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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Yo fuck Eric Clapton

fuck eric clapton

Eric Clapton is the worst

This guy is the worst.

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.

Eric Clapton is a dick

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.

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.

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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"

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 signer (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.

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.)

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 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).

The

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.

Fuck Eric Clapton

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.

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

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

Bigot.

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).

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

Great Clapton!

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.

Great live feel to this album. Fantastic drumming as well

Definitively a must listen to. I dislike Clapton as a person and have met hom more than 5 times. Not a nice dude. Other than that, he is sinply an amazing musician and producer. His arrangements are pretty wild, impressive, original and creative. The flow of the blues guitar flow is unparalleled. All songs have a commonsound that ties them together except one at the end. Masterfull sound and clean guitar licks. Clapton is god.

Loved Motherless Children. What a jam!

Excellent

Pure quality

Classic

Very talented musicians.

Brilliance is not an over-statement here. The master at his best. Blues, Rock, Storytelling threaded together, track after track after track. Volume II's live version of Little Wing may be the best rendition of that gem I've ever heard. Second favorite track is Meet Me (Down at the Bottom); it made me listen again with lyrics turned on. No idea what it is about, but damn sure put on my running shoes.

Album 414 of 1001 Eric Clapton - 461 Ocean Boulevard Rating : 4.5 / 5 Not a huge Clapton fan and never bought into that "greatest guitarist ever" title that some award him, but it is a really good album.

Let it grow sucks but the rest was great!

It doesn’t feel right that I’ve rated 616 albums already, yet I think this is the first time Eric Clapton has been generated. It feels like that must be wrong, but I don’t think it is. Anyway, I really enjoyed this album. Willy and the Hand Jive, and I Shot The Sheriff were pleasantly familiar, with different flavours than I’m used to. As expected, the guitar playing is great throughout. It feels understated and never in your face, but you would absolutely notice the emptiness without it.

You should've seen my face when I saw his name!! I listened to the deluxe version. I liked the live section tracked into the end more than the intended album but still good. I didn't know Let it Grow was from this early in his career.

So nice, listened to it twice...

Fantastic! Good songs and good sound. Still bluesy but not only blues. Soulful in a white way. Slide guitar and a lot of acoustic sounds.

Records like this illuminate why Eric Clapton was such an important and influential figure in western popular music for the last 50+ years.

Good album

Vintage Clapton. A very good listen.

great

dosta dobro, nekoliko lajkanih

Superb album, wonderful guitar work throughout.

Always enjoyed the Eric Clapton songs that I heard on the radio. This album introduced me to a number of songs that provided new insights into his music.

Love this album.

I did enjoy listening to this album. I grooved along to each track...and really really grooved to some of them!

I was a big fan of Eric Clapton in college. But he and I have not stayed on the same path as the years have passed, and now I have an instinctively negative reaction to him. This album, though, is really exceptional. It reminds me why I ever went to see him in concert. Also realized that Tears In Heaven and such weren’t just late-in-life softening… hearing “Let It Grow” made me realize he had those softer-side tendencies at the beginning too, I just wasn’t all that aware of them. Excellent album.

Textbook Clapton. Very suave without feeling impersonal. This definitely inspired a lot of soulless yacht rock to follow

Great end to end. Hard to admit.

Fav songs -Get ready -I can’t hold out -Please be with me -Let it grow -Give me strength Honourable mention -Steady rolling man -Mainline Florida

Superb!

CLASSIC for MANY GOOD REASONS

One of the very first and most favorite albums I have ever heard. Outstanding all the way around.

Rock de Clapton. Vinilo total.

Clapton almost never disappoints. Great 70's classic rock

Solid Rock n Roll blues guitar. Mothers milk to me baby.

excellent !

Excellent album, very much enjoyed this one.

Funky blues, good cover of shot the sheriff

nice clapton

Not normally an Eric Clapton fan apart from his chart hits,but this really opened my eyes and ears to his music

very good

You can call this album “so Clapton” in delivery, but what does that even mean when you look at the diversity of his sounds. The smooth easy listening and revisioning of these many covers makes for a great album, with a focus more on riffs and the arrangements than on his solos.