Reviews (page 5 of 9)
Nice blues album here. If my memory is right, Phil Collins producing and on Drums.
Thoughts before listening: While I appreciate Eric Clapton's guitar playing talent, I have never had much interest in his solo music. Cream was great and Derek & the Dominoes is a good album, but I typically find his solo albums to be boring. That being said, I know this album is highly regarded so I look forward to listening. Review: I mean this isn't necessarily "bad" but it is pretty bland. While I do like a couple of these songs like "Motherless Children" and "Let it Grow", this album is full of mostly boring, watered down blues rock. 2-stars
Wonderful. No duds. Quite short but really rally good.
3.5
Not really going to say much about Clapton other than in my opinion he's simultaneously over rated and over hated. Quite frankly, my favorite songs were his penned "Give Me Strength" and "Get Ready" (w/ Yvonne Elliman) 'Let it Flow" along with George Terry's "Mainline Florida" The rest is fine but nbd, except for the fact I can't stand his cover of "I Shot the Sherrif", whenever I hear it I want to shoot the radio.
Some great tracks, and some mote forgettable ones. Don't like Clapton as a front man. 3.5 stars
I think this is Clapton's one stab at greatness as a solo artist. I think the album has a cool vibe and there's plenty to like here. Highlights for me are "Let it Grow", "Give Me Strength", and "Motherless Children". The "Willie & The Hand Jive" and "I Shot The Sheriff" covers are also pretty enjoyable. 4.5 stars.
2.5
Cool, classy sophomore turn from solo Clapton. A lot of laidback stuff but also some seriously blazing cool gems such as the zip zippying Motherless Children, Let It Grow with Mary Magdalene and I Shot The Sheriff which shot up to number one in the US and is the best version of the song.
Solid Record. Good background working music. Liked a bunch of the songs. Will probably listen again.
It’s ok
I’ve said before that Clapton is a better side man than a front man. This album is a perfect example of why. It does almost nothing to showcase his ample ability, and just sounds generic. Putting aside how horrible he is as a person, Eric Clapton is undeniably talented. An album by someone with his skills shouldn’t be this boring.
Not bad. Nothing much stood out though.
Can't say it wasn't influential. This album is the type of blues middle aged men for the coming half a century would all be playing. I can't really decide on whether I like it or not. On one hand it sounds incredibly dull and boring and far below Eric Claptons capabilities. On the other hand, some of the songs are pretty pleasant to listen, such as Let It Grow and Motherless Children. Ends up somewhere in the middle.
8/10…rock / blues rock
Nothing I say about Clapton hasn’t been said before, but I’m just not in the mood for this ’70s blues facade where technical skill is valorized over feeling. There’s no sloppiness, no danger—just Clapton’s effortless confidence and clarity. His pristine tone is the sound of a man playing everything right but never raising the stakes. It’s all so polished, so assured, so tasteful. Cranking the volume doesn’t reveal any hidden fire, it just reveals that everything is perfectly in place. When has perfection ever been good for rock music? Steely Dan would like a word with me, as would Genesis, Dire Straits and Fleetwood Mac—all masters of the pursuit of flawlessness. But at least they aimed high. Clapton is in an even more unenviable place: too safe to be ambitious. All perfection, no pain or pathos.
I don't have a great feel on this one- my playback volume started super low and had inconsistent levels as I tried to listen, which caused me to have to adjust it multiple times. It was distracting and took me out of the best mindset to evaluate the album. That said, what I was able to hear clearly didn't really make me want to go back and re-listen to what I missed. Nothing was bad, necessarily, but it also didn't appeal to me all that much. I think it's another one that I just found somewhat boring. Overall: 2.75/5
basics rock stuff. Good
Fuck Clapton
This was enjoyable, but the best songs on here are covers, and while they’re good covers, they’re not better than the originals.
I think I listened to this! Simpsons: Yes
Some of the guitar work was good, but the best song on here is a cover. Also none of his best songs are on here, and he's not a good dude
It was okay but man fuck Eric Clapton
Could be a 5 tbh
Mostly pretty standard blues. Nothing too interesting or too boring.
Everything from Clapton that I've heard in my life was against my will. Including this album. He contributed maybe 2 original songs to the history of rock music and neither are on this album. He's like a background character nobody gives a damn about, I've never met an Eric Clapton fan. He's neither good at anything nor recognizable for anything in particular. This album is a good example of that. 1/5
beautiful blues rock. you can tell it's from eric clapton as soon as the guitar started to play. he's just that iconic.
Pretty sleepy easy listening for me this morning. I Shot The Sheriff was the obvious highlight for me, Steady Rollin' Man also good, Let It Grow a lesser extent. Overall probably a 2 here, I'm just not feeling this today. For Clapton, I do really like Derek and the Dominos and Cream especially but not so much his solo work. I did own 24 Nights which I thought was really good too.
It was fine, not sure why I'd listen to it again though.
Great guitar work but otherwise it’s mid
Beautiful, laid back, bluesy and funky all together. In some aspects I understand that this is the record that made Clapton a solo artist. I surly get why. I mean, even the cover for I shut the sheriff, which I prefer by much the original, sounds great in the context of this record. It starts great with the blues on 1, great acoustic slide on 2, wonderful vocals and backing on 4 , and than the groovy Marley cover. The best is saved for the End- really gorgeous ballads on 7 and 8, 8 especially on of Claptons best tracks. 9 and especially 10 are groovy highlights aswell. Just a fun listen overall. Guitars and vocals from Eric are great from start to finish, and the collection of song is strong though the entire thing. Nothing groundbreaking, but absolutely delightful. A solid 4.
2.7 Better than all other Clapton albums, but that's not saying much. Felt bit like a Zeppelin rip off, which I know means it's a blues rip off, but still. Saved down a couple of tracks but don't think I'll be revisiting the rest.
This guy can play, but he doesn’t showcase his Melodie’s in this album. Very blues-y for a racist.
When I was much younger I believed that Eric Clapton was some sort of hero in a tragic romance, as I am sure he saw himself. Acclaimed as "God", the greatest guitarist of all time (at least until Jimi arrived in London), he falls in love with the wife of his best friend, records Layla in an attempt to woo her, falls into alcoholism and heroin addiction when he fails to win her, then does prise her away, only to dump her and accuse her of being a drunk. In truth, Clapton is, and always was, a selfish bastard, a great guitar player who was a master at interpreting Blues; in the '60s he was supreme, even in the early '90s his album of blues covers at times surpasses the originals; only to support Enoch Powell's Rivers of Blood, anti-immigration rants. While pleasant in places, this is one of his '70s albums of attempting to be JJ Cale, middle of the road soft rock. Some of the material is listenable, some of it - his cover of I Shot the Sheriff and Wiliie and the Hand Jive - is lamentable. I can separate the artist from the art, to some degree, and I will continue to listen to Bluesbreakers, and Layla, and Cream but there is no place in my life these days for music that is not good enough to make me temporarily forget the racist, conceited, Covid-denying anti-vaxxer who made it.
