lover. They haven't seen eachother for fifteen years. The penguin breaks down crying, longing for his lover. The kangaroo has no mercy and smashes the painting over the penguin's anguished head. The penguin lies broken on the floor, blood pools round his head. The kangaroo dusts himself down and leaves. The walrus enters the room. TBC...

This album, (which I’ve never heard in its entirety—only the tracks that made it to “Timepieces”), is simply great. Clapton’s compositions and performances on this record are each classic productions from a blues/rock icon. His work here is musically deepened by his then-recent recovery from bad experiences with heroin use. As a guitarist, he’s the master, bar none (sorry, Rolling Stone, Clapton’s better than Hendrix!). Perfect intonation on this album in very different and difficult modes—electric and acoustic slide, bends, subtle wah, finger picked acoustic, 12-string rhythm. Always on the beat, with perfectly clean moves from note to note, and brilliantly constructed blues riffs. As a vocalist, Eric Clapton is very good, superlatively aware of his limitations. Soulful, with simple stylings. No hard rock super-range screeching (à la the great Steven Tyler) and no elaborate scaling and fluctuations (à la the even greater Beyoncé), Clapton confidently gives a vocal performance perfectly suited to the lyrics and the musical setting, especially in his own compositions. 461 Ocean Boulevard is further enhanced by the backing vocals of Yvonne Elliman (of “Jesus Christ Superstar” fame). She shines on “Get Ready” (which she co-wrote with Clapton) and “Let It Grow”. I almost bought this on the iTunes Store today, but they only sell the $19.95 “Deluxe” edition. Too bad. Maybe someone can convince me to splurge. An excellent album. A classic. 5/5

Yo fuck Eric Clapton

fuck eric clapton

Eric Clapton is the worst

This guy is the worst.

Eric Clapton commences '461 Ocean Boulevard' with a blues-rock twang that guarantees instant attention-grab of the listener. Funky guitar licks on the tonal shoulders of Clapton's 'Blackie' - his coveted Fender Stratocaster, consolidates the warm and vibrant progression of the record. This album is masterfully paced, with just the right amount of ethereal impressions and a noteworthy beauty to it.

It’s listenable but not outstanding. Pretty run of the mill, derivative close to appropriation. Can’t separate Clapton’s toxic racism and politics from his work.

The first track on this is called 'Motherless Children'....well, shouldn't it be the other way round? You know, since Clapton's son did a dead. I couldn't get beyond that. Childless Mother. Probably loads of guitar wanking.

It's hard to put aside the fact that Clapton is a terrible human being. This album is pretty mediocre, lots of flavorless ballads with some occasional decent blues.

ahahaha this racist POS is so wildly overrated. just look at all the 5-star reviews for this boring soft-rock trash! amazing that people think he's a GOOD guitarist, let alone the BEST guitarist. anyone with a passing knowledge of the last 60 years in popular music would be able to name five better guitarists off the top of their head. i'll start: that dude from Limp Bizkit who wears weird contact lenses. so much better than clapton. in summary, fuck eric clapton and fuck all the dudes who worship him

You gave this album a low rating because Eric Clapton is an anti-lockdown, anti-vaxx, racist piece of shit. I gave this album a low rating because Clapton just isn't that great of an artist when he's not backed by a great band like Cream or the Yardbirds (but also because he's an anti-lockdown, anti-vaxx, racist piece of shit.)

This is one of my top-ten, all-time favorite records so it's an easy ace. I love this album so much. It feels like what it is: a joyous collaboration between musicians who just love to play and like each other. I have to be careful not to wear out the vinyl of this one b/c it's easily my go-to "I wanna listen to a record" album. The pacing of the track order, the guitar tones, the way the instruments weave in and out of the mix, supporting each other and providing context for each and every part... It's all so good. So good.

