Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

The pivot between his great early stuff and the bullshit rest of his career. The moment where Clapton becomes boring. Of course there's some great guitar moments and the tone is beautiful, but overall this is a very average blues record.

One of the all-time classics which I've spun a number of times, and it's certainly good, but there's a long way between the grandiosity of the album's title track and the B-sides. Layla is a true 5 star song; one or two others come in at 4, but the majority of the album tracks are more in the 2-3 range, leaving it overall at a 3. Seriously though, Layla's piano outro is one of THE ultimate moments in rock music.

It was fine, Clapton and all....

Went into this knowing nothing about the album except for Layla which obviously fucks. I don’t really care about jam bands unless I’m watching live - sue me. Doesn’t make for a great album experience. Aside from Layla the rest is straight ahead Beatles-y rock and blues jams which gives Clapton the stage to shred for an hour. Nothing wrong with that. Taking with me: Layla, I Am Yours, Little Wing

Not terribly exciting, surprised I found this album a lot more 'meh' then I thought I would, it's good and I appreciate Eric Clapton's guitar work it was just not entirely the kind of blues rock I get overly excited about ⭐⭐⭐

It's just alright until you hit Layla then it becomes amazing for a bit then goes back to just alright.

Title track is a masterpiece, fiery guitar riffs galore and a young Eric singing his goddamn heart out for his mate's missus. He had a turn later, and found out the grass ain't that much greener. Still, prior to that sad domestic disillusion, he was drinkin' and smokin' and cokin' himself right silly, and he had the forethought to get that shit down on tape. Lo and behold, this album. Bell Bottom Blues is another great track, and his crack at Little Wing is alright too (no outdoing Sir Jimi though). Years later, Stevie Ray would demonstrate what a cover of Little Wing could be. I've listened to this album of bunch of times before - last time was about 3 weeks ago while grocery shopping. I forgot I was even listening to the music until it reached the title track and my ears zoomed back in on the sound coming through my headphones. This may be a sign that, while I appreciate the album's status as a classic, it's not some kind of Top Ten (hell, Top 100) album for me.

So technically accomplished; but his music always seems contrived, like it’s just an excuse for him to show off his chops. Fundamentally I don’t find a tremendous sense of melody in his leads. Just widdly widdly widdly WEEEEEE WEEEEE WEEEE WEEEEE WEEEE WERRRRRRRR WEEEEEE. And while he plays around with pentatonic minor, he never comes close to playing the blues the way the legends did.

It was really long, like an hour sixteen? It was okay, listening to it but am I gonna come back? Probably not. The only enjoyable song for me on there is Bell Bottom Blues. The whole album isn’t generally bad music though, it’s just not for me, I believe. Also … I’ve been doing this for like two weeks now and I just got 70s albums except for one from the 90s. Isn’t this supposed to be like expanding music taste and showing how different genres and decades make different music that still, like needs to be listened to before you die (duh)? But at the moment it doesn’t really feel like it, sorry. I’m not gonna give up though. At least not yet :)

Very uptight and try-hardy, no chill. Eric Clapton is a minor artist. Between his cringiness and his mediocrity, he will not be on any list in 10-20 years.

Ok, like I get it, the songs are solid enough and the guitar playing is obviously masterful, but my god. Somewhere halfway through Key to the Highway I had my fill and we were halfway through. Album slowly lost me as it went, and Layla did not get me back.

Heard the radio hits but never the album tracks before. After one listen I'm ready to call this my favorite Clapton record. Duane Allman rips this apart and seems to inspire EC, too. Key To The Highway was probably my favorite because Duane really stretches out and seems to drive EC to new heights as they trade solos. The cover of Hendrix's Little Wing severely bummed me out - they sound like they're trying to do something monumental but it comes across as heavy handed and hysterical where Jimi was light and loving. Guys, it's LITTLE wing, not gigantic wing. Their wing is enormous and leaden and there's no way it could ever catch air. And they were very smart to put Thorn Tree In The Garden last. It is truly terrible. I'm rooting for his ex-lover to come back and thorn him to death. On the other hand, it is aptly titled because the sweet relief when it finally ends is reminiscent of removing a splinter.

In the spirit of “separating the art from the artist”, I’d just like to say that this is decent record by a talented band that happened to be fronted by a massive douchebag. (Seriously, do yourself a favor and google “Eric Clapton $11 Lawsuit”)

You know, when I first listened to this album I thought, "Guitar, guitar guitar guitarguitar, but guitar with guitar is guitartar." Then after a while, I found myself really soaking in and saying, "Guitarguitar on gui- guitar is guitar tar tar tar gui targuitar guitar!" And now after having heard it all the way through, I can confidently say, "Layla."