Good
Eric Clapton FTW!!!
after reading all the reviews, there's only one thing that i can say: ew. Come on guys, why won’t you understand that every people has flaws? Please seperate the artist and their works first before you write your fucking reviews. but i dont think that we should seperate the two here. both are trash. y'know what they say? members of a great band always flop after going solo. for some better and more emotional white-man-doing-blues-influenced-music, see: "Henry's Dream" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. and it even have a lower score on this site. sorry 1001 album generator, but i just literally believe that you, to some extent, represents the public's music taste. 1/5
This album was pretty middle of the road. I enjoy Clapton but this was nothing special. Let it grow is my favorite track here.
Вроде прикольно а вроде и не понял
The guitar work is great, and the album has a really nice and bluesy feel to it.
If this is here as Claptons best stuff then we really need a review of what is his best work...
It's convenient when jerks make terrible music. Oh racist white guys doing reggae, never change. (or maybe do change, completely & totally, forever.) One of the funniest/dumbest things ever is how many truly great guitarists talked up Clapton like he was the king. George Harrison keeps saying they need Clapton in Get Back to do the solos, and he describes a particular guitar skill well - building up a solo that's it's own little story, with a beginning, middle, and end. It's just that this is a skill George Harrison was a million times better at than Eric Clapton. music: hated. (⌐■_■)
This must be what it feels like to have your life force drained by a vampire.
Good casual listening. Found some keepers. I really liked Maintine Florida and (of course) I Shot the Sheriff
What you’d expect out of old clapton
Why is 0 not an option?
норм, но не фанат.
Great set of tracks. The Bob Marley version of I Shot The Sheriff is still the only one I need to hear though.
Let it Grow is one of my favorite songs. I Shot the Sheriff is okay, but the original is better. The rest is passable Clapton.
I think Clapton is a tool, but I can't deny that this is a really good album and has some absolute bangers on it.
This is a really great album. Funky and bluesy. Please Be With Me is beautifully tender
Never been the biggest Clapton fan but the talent is undeniable. This isn’t his most engaging album imo, doesn’t help that he’s a huge jerk. But not bad.
Ok is this among the best that Clapton has to offer for his solo stuff? I genuinely am unfamiliar. Because if so…meh. Not only am I left underwhelmed, but I feel like there’s a lot of lifting from black culture/music here. “Willie and the Hand Jive” is an eyebrow raiser, but the cover of “I Shot The Sheriff” is Drake levels of lingual and cultural appropriation. This is how not to it, whereas an album like Paul Simon’s “Graceland” is a much better example of honoring black culture and highlighting black voices without just ripping it off. I wish more songs were like “Please Be With Me” or “Let It Grow”. You can see the soft beating heart poking through, no gimmicks, no code-switching.
Clapton’s a dumb old git but he really did have it back in the day
The guitar is fine. Bland. Tidy work meant to sell records. But then he starts singing, and I just can't take it. Something about his voice coming from the back of the throat just makes me squirm. Whitewashing Bob Marley and making it a hit, that just sucks. Then you get to the man himself. Racist anti vax piece of shit. This is bland, soulless music. Don't like it. Complete waste of the time of these session musicians.
He’s a legend, and some of these songs are fantastic. Some are more boring and bland than I expected though.
Decent vibes, but still not doing much for me.
So at first I was excited to listen to Eric Clapton and then I realized I lived under a rock for the past 41 years and didn't realize he was a racist, anti-vaxer, rapist, conservative jerk. So wow does that tarnish and change things...I listened once and then listened again and it just really tainted it. He's a pretty good guitarist and has some good blue melodies in his music. But then he is a total racist but wanted to build his career on music created by African America's not from his country...but yet they are awful. I hate hypocrites more than anything and Eric Clapton you fit that category. Sure he can excuse it and say he was on heroin and sure it was the 70s, but he still falls into that category today, apparently even laughing about his rant to this day. So are there some pretty songs, yes...Please Be With Me is beautiful and Get Ready has some good blues riffs. But the music is just built on hypocritical bs, so for me that loses a lot of the meaning and impact of the music. Sorry Eric Clapton...the first time I enjoyed it but after learning you have no respect for others your music is just empty.
I've never met Eric Clapton but I believe everything that I've read about him. Just kidding, I haven't read much about him because I don't really like his music that much. I agree with Lumpkins, he's over rated. At best, it's mediocre. A few of these songs have their moments... Steady Rolling Man has a pretty good guitar solo. Mainline Florida has a decent groove. But the best song on here is Bob Marley's cover (prefer the original). Yes that is interesting and sort of ironic that Clapton helped boost Marley's career, intentionally or not (thanks Loretta).
Eric Clapton has a signature guitar sound that is pretty cool and generally laid back, but he also gives off an air of douchiness in being considered one of the best guitar players of all time by big corporate media, which to me, he is not. There are so many other guitar players, even a plethora of unknowns, who are better than Eric. I guess overrated is the best term to describe him. This album is nice for a chill day on the patio but it wouldn’t be my go-to for that vibe.
Ah, another 'separate the art from the artist' kinda day. Not a fan of the human, but this was a solid album. Also glad that his I Shot the Sheriff cover helped Bob Marley gain the international recognition he absolutely deserved. Love me some Marley! The Hand Jive cover on this was pretty interesting too. Let it Grow was my favorite 'new to me' song.
Still can’t forgive him for that awful cover.
I was really looking forward to this one. I don't think I ever listened to a Clapton solo album top to bottom (did listen to Cream obviously), and I was expecting a lot. Didn't get a lot. I mean, some good songs, nice hooks, but didn't really blow my socks off. Lots of covers, and none of the incredible guitar playing we know from Cream. I'm debating 2 or 3 starts. It's humdrum but it's Clapton. I think I'm gonna go 2 hoping he gets represented by Disraeli Gears.
Such a cool album, bit of a genre bender with everything going on. I’m a bit surprised to see a bit of a softer album from Clapton. Really feels like he’s just a good back up band away from really making a masterpiece though. The back tracking felt a bit muddled and disparate at times. I wonder if he’ll ever try to do that….
Meh
An easy bunch of cover songs
Dumb California Album was recorded in 1974, two years before Clapton's Enoch Powell moment. It features a Bob Marley cover that never fails to infuriate me when I hear it in the wild. I was unfamiliar with the other songs before and after listening to them. They are cheap and disposable like the paper napkin and salt packet that come prepackaged with a set of plastic cutlery. I don't buy the notion that this record helped popularize Jamaican music. This was after The Harder They Come. It was after Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da for goodness sake. And a music as brilliant and vital as reggae certainly would have found a global audience without his 'help'. One time Eric Clapton's son fell out of a window. I can't believe someone was willing to bear Eric Clapton's child.
Thank god, this is the final Eric Clapton album on my list. And I somehow got two of them in the past week. And I really don't like Eric Clapton. And everything is bad! Anyway! Amazingly, I liked this more than the other three, but overall I just don't care for his voice. My favorite tracks were Motherless Children, Get Ready, and Mainline Florida. Everything else I could leave. So this'll be another two stars for Clapton, but a high two stars, like 2.5.