There are so many reasons to dislike Eric Clapton the man: his racism, his conspiracy theories, his anti-vax stance, his fucking luxury yacht... and 461 Ocean Boulevard. Blues for dentists. Blues for audiophiles. Blues for white people who don't actually like blues. This is uninspired, boring, bloodless and sterile. He's a rubbish singer (not as bad a Jeff Beck, but still pretty rubbish). The solos are pretty average; stiff and formal. I have several friends (who I respect and admire) who started their guitar playing career emulating Clapton's playing, but they largely moved on to bigger and better things, thank christ. It's well recorded, but soooo bland.

Eric Clapton is a dick

I've listened to this album many times in the past. But I can't reconcile the racist anti-vaxxer he's proven himself to be over the last few years. Sadly, I can no longer appreciate, or even listen to, any of his music.

There's plenty of people making music that aren't racist shitheads. Hard pass.

Super boring and lame. Probably had to be there

Fuck Eric Clapton

Great production value. It's too bad I Shot the Sheriff became the most over-played song off this album. Also, too bad Clapton became an anti-vaxx, trolling asshole. But he's still God.

Classic, but can't forgive the artist for racism, and anti mask politics

I shot the heroin: how I became the best paid busker in the business. You hear it in his voice. I was going to write that Clapton sings with a transatlantic accent, but it’s weirder than that, more like he’s doing an impression of what he believes an American singer sounds like, but nervously, not wanting to offend, like a busker. ‘Motherless children’ is a strong opener! ‘Lord give me strength’ to listen all the way through this track. No-one’s made that joke before. ‘Get Ready’ is startlingly ok, a smoky, funky throwaway that hooks. There’s a single-note tease of heavy, distorted guitar at the end that is almost a troll: Clapton could rock, but he chooses not to. He’s mellow now. The cover of ‘I shot the sheriff’ is funny for a number of reasons, especially Clapton’s perception of the original as “hardcore reggae” and that the other guitarist had to convince him to play it, which I choose to believe was a prank. His busker voice on this is something else, and if my partner in this pilgrimage uses both "Racisthand" and "blackface" in his review, I *will* shout "BINGO!" regardless of my surroundings. He’s on safe ground with the couple of blues covers, no surprises there. Made his busker bones in that racket. ‘Let it grow’ actually did surprise me: it’s a beguilingly simple yacht rock banger. The finale is enjoyably daft. This is patchwork, odds and sods, proficient karaoke, but I enjoyed it more than I expected, and I’m intrigued that my two favourite tracks are Clapton’s originals. Put a loaded signature Fender Strat to my head and I’d choose this over Layleh. Was expecting a 2, got a 3.

Not gonna waste a lot of words on Clapton. Dude sucks as a person. This record is fine if you like bluesy 70’s guitar rock.

I’m proud of the fact that I kind of hated Clapton even before COVID or really knowing anything about him beyond his music. I have always found him to be technically proficient, but dull. It’s blues for yacht clubs. This album leans more into soft rock territory than blues, but it is boring and I Shot The Sheriff is whitewashed dreck. There is nothing here for me.

Fuck Eric Clapton

I have a legitimate memory at age 4 of I Shot The Sheriff being on the radio while I was in the back seat of my dad's car and me shouting to turn the station - I can picture exactly where we were to this day. I hated that damn song when it came out and I like the idea of honouring my toddler self. Screw Eric Clapton the racist wanker. Laid back lazy milquetoast soft rock rubbish. I never cared for his guitar playing either. 3/10 1 star

Separate art from the artist but I can't

Thought this might be good but very dull.

won't listen - fuck clapton

Only I shot the sheriff and let it grow are ok

This album proves Eric Clapton amazing talent as a guitarist. Every song is enjoyable to listen to just for the guitar playing but the tracks themselves are still well-made all around. Fav songs: motherless child, I shot the sheriff, let it grow

Cool album. I’m not a big Clapton dude, but this first listen was enjoyable. There may even be a time and place for it somewhere in my life again in the future ;) No time for a true review but jam on!

This was alright, can't fault it but it also didn't really do anything for me. The reggae touch sucks though. 3/5.

I'm very happy to didn't like so much of this album from this genius guitarist but an awful person (at least during the last years).