"Layla" the most known and best song on the album. Bluesy/Eric Clapton type music. 5/10.

Not my cup of tea. Between this and the Led Zepp album I listened to the other day, a picture has been painted of what white guys in 1970 were complaining about and I don’t find it very flattering or self-reflective. I’d probably like this better as an instrumental album bc the singing guitars are obviously impressive. But even the guitars grew a bit grating for me by the second side of the album.

Look if it wasn't Clapton I'd probably give it a two. This is just the most boring bluesy songs played for way too long, maybe it blew some white teenagers mind in the 70s but now? I feel like this album is only on here because it has "Layla" on it, and everyone knows that song. But after the opening riff why go on? You already heard the one good part

doing a deep dive on eric clapton reaaally influenced this rating, sorry man don’t be racist and antivax and a terrible person

Trash. Fuck Eric Clapton. They should have called this album "Layla and 70 Minutes of Boring Shit I Wrote. Bell Bottom Blues had me fooled that I might need to reassess. I did not. For the ten thousandth time in this challenge, your album probably doesn't need to be over an hour. I think what makes this album suck is that there is arguably so much talent (I still have no idea what's special about Clapton but I'm not a dad) and it's just so boring and forgettable. That's way worse in my mind than trying something bold and failing to stick the landing.

Is this patient zero for white guy blues? Guys who collect Corvettes blues? What do they have to be sad about? *Harmonica riff* oh my dividends were light, my new neighbour isn't white, my wife is playing tennis and my mistress is out of town for the night, ohh I've got the insufferable white guy blues ohhhh the insufferable white guy blues. *lame guitar riff*. By the way, piano makes blues sound like it's being played by the Chuck E Cheez animatronic band. Eric Clapton suh uh uh UCKS. He perpetrates the worst "blues" ever. Cream is alright, but this annoying rich white dad shit is devoid of feeling. It's sterile. Let me bring up a niche pro wrestling analogy that will completely alienate anybody reading this. Modern day wrestling is lauded for having higher "workrate" and it is largely agreed by nerds that matches have never been better. I was one of these people for awhile, until watching everybody kick out of every move kind of left me nowhere to go as a viewer. It's cool once, but once you've seen it, well, you've seen it. I also realized that today's wrestlers are just fans, meaning they're also nerds. They watched Benoit, Angle, Funk, Flair, Steamboat, Hart, MISAWA, KAWADA etc. and made it so that they were essentially just tributing one or more of these people. Add in Foley for the deathmatch crowd but don't even get me started on fat bald guys cutting their nuts off with razor wire in front of somehow fatter and balder people doesn't even begin to resemble the emotionally brilliant physical storytelling of Mick Foley. What I'm trying to say, is that if you are going to draw influence from an original and beautiful piece of art, make it your own, make it original, and most importantly, make it good. Don't just copy what you see/hear. Whether it's Mississippi Delta blues or a 45 minute AJPW main event from the 90's, it was never just about the parts, it was always about creating something new from the heart. You know the how, but not the why. You aren't the originator, so when you just put the notes and spots where you've seen them put before, you're simply doing karaoke, and Jesus Christ, who wants to do that?? 1 HIGHLIGHTS: Wait I thought we were going to see that new karaoke star at that big stadium because we love that guy who shabbily warbles through "The Gambler."

While I was listening to Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970) by Derek and the Dominoes, I found myself wondering: do I have a personal beef with Eric Clapton? Because I genuinely don’t understand it. I respect him immensely as an artist, but everything I’ve listened to so far has felt completely outside my taste. I remember listening to another album of his — 461 Ocean Boulevard — and not liking it either. So, yeah… maybe it’s just not my universe. Another thing that bothers me (well, not exactly bothers me, but definitely doesn’t charm me) is how huge this album is. The tracks are endlessly long, ten-minute jams that make me think, “Okay… can we wrap this up?” What is actually going on here? That said, there are a few standouts for me: “Bell Bottom Blues,” “Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad,” “It’s Too Late,” and “Thorn Tree in the Garden,” which is absolutely stunning. I’m sure I’ll listen to more Eric Clapton in the future and maybe find something I truly love. But this particular record — his era with Derek and the Dominoes — was really not for me. So I’m giving it one star. And it’s nothing personal.