Fuck Clapton. Shitty album
Oh wow, another white guy discovers reggae! At least it’s smooth. The whole thing feels like it’s been left in the sun just long enough to get warm. Like, the blues are still in there, but they've been sanded down, tanned, and given a hammock. It’s not terrible. Just don’t expect it to break a sweat. Spins: 2 Playlist Additions: - I Shot The Sheriff - Please Be With Me - Let It Grow
Enjoyable Clapton
It’s good. Not great.
Besides I shot the sheriff, the rest of this is very mediocre.
Fine listen. For people rating this poorly because they think Eric Clapton is a bad person, I hope they are consistent. A large number of artists on this list are/were shitty people.
I was going to give this 3* just because it's middle-of-the-road American guitar music. Clapton himself leaves me very conflicted, which I wasn't sure whether I should take into consideration. I had a look at the reviews and I think I'm in good company, so I'm docking him points for being a waste of skin & bone
I had to listen to two Eric Clapton albums in two days. Never mind shooting a sheriff, that is truly criminal.
Awful person, and awful music. A much better combo than awful person and amazing music, because that then leaves you with the moral dilemma of whether to listen to it or not. At least here I can tell both eric clapton and his music to fuck off.
You shot the sheriff, but you didn't shoot the deputy? Cool... what's your fucking point?
ruim. e pau no cu do eric clapton
rock para papais (racismo + negacionismo edition) pau no cu desse mano e desse album. medíocre demais.
Clapton may be a right wing racist douchebag but he sure can play the geetar. Unfortunately this album is a bunch of white washed cover version of better songs
Would never think to put on Eric Clapton but I loved it…perfect mix of rock and blues.
Really enjoyed the bluesy tracks over the slower ones but good overall. Favourite tracks: Get Ready, I Can't Hold Out & Steady Rollin' Man Will probably revisit. 3/5
Yeah I don't know it was fine
Ye solid 70s rock, not much else to say
Although they’re mostly covers, Eric really provides a good feel with all of these songs, just wished they were originals and it would be a 5 star. Maybe he should do heroin more often
Good stuff
A lot of short jams outside of the cover songs..
Bangerrrr
I do not enjoy this man’s work. Let’s see how this goes. The most I’ve ever enjoyed Clapton. It’s not authentic or offensive but very listenable.
Great Eric Clapton
I like Let it Grow.
An album that checks all the Clapton baskets. Excellent musician but a bit messy as a human being of late. Nobody’s perfect but the music is darn close.
Great for any mood. Wonderful playing, all around solid. Could use a volume boost on a modern set of speakers.
3/10 Se il pezzo che mi è rimasto maggiormente è una cover di Bob Marley, c'è qualcosa che non va Razzista e anti vax, è stato sicuramente un grande chitarrista, ma il cantato mi ha annoiato
Good easy listening Clapton. Some reggae feel to it.
I don't think this would've been any more sleepy had he stuck with the heroin.
3.9/5 Discovered a tune … let it grow. Motherless children great album kick off.
Bam, gentle shredding Then softly lulls others’ work Soothing yet lacking
Yep. That's Clapton
I consider myself a Clapton fan, but I wasn’t so familiar with this collection aside from the Sheriff song. It wasn’t bad, but not at all my favourite Clapton album.
Somehow I missed this first time through and I'm sorry I caught myself. Never been a fan of Clapton, but my Uncle Jeff insists he's one of the all time greats. But he also thinks the Beatles are great and John Lennon is an inspiration. Love you Uncle Jeff, but are opinions are far apart. Anyway, I have never understood why he is considered to be so good. Just an average blues guy. Considered one the greatest guitarist....why? Apparently I'm just ones of those who don't get it with this dude. This album was very slow with no energy. I Shot the Sheriff.....ooooh controversial, but it's not even your song. The best thing I can say about this album, Let It Grow somehow reminded me of Grandma Morrow's house. I'm sure I heard it there as Jeff is her son, but I kinda smiled for minute. Nothing terrible, just nothing very good either. I'll go with 1.5 1.5
Other than I Shot The Sheriff, this was a pretty big nothingburger for me. 2
2 Eric Clapton, a man who owes his entire career to black musicians and yet has spent a good chunk of it throwing around racist remarks and slurs without even a hint of irony. Dude quite literally even covers a song by a black group here and still went on to deliver his infamous “Keep Britain White” rant just two years later. I digress, for all his faults, Eric Clapton is a really solid guitarist… but you wouldn’t know it by listening to this album. Like, I know if I’m listening to Clapton, I’m expecting to hear some shredding, or at least impressive guitar work in some form, and that never really happens here. That’s not to say that I believe artists should stay in one lane, but I’m not really sure what the guy was setting out for with the change in direction on this album. I didn’t find it particularly interesting, nor did I really think it had anything to say - this just feels like soft rock of the softest kind. The best song here is probably the opener, Motherless Children, but it goes downhill pretty quickly from there. While I’m not a fan of the song I Shot the Sheriff in any form, nor am I really a fan of Bob Marley’s music at all for that matter, I can at least admit the Wailers’ version has a certain energy to it that Clapton’s lacks - which really seems to be a recurring theme across this album. Take my review with a grain of salt given that I’ve never really been the biggest fan of Clapton’s music (and even less so of his personality and beliefs), but I don’t think I could be convinced this is his best work.
I miss Cream, Bruce and Baker were fundamental.
Probably wasn't as boring as the other Eric Clapton album I heard earlier, but I still don't have a whole lot to say outside of a couple of songs being pretty good. Probably a 6, maybe a 7
This is #day164 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... how do you come back after a period of heroin addiction? Well, you record an album, 80% of which consists of covers. For reasons unknown, this album ends up on the list of albums you must hear before you die. Must you, though? I doubt it. They say you should separate the person from the artist, but honestly, fuck that, Mr. Clapton. I've said that under the Derek and the Dominos review, and I'll say that again. Your love for russia, putin, and everything tied to the imperialist nation of terrorists is hideous. This album gets a 2 out of 5 from me. I didn't feel like continuing to listen to it after the second song, so... I didn't. Looking forward to #day165.
Wasn't excited for this but was pleasantly surprised
Now this is a Clapton record I can get behind. We can talk about him being a racist moron and cultural appropriation all we want, but on 461 Ocean Boulevard he (finally!) strikes a balance between showcasing his guitar playing and letting the songs breathe. It has its' ups and downs, with highlights in 'Let It Grow' and the groovy cover of 'I Shot The Sheriff' (just forget about the original social commentary and go with the flow).
Easily one of Clapton’s greatest solo efforts. 461 Ocean Boulevard showcases his skills on the six string while never making him seem flashy - he just goes with the arrangements and binds everything together like hot glue.
I really try to separate the artist from his/hers work. I really do. I feel that if you don´t a lot of classic rock I impossible to judge because they were assholes the whole lot of the Whit that said; I can´t do it with Clapton. I fucking loathe him as a person. Motherfucker built his career on plundering black music and then he gets on stage and is such a racist fucking cunt that people actually start Rock against racism to counter his cuntiness. Can you imagine how much of a racist you have to be to get a fucking COUNTER MOVEMENT? People get together and hold benefit concerts against you. If not Hitler-level cuntiness, the at least Idi Amin-level. Fuck you Eric. Really fuck you.
stopped a few songs in, not for me lyrically.