Pretty boring album. Anything worth listening to has migrated to a greatest hits compilation. I'm sure it was great when it came out but it hasn't aged well.

Oh boy! Another album from Eric "I wish I had more time to be racist" Clapton. And what a surprise, it sounds like ass. If you're going to steal your entire career from black musicians at least steal some good guitar tones, because this first song sounds like dog turds, what a terrible riff. Also I don't know if he is singing or not but the voice is super weak. I've never understood the argument for clapton being a good guitarist. He just takes what people before him did, but then plays it in the most boring way possible. This album legit sounds like something that would have came out in 1968. Track 2, 3, and 4 all sound the exact same (boring!). But for real, why would you frontload your album with slow barely songs that have the same riff. Oooooohh, I see what's going on here. I forgot I Shot the Sheriff was on this album. Clapton discovered reggae and thought he could just steal that too. What an idiot. The only positives I can give this album are that it is short and Please Be With Me sounds like an actual song. I wonder what other song starts with the words "Let it ___" that inspired Clapton to rip off, I mean write, Let It Grow. I think I went about 100ish albums in a row since my last 1, but I'll happily break my streak for this. Low 1.

Is Eric Clapton the guy that started droney whinging? I think he must be after listening to this. Some nice guitar now and again but nothing to save the whining.

Listened Before? N HAHA Eric Clapton is a piece of shit. I wish I could give it 0. Added to Library? HAHAHAHAHA NO Song added to playlist: I Shot the Sheriff (but I quarantined it just for him so I won't give him a cent by listening to it).

Musical dna. Eric is a fine songwriter - underrated even. And a fine guitarist. Underrated even. His first solo album was fine. This is a bit better. We can the debate the merits of Clapton doing I shot the Sherriff but it’s a decent version. We can argue the merits of ‘is Clapton boring?’ But he’s one of the four or five who can genuinely be credited with changing how guitar was played. Charlie Christian, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie van Halen, Eric. You can put Jeff Beck in there but he never sold in the numbers Eric did. He may not have been god but a lot of people thought so and as a young guitarist I was able to comprehend lead through his solo albums. (And Cream and Derek and the Dominos). This is a laid back album. Some say dull or boring. Ok. That’s fine. It’s more the document of a man who’s done it all and is now just doing music he likes. So acknowledging all the criticisms to I still give this 4.

I've not listened to much Clapton but I think this may change after listening to this. Amazing guitar, beautiful melodies... album works really well and I will definitely listen again Deb - enjoyed this one, quite eclectic in terms of style, easy to listen to.

3.75

Not bad but Eric Clapton reggae at times is kinda odd. It's fine but, IDK. Not sure what this version adds vs. Bob Marley and the Wailers. I didn't NOT enjoy it but... it's fine.

5/10 - Pretty solid, not the best Clapton has

not a lot of "guitar god" clapton on this but solid cuts. I shot the sheriff just made me want to listen to bob marley though.. claptons version is not great.

I'm at odds with Clapton. On one hand, inspired me to pick up guitar. On the other, notorious piece of shit. Sleepy album for him, seems really laid back and relaxed. The Marley cover is passable. Favorite tracks: "Motherless Child", "Steady Rollin' Man"

The

Damn anti-vaxxer. Only song I like on this album is the one about the Sheriff. Everything else is as trashy as Clapton.

Only one thing worse than a moronic racist, and that is a moronic white racist who has made a career and amassed a fortune out of plagiarizing black music. I present Eric Clapton.

Fuck Eric Clapton.

Kind of an up and down album, and when you factor in how terrible he is....

Gross

Nah, I'm good.

Not only is Clapton lacking moral courage as a human being, but this album lacks life. I suppose it’s a great album if you’re trying to get to sleep, certainly not what one would expect from a legend of rock. Btw, fuck Clapton for his racist views and his stupid participation in the antivax campaign. Just because you can play guitar, doesn’t mean you have the answers. How’d you like the scientists to come along and tell you how to play guitar?