Always nice to push the average rating down guilt free

I refuse to listen to Eric Clapton because he’s such a piece of shit

Pff as if I'm going to listen to an hour and 16 minutes of Eric Clapton lol

What happens when you make blues and soul music, when you don't actually have any soul yourself? You get this album. Technically perfect in almost every way. It hits all the exact right notes. The vocals are just the right level of whiskey soaked. What it lacks, is any feeling at all. Probably I'm partly biased due to my dislike of Eric Clapton, but this album is just plain boring. It's also way too long. Layla would have been better if it ended before the piano started up about mid-song. The second half is just more "look how good we are at our instruments" and adds nothing to the song at all. Up until that point, it had been the only song I had enjoyed so far. I was glad for it to be over.

A great accompaniment to this hot weather. Really wore me out

boring boomer music

I've always felt that Eric Clapton is overrated. I genuinely like Cream... perhaps because of the talent of the other two-thirds of that group. Derek & The Dominos doesn't have the same effect. If anything, Clapton brings the rest of the group down. Duane Allman was fantastic, but I find his slide-playing on "Layla" shabby and overbearing. Then there's the story of how Clapton screwed Gordon out of a writing credit despite his beautiful piano outro... just a horrorshow of a human being.

This is so boring. This album has no right being over an hour long. There's so much pointless noodling it makes me want to bash my head against a wall. The vocals are bad too. Why Does Love Gotta Be So Sad is a pretty good song though. I think if the songs ended sooner it would be a much better album.

Fuck Eric Clapton.

Separate the art from the artist Claptons career sadly got worse the longer it went on, thankfully this album comes early on. Maybe if you’re not a fan of extended guitar solos this isn’t for you, but as a guitarist it’s a joy to hear Clappers and Duane duelling away on Key to the Highway and Nobody Wants You. He’s also trying his songwriting out here and there, with mixed results, but overall it’s a great album for a rock or blues fan. A word also for the title track. I’d give the album at least 4 for that coda alone. A monumental track that stands alone here in some ways, one of of those magic pieces caught on tape. 5/5

When the last boomer dies, this album will be forgotten forever. Which is a shame, because it's fucking terrific.

10 stars

So when I was first suggested this album, Layla was the word of intrigue, and Derek was the word of repulsion. The cover art was mesmerizing on first glance, so I was more allured than nervous. On the first listen, the soundscape submerged me in a different ambiance that I kept following like a thread leading somewhere. I did not pay attention to any word uttered until "Have You Ever Loved A Woman?", then I thought: wait, there are lyrics? I was only hearing beautiful noises. I continued listening and stomping around Harlem. Grinning mindlessly at the sounds I like, but don't seem to understand. It hit me. Bell Bottom Blues is one of those songs that my heart knew before I ever listened to it. The lyrics started unraveling to my semi-attuned ears. I looked up the band members. The most famous one is this Eric Clapton guy. He is also the lead on vocals with background vocals by Bobby Whitlock. I was telling myself while listening: This Eric guy- from the lyrics I was able to retain- sounds more mature and less of a contrarian than the other young songwriters behind the great albums I was listening to throughout last week. He must have been in his mid-to-late thirties when he wrote this. Also, he has an old man's voice. I guess that's the name of the deal with guitarists as opposed to songwriters. Boy, was I wrong about everything. I should've known - no pun intended- that he was going to be a specific kind of character. Just out of my familiarity with the shenanigans - to put it lightly- of the other great guitarist, John Mayer, through being a fan of Taylor Swift growing up. While wrapping up my day and eating dinner last night, I watched a video about the album by a lovely creator named Abigail Devoe. She named it "Layla, The Album That Changed My Life｜Vinyl Monday: The Big One". By the looks of it, this album will change my life too. Thank you to the album generator for the recommendation, and thank you, Abigail, for the much-needed context.

Bien.

Clapton’s finest moment, inspired by peak Duane Allman. Guitar blues rock of the highest order

I doubt I’m alone in thinking this is Clapton’s best project by miles. Better than Cream, Blind Faith, Yardbirds, solo career, all of it by miles. The title track is sublime. Bell Bottom Blues kills. Every other track is at least excellent. Duane Allman elevates what would already be an incredible album into something otherworldly and timeless.

Clapton’s best work

Fantastic - feels great to give out a 5!

I really like this album. So many great songs!

Great album!

Absolute ripper of an album and Layla may be one of the best songs of all time. People should keep an eye on this Clapton guy, he may be big.

wish clapton wasn't a prick. This album is amazing

Amazing

1. "Layla" 2. "I Looked Away" 3. "Bell Bottom Blues"

I can't believe I was sleeping on this album. I've heard Layla so many times that it just drags on for me with no reason to explore this Clapton project further. But this album. Phenomenal. One of the best albums that I've heard from this list.