Well, this has got me. I freely admit to having a certain bias against Mr C. Who was Peter Green's (the greatest blues guitarist this country will ever produce) predecessor in John Meyall's Blues Breakers. I'll admit I do have his greatest hits album, and like it. Also Let It Grow is one of my favourites on that album, so it's presence here is a good sign. And with the exception of Hand Jive, which was waaaay tttoooooo ssslllooowww, the rest of the album didn't disappoint. I will definitely consider purchasing more of Mr C's works in the future. Now then, does it warrant a 4, yes I rather think it does, but only just, and I mean only just.
Was expecting the worst, but on this occasion my preconceptions were unfounded. I really enjoyed this. Soft bluesy easy going loveliness. Only knew the one (obvious) song from it, but it all flowed nicely. Not sure I’ll make a point of listening to it again, but I’m glad I have!
For personal reasons. 5 stars.
Never got the hype, with all the "Clapton is God" BS ...this was really good. Enjoyed the different vibes.
Terrible person
I don’t have anything bad to say about this album but that’s only because I’m struggling to say ANYTHING about this album.
Good sound but would have liked original music instead of covers
Good album of covers. There's a lot of arseholes in the music industry, people need to separate the person from the music. Or at the very least be consistent with their judgement.
Here he is, boring Eric. I dunno what it is about Clappers, but I can't really get on board with him whatsoever. The two best songs on this album are a racially highly questionable rendition of I Shot The Sheriff and a cover of a classic blues song. It's all very serviceable and there's no denying he's a very talented musician, but it's like music by AI or something, there's no soul to it whatsoever.
Better than expected! His voice sounds pretty good here too. Solid cover of I Shot The Sheriff. 3.5
Boomer rock but it’s consistent
really boring tbh
If Neil Young wasn’t made to be in a band and could only ever thrive as a solo artist, then Eric Clapton is his inverse. This is a man who desperately needed other musicians around him to push him into interesting directions, or even any direction at all. Look, Clapton’s a very good guitarist. I won’t deny him that. But when you look up the definition of “milquetoast” in the dictionary, Merriam-Webster will just start playing you 461 Ocean Boulevard. The most redeeming qualities about this record are that there’s talent behind it, but that talent doesn’t translate to good songs? I feel like when people complain about The Eagles, they think they’re listening to an Eric Clapton solo record. This record just feels like a white leisure suit, like the sonic equivalent of a French 75, like being dosed in a bottle of Acqua Di Giò and still not being able to pick up any of the scent. It’s sad to know that the yacht rock this inspired was a million times more inspired than this shit. At least I can rest easy knowing that Clapton is generally a horrible person, so I don’t feel as guilty throwing this off the starboard side.
Good album
Easy listening, listened a few times in a row
I might just be a hater but I don't think there is anything life changing about an album of mostly covers.
A lot of covers that didn't really resonate with me. Ska, reggae and gospel elements used which is ironic considering Eric Claptons stance on black culture/people
1/2/25. Always appreciated Clapton's music, was familiar with a couple tracks from this one. Excellent guitar work.
Oh god more Clapton. The I shot the sheriff cover is shite. The first track is....ok. everything else is pretty terrible. Give me strength, indeed.
Boring. The best track was “I Shot The Sheriff,” which doesn’t count since it’s a cover and not as good as the original.
Por muy buen guitarrista que sea Clapton, no comprendo qué hace este álbum en la lista. No solo todas las canciones son versiones, sino que, musicalmente, tampoco es nada del otro mundo. Hasta el mismo autor del libro intenta excusarse por haber incluido este álbum. Un disco que simplemente se deja escuchar. 2.
Like the guitar and some of the vocals. Great example of the genre. Added at least one song to the library.
Don't like
Putting aside that Eric Clapton is a terrible person, I generally prefer the projects he's involved with (Cream, Derek & The Dominos) rather than him on his own. This is a good album, but it's not great. The best songs are "Motherless Children," "I Shot The Sheriff," and "Let It Grow." Those songs are fantastic. The rest are good, and obviously Clapton is a great guitar player, but the album overall lacks something that puts it truly over the top.
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.
Classic Clapton.
I grew up having to listen to this version of "I Shot the Sheriff" over and over and over on the radio. I didn't like the song back then and time hasn't changed my opinion. What a lackluster album for someone who is "supposed" to be a great musician (but is actually a horrible human being instead); and it doesn't get any worse than the snooze fest that is "Willie and the Hand Jive." A very mediocre album.
But stealing pile of gentrified wack
I've always found Clapton to be a bit of a plonker but this album is pretty great
If you are into that 70 rock this is for you. It's exactly what you think an Eric Clapton album is going to sound like. So if thata the vibe you want, this is a great choice.
I just can't see past how bad of a person he is. While his music might sound alright, he somehow hates the people he ripped it off from. He's also anti-vax which is the nail in the coffin for me. Byeeeee
Helt greit. Let it grow kanskje beste sangen.
Quite good.
I wonder if hearing this music live would make a difference. I’m listening to it feeling like the energy that l should be hearing just isn’t being captured. The last song, Mainline Florida, gets cranking. Would have liked more of that side of Clapton. Much of the rest is too bland. Also, I’m aware that Clapton is an asshole, but am going to just judge the music on here.
It's hard to like something when you don't like the person performing. Boring mind numbing stuff.
Dit is een blues album, maar dan niet een goed blues album. Het is ontzettend gezapig, en volgens mij grotendeels ook covers. Ik snap oprecht niet waarom dit de versie van I Shot The Sheriff was die een hit werd? De Bob Marley versie is een stuk beter?? Dit album is heel traag, en ik krijg er vrij depressieve gevoelens van, misschien dat het door de zielige gitaar komt of het feit dat alles boven de 60 bpm als te snel zal worden ervaren. Clapton klinkt goed, zowel op de gitaar als qua zang, maar het geheel onttrekt zich gewoon niet uit de sadboysgitaarhoek waar het nogal in vast hangt. Ik irriteer me niet zo erg aan Eric Clapton, het is vast en zeker een lul, maar dan mogen ook alle Beatles en drie kwart van de hiphop albums er weer af. Puur muzikaal vind ik Eric Clapton een hele fijne stem hebben, hij zit alleen tijdens dit album net te veel op zn eigen pik, waardoor het vooral hele saaie trage blues is. En zelfs dat heb ik wel eens beter gehoord... FAVO: Give me strength, Let it grow
The sheer artistry is absolutely undeniable, of course. But with only a couple of exceptions ("I Shot the Sheriff", "Let It Grow"), there's a lack of energy that I don't remember from when I listened to this album many years ago. The album hasn't changed, obviously, so it must be me.
There’s too much Clapton on this list. Yeah, he could play guitar. But he’s such a wanker that I struggle to give him time. So much white boy blues bullshit. The urge to slap him with that guitar is overwhelming. This rendition of Hand Jive should have disqualified him from ever being recorded again. Asinine.