Fuck this guy

Talentless, racist clown. I agree with Angus Young that the only good thing he did was the Bluesbreakers album.

Bland technique. The dullest idiot to come out of the British Blues Boom. It's funny how marketing can work. He was labelled God by the nice clueless middle class London types who made up the core of the audience of the BBB and somehow it has stuck. Only a true idiot would make an appalling racist rant in public while playing blues and then say they thought it was "quite funny" when later attempting to express some sort of regret.

Nasty Racist!

Awful man, tedious music. His best years were with The Yardbirds.

Bigot.

Mellow blues rock. Really great.

Top 3 Clapton solo albums. 5 star

This was absolutely great

Easy listening, but still quite complex. Really great!

Listening to this awesome album, while reading about the last day of c*mmunism in Albania

5/5. KYS all these other tryhard, virtue signaling reviews.

Easy 5

Eric Clapton sits at the head table, one of the absolute canonized kings of a number of genres ranging from guitar folk, classic rock, contemporary and even jazz. He is, and was when this album came out, both a great storyteller and one of the best guitarists of all time. That combination places him in "music god" territory and it is very likely I would get much resistance in saying that. Just listen to the album.

awesome!

Perfection - an absolute masterpiece

The best

461 Ocean Blvd is one of those magical works of art. Each song is exquisitely performed. Enjoyable from start to finish. Obligatory Clapton is a trash human. Doesn’t change the quality of the album though.

This record deserves a lot of listens. The blues and guitar work is so dialed. The songwriting is fun, and creates a place where you just kind of want to hang out in each song. Eric Clapton really just truly loves the blues and respect that he just made exactly what he wanted to hear.

5 stars

„Wiche 10 albums do you take with you on the lonely Island?“: definitely 461 Ocean Boulevard! Love it since it was released.

I only really started to indulge in Eric's solo career in my early 20s, after spending my entire teens listening to overstimulating bands like Led Zeppelin, with their grueling guitar solos and riffs. Then, listening to albums like 461 Ocean Boulevard, I started to notice things, musically speaking, that I hadn't noticed before. It was like watching pornography your entire life, and then suddenly having sex for the first time. Amazing!

Шикарный бархатный блюз

Nice

Klassiker. Clapton in Hochform.

# Album Name: 461 Boulevard # Artist: Clapton # Rating: 5/5 # Comments: An absolute peach of an album. Filled with plenty of great tracks. # Top Tunes: motherless children / hand jive / get read / i shot the sheriff / cant hold out / let it grow / rollin man / mainline florida # Would I listen to it again? Yes

Eric Clapton, dat is natuurlijk nooit echt slecht. Sterker nog, dit is heel goed. Geen al te wilde blues, maar meer een achteroverleun-gevoel. En twee hitjes, alhoewel de Bob Marley-cover nogal overbodig is als je het origineel al kent. Maar geen gezeur: geen nootje klinkt verkeerd op deze relaxte plaat.

Nice blues album here. If my memory is right, Phil Collins producing and on Drums.

The guitar work is great, and the album has a really nice and bluesy feel to it.

Great Eric Clapton

Great for any mood. Wonderful playing, all around solid. Could use a volume boost on a modern set of speakers.

For personal reasons. 5 stars.

Bravo "Mr. Slowhand"! Perfect album. Masterpiece.

Great Clapton!

Solid album. Better than I thought it would be.

Mein Lieblingsalbum von Eric Clapton. Ich liebe sein Gitarrenspiel, seinen Blues und seine Entspanntheit, auch wenn die Songs mal flotter gespielt werden. "Let IT grow" ist ein so wunderschöner Song und "I shot the Sheriff" sein größter Hit. Und dazwischen sind die Stücke nicht weniger wertvoll.

Started off thinking "this is great headphones and listing and chilling" music. Settled in... Then these moments of fluid hypnotic magic came on: - Willie and hand jive - I shot the Sheriff I I can't hold out And by the I realised. This is perfection. Oh Eric. You've done something wonderful here. I knew I liked you but had no idea which album would be the entry point. This does on the 5+ pile.