A Clapton classic for sure, but here's the thing about Clapton classics—once you've heard one, you've kind of heard them all, haven't you? Look, I'm the last person who would speak ill of one of the all time great guitarists, but the truth is, I never understood the comparison to almighty God. He's...great (as a musician; please don't cancel me). But when it comes to the Clapton solo material, I'm always left asking, "Where's the chops?" Especially on 461, Clapton seems purposefully reserved on every track. That's not inherently a bad thing, I just know how good he can pull out the dirty blues tones and truly make his instrument sing. I will say, the one track I respect a whole lot here is I Can't Hold Out, and it's precisely because of the reservation. The hushed vocal delivery, followed by the little-engine-that-could slide guitar pushing its way through the music really works for me.
There's a house on Ocean Boulevard, where Eric kicked the smack to play tunes in his yard.
Despite some general mediocrity from the songs, Clapton's skills on the guitar make this such a joy to listen to. Favorites were I Shot the Sheriff, Let It Grow, and Steady Rollin' Man
Love him or hate him Eric Clapton most definitely warrants inclusion on the list. His guitar playing is great and some of these songs are pretty good. The Bob Marley cover is not as good as the original. Favorites were Motherless Children, I Shot The Sheriff, I Can’t Hold Out, and Let It Grow.
Feel bad giving this a 1/5 but it honestly bored me to death. Maybe would be better if I was high or something.
I dont think its the best music Clapton’s ever made. But it was classic blues & thoroughly enjoyable (to a blues fan)
Minus 1 star for crappy remakes of Hand Jive and I Shot the Sheriff
White man wibbles to show how amazing he is at gheetaar. 2 stars, minus 1 because Clapton
2,5
The song all sounded pretty similar. It was ok
Much like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and early Rolling Stones, the cloud of "white man popularising the black man's music" hangs heavy here. Classic rock & roll, albeit distilled.
This was very mellow, 70s, and actually... quite boring. Not a fan. Rating: 2
This was fine-to-good. There's probably a world where I'd move this up to a 4 after a few more listens, but we don't live in that world. 3.2
Good, not great.
Good album, but there are a lot better in the genre and think this mostly got on the list due to the name rather than the content itself. The cover of I shot the sheriff is pretty bad
Fine, this is fine. And I love Clapton.
Chill bluesy rock music. 3.5 rounded up. Stand-out: I Shot the Sheriff
Past the title of the last song and the cover, this seems to be a themeless album and collection of ‘play-the-gee-tar-and-sing-about-vague-topics’ albums, from a bloke born in Surrey. Clapton doesn’t do much to demonstrate his spot on ‘top guitarists of all time’ lists, save for some cool sliding bits in the first track and sprinkled conservatively throughout. Not very adventurous and quite mundane, with the slight impression of Jamaican music in the most popular track somewhat contradicted by his own willingness to “keep Britain white” in a speech two years later. But, separate art from artist, etc.
That salt water view Clapton had recording this album must have worked because after the inital barn burner of "Motherless Children" Eric cools it right down. This album is full of low to mid tempo cuts that kind of slap like Get Ready. In fact this album has deep cuts that really stand out in their lower tempos and attention to groove, such as I Can't Hold Out on Side 2. Please Be With Me has a "Mac on Twang" quality that works really well as a soft-radio gem standing next to the hippie community-garden that is "Let It Grow". "Steady Rolling Man" has some nice laid back blues-funk to it as well. Ultimately, while we all heard enough of "I Shot the Sheriff", this album works best in it's mid-tempo groove based mindspace Clapton was at, so can we blame him for a 1-off reggae song? I say no, while it's overplayed, it's still a solid cover that landed when it came out for a reason. Call him a popularizer of reggae for white audiences if you want but if it got Marley a broader audience, who cares. Let's watch the tide come in and appreciate some of the undervalued tracks on this collection.
also November 26, 2024 The generator has been holding out on Clapton (I think last time was Derek and the Dominos over 2 years ago) As complicated as the larger historical/cultural context behind "I Shot the Sheriff", or Clapton's career in general, is, I think it's a strong cover. Or maybe I just like a good organ part. HL: "Motherless Children", "Give Me Strength", "I Shot the Sheriff", "Please Be With Me", "Let it Grow"
clapton has some good albums, even though i think he’s insanely overrated as a guitarist. this is Not one of those albums. not really all that interesting imo
Clapton is obviously a great guitarist and I get why he's on here. But honestly his songwriting does nothing for me. Cold, soulless repackaging of blues music, polished to a radio-friendly sheen. The first and last songs are pretty good, but everything in the middle is pretty dull. The 'I Shot The Sheriff' cover is very unoriginal. Covers that don't put an original sprin on the song should be banned IMO. Also, he's a horrible person.
Great sounding record pretty and the groovy 70’s blues rock vibes are cool but no really great songs except for the Bob Marley cover. Ratings get tough. 3-4? 3.5 I liked this more than the yardbirds. Did I like dexys midnight runners better? Or rod Stewart idk. Pretty good but not great compared to some of his other albums.
Instruments all sound great but the songs are mid. I didn’t like any of the originals very much but the covers were ok. I kind of like the laid back vibe he goes for, JJ cale-esque but nowhere near as vibey. Side B really sucks and brings this down to a 2.5 for me
I found this boring
Nice but short
Oh God, Clapton. It’s not even like this is bad, it’s actually pretty polished for what it is, but I have zero desire to hear it again. The only memorable song is I Shot the Sheriff, which is all well and good except that it’s just a meek and flabby version of the much better Bob Marley original. Clapton please go away now.
Hm, ne znam šta previše reći za ovaj album. Nisam fan Claptona, ali nisam ni previše slušala aktivno, pogotovo starije stvari. Nekako mi nije ni za posrati ni pohvaliti 😅 zvuči mi kao američka kirvaj glazba tog doba, da sam recimo u tom environmentu I to svira u pozadini, bilo bi mi onako, okej. Ovako ne budi baš neke emocije ni reakcije u meni. Ako bih morala izdvojiti jednu stvar, vjerojatno bih rekla da mi je I Can't Hold Out okej pjesma. Let it Grow mi je kombinacija kopija Tears in Heaven + Stairway to Heaven. 😂 Neka sredina, ni vrit ni mimo. 3/5, 5/10
Dobri stari slowhand Clapton. Stari mi ima ovu ploču, cijeli život ju gledam, a nisam ju nikad zavrtio, kad sam kupio ploče za Berlin, ta je ostala u Sibinju. To dovoljno govori o tome koliko mi je EC napet. Od ovog bijelog pop bluza jedini koji mi je baš jako dobar je J.J. Cale, ostali su mi onak, mogu slušati dok sam na pecanju, pijem pivo i gledam u vodu Ne dira me glazba, jedino što čujem je kako bijeli ljudi zarađuju na glazbi crnaca Opa, evo i I shot the sheriff, pjesma koja nije njegova, iako mi zvuči bolje od marlijeve verzije. Ali to je do toga što ne volim marlija.. Dobra stvar na ovom albumu su orgulje, baš volim njihov zvuk Najbolja pjesma mi je let IT grow, iako mi ima tu prizvuka svega, malo mi baca na Beatlese, malo ima stairway to heaven vibe Sve u svemu, neka trojka će ovdje bit
6/10 Nisam nikad skuzio ironicne komentare vezane za Claptona. Kao, jedan je od najpoznatijih gitarista ali nitko mu se bas ne divi previse u nijednom kontekstu. Pretpostavljam da je rekao neke gluposti ili je ljudima dosadan sa svojim drndanjem, a mozda sam samo okruzen cinicnim karlovcanima. Ili mu nisam dao previse pozornosti jer mi po nicemu nije zanimljiv, sto mi je ovaj album i potvrdio. Bilo kako bilo, meni je ovo zvucalo okej ali nista sto bi me moglo uzbuditi kao neki njegovi kolege muzicari tih godina. Clapton mi je za onih zadnjih pola sata prije nego ti gosti dodju doma u subotu navecer i onda se pocne konkretnija muzika pustati (recimo Colonia), a ti pijes malo craft pivo u kuhinji koje si si kupio za sebe prije nego napadnes sve one Beckseve u frizideru kasnije. Iliti, dodje kao neko predjelo, odnosno pileći ražnjić naspram nekom juicy steakeu kao glavnom jelu. Toliko uzbudjenja moze iz mene izvuci Clapton, nista vise. I nije ovo nuzno lose, samo mi je dosta ogranicen album s obzirom da zeli biti sve u jednom (rock, pop, reggae, blues, country, rnb i svasta nesto) pa mi padne u onu kategoriju - jack of all trades, master of none. I zbilja me nista ne rajca ovdje, a to mi nije bas najbolja stvar u muzici. Kasniji albumi su mi jos vise izlizani. Ne znam sto da tocno mislim, valjda najzanimljiviji u kategoriji superdosadnih albuma pa ce biti mršava šestica.
Really used to like this album, but I was underwhelmed by the recent listen. Vocals are weak but the guy was a heroin addict so no surprise there. ISTS was a disappointment after so many radio listens. Too bad the original couldn’t have been appreciated on its own merits - much better!
Boring blues from a horrible person
I've always hated Claptons cover of I shot The Sherrif. Sadly this album is more of the same. He may be a great guitarist, but this entire album comes across as uninspired. I'm only listening to this once as I don't want to give Clapton any more money.
EC has a long history of being a horrible person and I could barely listen to this for that reason. But I did listen to half of it before my rage took over and found it's not too bad - if you're into mellow 70s rock like Fleetwood Mac and The Eagles you might like this. The tunes themselves range from classic to terrible and sometimes manage to be both at the same time (Willie And The Hand Job). Still, I leave this with the same basic feeling I had going in: I won't mind if I never hear his music again.
Given the weird obsession in this project with multiple albums by various artists that probably don't deserve so many, I am utterly floored by the fact that this is the only solo Eric Clapton album. And while I feel like rewarding this possible oversight with 4 stars, in part because it's a solid album showcasing Eric Clapton's adopted sound, and of course his ever-popular cover of "I shot the sheriff", I now realize that we get other Eric Clapton solo efforts under Derek and the Dominoes ("Layla"), which really was all we needed and is really a stronger album than this one, which reminds me more of James Taylor than anything else. And too bad that "Let it grow" really *does* have a "Stairway to heaven" vibe (lite). So three it is!
I'd never heard this album before though I've heard some Clapton and saw him live once. Still, wouldn't say I'm a big Clapton fan, but when this album started with "Motherless Children" I got pretty psyched--what a great tune. Sadly, the rest of the album didn't quite live up to the somehow laid-back yet extremely tight blues rock of the first track, though it wasn't awful.
1001 Albums #6 this is quite pleasant, had it on for the day while doing chemistry wouldn't go back to it often but will revisit 80ish/100
I didn't find this record compelling, and I generally like Eric Clapton's music, though he himself is a wanker. I'd give it a three, but he's a wanker.
A bad blues album comprised of a bunch of half-assed covers. One of the only "original" tracks is a rip off of stairway to heaven's iconic chord progression. Simple said, this is a shitty album by a talentless bigot. 1/5
Bravo "Mr. Slowhand"! Perfect album. Masterpiece.
I’m conflicted about 461 Ocean Boulevard. Never has a man so talented been so fucking boring. But at times, despite being boring, it’s pretty good. Willie and Hand Jive, Please be with Me and Let It Grow are all good. Butttt fuckkkk me, let’s get off the yacht and get some energy 5.7/10
I was surprised by this one. I did not think I would like as many songs on this album. But I had a great flow and grooved well.
Great Clapton!
A good album, I liked Get Ready, I Shot the Sheriff and Let it Grow.
Blues rock is not my favourite to listen to and much of this was pleasant but did not leave much of an impression. Let it Grow was an excellent song though.
meh
3 - I'm finding Clapton just really boring and soulless. He is an amazing guitarist, but something's missing
Fine Fave Tracks: I Shot the Sheriff, Mainline Florida 3.4/5
Blind album, know the artist and the hit cover from the album. It was made very well, and had some catchy parts. Wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it though and it wasn't memorable.
Solid album. Better than I thought it would be.
british white guy making reggae and blues ends up being a white nationalist ok bro (dw yall he dated a black women) omg lorax reference!? ignoring controversy the music itself is whatever
Despite not being my kind of music, i actually enjoued it quite a bit
With Eric Clapton I am use to the idea that any given album there are going to be a few really good songs, and the rest will be mostly boring. But with this album it's good end to end. Well worth a spin, this is slow hands working OT.
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.
Damn anti-vaxxer. Only song I like on this album is the one about the Sheriff. Everything else is as trashy as Clapton.
Yeah it's fine
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.
Picked up in the second half of the album
I rather like Clapton's bluesy kind of sound, so I dig it
This album cements Clapton’s boring hack period, which he’s been in ever since.
I sometimes think EC was trying to be JJ Cale with this. It feels lose, downbeat and unpolished. Frankly, not my favorite EC effort, even with a Marley cover that seems trite. Meh.
Classic early Clapton. Love it.
It's telling that the best song on this album by far is the one Clapton didn't write. His funk cover of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff" is fantastic. It is surrounded by 6 boring and forgettable blues songs, a country song, and 2 blues rock songs that are also pretty forgettable.
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.
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.
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.
Honestly, I really enjoyed this, it's a pretty great album. But also Fuck Eric Clapton.
His guitar often sounds the same from song to song, and I'm not crazy about his vocals. He's also a dickhead. But there are some good songs on this. Please Be With Me was the one that caught me on my first listen. If I'm being an honest arbiter, this is likely a three star for me (or a 2.5). But he's also a dickhead, as I mentioned, so I'll drop a star.
Classic Clapton
See, I thought this was pretty good.
booooo
3+/5
Cruisy Eric
Great live feel to this album. Fantastic drumming as well
Gezien zijn muzikale oriëntatie in de jaren 70, en eigenlijk ver daarvoor al, mag je Eric Clapton toch best omschrijven als 'Americana'. Vooral in deze vorm. Maar dat betekent dan ook dat je hem mag vergelijken met J.J. Cale. En voor meer dan de helft van dit album vind ik hem een saaie J.J. Cale. En dat zegt wat, want hoewel ik groot fan ben van z'n werk, is J.J. Cale soms wel ietwat saai. Maar de funky ritmes die hij soms aanslaat in z'n country en bluesy werk leven in ieder geval meer dan die op dit album. Op de tweede helft van het album begin ik me meer te vermaken, als de nummers meer folkrock worden en ze met hun America-achtige harmonieën toch wel degelijk laten zien dat het album leeft. Maar het is over het algemeen vrij gezapig. Wel zou ik '461 Ocean Boulevard' meenemen als ik hem zag staan in een platenzaak. Enkel de hoes is echter genoeg. 5,5/10 Highlight: Please Be With Me
Alsof je ontwaakt uit een heroineverslaving moet 461 Ocean Boulevard een beetje inkomen. Nu heeft het solowerk van Clapton nooit echt een plekje in mijn hart veroverd, op 461 Ocean Boulevard begint het echt als slappe hap. Misschien is I Shot the Sheriff wel het keerpunt in de plaat. Iets in het nummer is irritant (vrouwenkoortje?), maar toch vibed het nummer wel lekker. Het tweede deel van de plaat blijkt sterker, hoe vaak zie je dat? I Can't Hold Out begint met een ZZ-top intro maar blijkt een kleiner introverter nummer. Best mooi. Please Be With Me lijkt een afgezaagd americana folknummertje te nummer, maar vind ik vervolgens toch stiekem best mooi. Vooral door de harmonieën. Let It Grow is dan weer wat Beatlesque. Mainline Florida vind ik een toffe afsluiter. Clapton doet geen hele ingewikkelde dingen waardoor het vaak een hit or miss is. Hij lijkt op 461 Ocean Boulevard zijn solo-niveau gedurende de plaat te vinden. Niet verwacht. 7/10 Highlights Please Be With Me Mainline Florida
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
Album was fine. Liked the Bob cover, though I prefer the original. This is in Clapton’s prime. 3/5 Might listen again
Who really wants an album of covers by a racist, hypocritical, over-rated hack? Let It Grow is lovely (even if it is, ironically, a shameless, schmalzified Stairway to Heaven rip off), but the rest is either unnecessary, or just shit. Willie And The Hand Jive? Really? Having said that, the three closing tracks - Let It Grow, Steady Rollin' Man and Mainline Florida - are excellent and raise the album. It's only to a 3, but then it is also a covers album with some really shit decisions on it.
Dire. Truly dire.
This is nothing more than ok. Clapton has no style, or substance, and not even top tier talent. There are a few good tunes here I suppose, but isn't that true of just about any rock album
starts well, goes downhill - no searing blues riffs apparent
Again the question. who is responsible for this 1001 - list? There are much better Clapton - albums out there.
Boring
Decent album.
This album was okay. I didn’t get into it until halfway when I heard I Shot The Sheriff. Not too much to say about it. It sounded fine, nothing bad on the ears. Standouts: I Shot The Sheriff, Please Be With Me, and Let It Grow.
Albumi #63, 29.09.2024 Claptonin toinen sooloalbumi vuodelta 1974. Perus bluesrockia. Ei aiheuttanut ahaa-elämyksiä.
I have made my issues with Eric Clapton as both a person and a musician clear in my two previous review of his work. But when talking about (how fucking awful his cover of Little Wing was) his artistic choices on Layla, I neglected to mention a problem that became increasingly relevant through my listening of 461 Ocean Boulevard, which is that Clapton is not a very good singer. He’s got a very limited range, which is something that can be worked around, but he’s also got a very flat and uninterested sounding delivery, and is often pushed very far back into the mix of these songs, so much so that it becomes difficult to distinguish him at all. It makes the dreary, stiff, white Blues on the album all the more uninteresting, because both parts of what should be interesting about a Bluesman of Clapton’s standing, his solos and his vocals, are barely intelligible. I was just utterly bored by this whole project. After I Shot The Sheriff, I cued Bob Marley’s version and, despite it not being a particular favourite Marley song of mine, I was taken by how much better it sounded than Clapton’s version. God this was a boring review to write as well. Everything about 461 Ocean Boulevard is boring, from the title to the cover to the mixing. I’m sorry to take up so much of your time on this boring review of this boring album by this boring artist who also happens to be one of the most unlikeable cunts in existence at the moment
Clapton is certainly a good blues guitarist. Equally, he's a pretty awful person. I partially put my dislike of him on hold for Derek and the Dominoes, as it's really an excellent album. This one is a lot less interesting. His cover of 'I Shot the Sheriff' is the only song that interested me that much. But it's hard to appreciate his engagement with Black culture while also remembering his racist views. The rest showcases his skills but not.much else, and not enough to ignore the person behind the music.
not the biggest fan of covers. personality and actions aside its really a uninspiring album. it doesnt even show what he is really capable of skillwise on the guitar. really boring but has a few good songs. (2.5/5.0)
Nice
They say you should always separate the art from the artist in the case of artists who are assholes. Sometimes that can be pretty hard, especially if the artist is considered one of the best guitar players of all time. But in the case of 461 Ocean Avenue, I don’t have to deal with that because this album is just shit. It’s a collection of mostly blues covers and none of them are remotely listenable. They’re just dry and boring and uncomfortable to listen to. There is barely a memorable song on this album. So I don’t feel so bad crapping on an artist who is racist, anti-vaxx and overall a talented asshole. I especially don’t feel bad crapping on some shitty covers of black artists by said racist. Seriously that cover of I Shot the Sheriff is balls. “Favorite” track- Please Be With Me (the most tolerable of the album, and solely Clapton’s) Other “hits”- Let it Grow, maybe
I liked Willie and the Hand Jive and not much else.
As you may remember, I’m not a big fan of Eric. Overrated guitar player, bizarre behavior/view in recent years, and his guitar playing went way downhill after he got off heroin. This is his first album post-rehab. The songs aren’t great — Willie and the Hand Jive is way too languid, Motherless Children has been done way better by others (e.g., Steve Miller), although I do love it when people think I Shot the Sheriff is an original by Eric. Eric’s originals are meh.
Growing up, my parents owned “cream of Clapton,” which is a greatest hits album, get your mind out of the gutter. “I shot the sheriff” and “let it grow” were on there, and I still like let it grow. The rest of this album sucks.
this is definitely an album you throw on the turntable in the background of a game of cards while sipping whiskey or g&t, and sometimes that's all you need from a record
Fuck Eric Clapton.
Tekis mieli laimeesti sanoa, että Eric Clapton on Eric Clapton, se jää mulle aina laimeeksi. Vaikka I shot the seriffistä pidänkin. Se oli ainoa heti kiinnostava kappale tällä levyllä. Niin hidas b-puoli! Mutta en inhonnut mitään. Tuskin silti palaan.
Tämä LP on niin "perus", että tuntuu epäilyttävällä nauttia siitä niinkin paljon kuin nautin. Artisti lähestyy materiaaliaan yllättävällä pehmeydellä, mikä palvelee lopputulosta. Ilahduttavaa kitarointia myös (erityisesti avausraidalla).
Good one, Eric "Keep Britain White" Clapton
461 OCEAN BOULEVARD is mostly covers, and that is okay, but while the whole album is a technical specimen, it ultimately sounds soulless and lacks the vitality of the originals. The result is a fairly ho hum boring album that brings neither creative inspiration nor swelling emotion.
Fav: Let It Grow Least Fav: Willie And The Hand Jive Even putting aside my dislike for Eric Clapton, this was just incredibly boring for me.
I listened to this multiple times and it made no impression on me whatsoever
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.
This started off making me think it would be a nice stepping stone between classic Clapton and his more guilty-pleasure work of the 80s. And then, for some ill-advised reason, Willie and the fucking Hand-Jive shows up in the worst iteration of it I've ever heard. It isn't interesting, it's slow, and it's hard to sit through. Just an awful song. Luckily he slots "I Shot the Sheriff" in here as a cover worth listening to. For me, it's one of only a couple of songs I hope to ever hear again. Things don't get better with "Please Be With Me." What a boring grind this is. And then we get to the monstrosity that is "Let It Grow." I remember hearing this on a greatest hits album when I was a teenager and being bored to tears. The lyrics are terrible (Love is lovely, so let it grow). Musically, it has so much potential. It sounds as if someone attempted to make Stairway to Heaven fit on the B side of Abbey Road, but made them both as absolutely vanilla and uninteresting as possible. The potential sitting there but left dangling so limply makes me want to puke. Was this when Clapton was doing too many drugs, or after he'd sobered up too quickly? What an unfortunate album by a great artist.
This blues record sure made me cry alright. Bored me to fucking tears. Not sure why this even made the cut. Layla and Cream is fine for Clapton's contribution to this list. That John Mayall album too I suppose
Just. No.
Ah, come on man. I had to listen to John Mayall's Bluesbreakers last week, and now I'm starting off this week with a Clapton solo effort? At least I think this will be my last album that has Clapton on it. I'll be forthcoming and admit that I can't stand Clapton the person, but like Bluesbreakers last week, I'll do my best to give the king of dad-rock xenophobes a fair shake on this album. Uggggggghhhhhh, I enjoyed this album, and I absolutely hate that I enjoyed it. I expected to at least enjoy the guitar playing, which I did, but it didn't steal the spotlight from the musical arrangements as a whole. I really enjoyed the organ playing throughout the album, and I liked that a lot of the album was slower and had a more tender feel to it. This album doesn't really showcase Clapton's ability to pluck away on the guitar, but it does show his talents at arranging music, and his ability to perform songs in a thoughtful way. Yvonne Elliman's co-lead vocals on "Get Ready" and her backing vocals elsewhere on the album were really great too. "Let It Grow" was easily the best original contribution from Clapton, but "Get Ready" was no slouch either. As far as the covers go, I think I'd have to pick "Mainline Florida" as my favorite. I can't stand the singing on "I Shot The Sheriff," but I do like the organ playing, and while I liked the arrangements on "Motherless Children," I think the upbeat tone is wildly inappropriate for a song of such heavy themes that was based on a lived experience by the original songwriter. That was certainly a choice. Still, this was a good album, and it felt like it had a lot more originality and feeling in it than the other Clapton involved blues albums I've reviewed.
it was fine
3.7
Gear: Abyss DIANA MR (vegan) Artwork: 🌴🏠☀️ Mix: 🎧😐🆗 Musik: 😬🎸🥱 Wertung: 🌴(🌴)/5
👎🏻
Loved Motherless Children. What a jam!
Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.
A pleasant listen. It has that understated delivery similar to George Harrison's late stuff for the Beatles (Let It be). The guitar playing is sublime. It doesn't really rock. Let It Grow, however, sounds like a very decent Beatles homage. I Shot the Sheriff is nice - because Bob Marley is a genius! (The original is better, in my opinion.) I do find it hard to get past Clapton's dickheadish personal persona - the massive domestic violence, affairs and racist rants - albeit fuelled by addiction to various substances. ...But it's a nice album.
I’m surprised I enjoyed this album
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.)
Really solid Clapton album.
non mi interessa niente di tutto questo
This is a baseline good album that is really elevated by I Shot the Sheriff, and to a lesser extent Let It Grow
Excellent
Average. Chill out album
Clapton gonna Clapton.
I Shot The Sheriff is a great cover. Some other great songs on this album too, especially Steady Rollin’ Man 4/5
Pure quality
Couple of great classics on here, but ultimately not something I’ll end up listening to the whole thing again
Fairly tepid blues rock, makes you wonder what was the point of putting this out? The less said about the woeful Bob Marley cover the better. 2*
Clapton is boring. Always has bored me. This album is no different. Although I will say the song Let it Grow is interesting. Not bad. Just boring record.
Honestly pretty meh . No feelings or even a slither of emotion was invoked and a pretty boring listen.
Classic
So…. I have always loved I Shot The Sheriff so at least three stars for that alone. To be continued ….. I shouldn’t have read the reviews. Taking two stars off for what I’ve read about him…. One star total
Ok
Besides Clapton being a piece of shit, this is just a bunch of lackluster covers.
yeah okay eric clapton!
I tried twice and gave up after 2 songs
Once again, for those who may have missed it... Fuck Eric Clapton!
I can see why people like Clapton. Dude was popping off in the 70's.
I'll review the music not the person, Clapton has been an asshole his whole life not just in the last few years. That being said I do dig the laid back country style blues sound even though it's a bit too "clean". It's a fun album to listen to but it's not mind blowing or anything. It's a 3.5 album.
Setting aside that Clapton is a dick, he’s a pretty great guitar player and singer. This is an ok record with some good playing. Not a fan of I Shot the Sheriff. Leave that to Marley.
Slower paced then i was expecting. Fine, I just don't think i'll listen to it again.
I like Eric Clapton the musician (the person can GTFO.) And I like this album. Some straight up blues tracks, a few crossover ones, and the reggae cover, I like most of it quite a bit.
Used a private session on Spotify, I have learned this is important to not mess with recommendation engine for Spotify. And now I feel compelled to report on it, there will never be an album that gets five stars if I deem a private session necessary. Anyway, about a decade or so I read a headline in the Onion that said "Eric Clapton's next album will be a blues inspired rock". I am paraphrasing, but I don't know if I ever laughed as hard as anything from The Onion. It still makes me smile. Kudos for Eric for covering a reggae song, instead of just blues standards.
This is good, but I still don’t see the hype around Eric Clapton.
Kind of an up and down album, and when you factor in how terrible he is....
3.5
My fave Clapton album
Not into Eric Clapton. Especially this album. Not to mention, that I get that Bob Marley gained visibility when Clapton covered ‘I Shot the Sheriff’, but really?
Hate is a strong word. But that isy general feeling about Eric Clapton. This album - I don't hate it as purely as other Eric Clapton albums. Progress. I would say that this album has - at times - good vibes. It's like a better version of the Band. Still - it never really hurts out like his purported heroes. But decent vibes. Sometimes.
What a dry album. Clapton is just so juiceless, I've listened to this four times and gotten barely anything out of it. Will likely forget soon. Best Track: Mainline Florida Worst Track: Let it Grow