For his absolutely dogged, “more cowbell" approach to musical adaptation, Eric Clapton has a pass to cover any song he’d like. I love his song construction, his voice, and the way he plays guitar; Little Wing is nearly unrecognizable here, but does it ever still slap; the moxie to go in on Jimi Hendrix… Bell Bottom Blues and Layla are thoroughly perfect.

Thank you for letting me listen to this amazing album, every song on this album is a gem with amazing guitarwork. Some songs slower, some faster amazing front to back. 1. Layla 2. Bell Bottom Blues 3. Anyday

I'm not the biggest fan of Clapton but this record is fantastic. Lightning in a Bottle with this lineup, greatly augmented by Duane Allman. One of those albums that could have gone very badly but somehow turned out just exactly perfect

This was a combination of all the good things. Don't know if Eric Clapton is my favourite human being, but damn, this album is incredible.

Fantastic blues album. All of the players were rock solid.

SO many great memories of listening to this with my dad, and I still enjoyed it today.

Great album, with one of the most iconic songs in history, Layla

This is a little tough, choosing between 4 and 5. It's often mentioned, I believe, as one of the GAOAT (greatest albums of all time), but, listening to it now, it's not immune to the double album danger, where it's hard not to think that maybe, if they'd have cut out a few songs, it could have been a really GREAT 5-star album. And yet, here, even some (most?) of the lesser songs are, I think, mostly still pretty good. I have to confess I didn't really recognize the name of Bobby Whitlock, but, looking at his Wikipedia page, it seems like I should have. I think he tends to be overshadowed by Duane Allman's famous contributions to this album - especially the dual guitar interplay on "Layla." "Layla" is a great song, of course, but does (for me) suffer a little bit from over-exposure. By contrast, "Bell Bottom Blues" (a lesser hit) and "Why Does Love Got to Be So Bad" (should have been a hit) still sound great, and "I Looked Away" isn't far behind. This album was produced by famous producer Tom Dowd, and I do think it has a good overall sound (Mombo gave me a dvd about Dowd). (After listening a second time, I was noticing even more how good the overall sound is, including maybe especially the - often dual - guitars. Songs like "Keep on Growing" and "Anyday" aren't great, maybe, but the production and guitar work and vocal harmonizing take them to a higher level.) 4 of the 14 songs (5, if you count the Jimi Hendrix cover) fall into the dubious category of white guys covering blues/r&b songs, but these are better than average covers, so not too much of a reduction for that. I think I'll give this a (weak) 5.

Man this was a surprise! I thought this album was going to be a bunch or boring blues jams but there are some great songs on here and the boring blues jams as executed by this house on fire are slay queen kind of stuff! I’ve now listened to every version available on streaming and the live Fillmore set as well. I’m shocked. I love this. Duane Altman serving a side of sizzling slide from song four on. I’m two days behind bc I’ve had to milk every ounce of goodness from this short lived project. I guess now onto…Cee Lo?

Rating: 4.8/5 Short Review: Raw, messy, and completely consumed by feeling. It’s not polished, it just bleeds emotion the whole way through. Feels like love that got out of control and never calmed down. Favorite Track: “Layla.” The contrast between the desperate intensity and that soft piano outro is unfair. It hits twice.

Phenomenal listening experience, was a genuine pleasure to listen to the 14-song album. Very few dislikes throughout. Slide guitar by Duane Allman is a great addition, The Dominos can truly jam across multiple genres - blues, rock, even a little jazzy. By the time you get to "Layla" at song #13, your ears are primed for that quintessential opening riff. "Bell Bottom Blues" is like an old love - you forget why you fell for them until you hear the syrupy guitar, and choir-like chorus. Also, great cover of "Little Wing." Eric MF Clapton Baby!

Good

Sometimes you forget Layla is the best song in the world. And then you listen to it again and realize that Layla is the best song in the world. And then you hear the rest of this album and realize there is some sick guitar playing here, even though all the songs get overshadowed by Layla, the best song in the world.

beautiful, so well written, give me more of this, i loved it

a tour de force of blues rock, a classic. Some tracks drone on an on with the blues. Those that combine the blues with more melodic signatures attain greater heights. Bell Bottom Blues is the true masterpiece of this album for me, greater than the title song. You have to wait until nearly the end of the whole shebang to get to Layla.

Terrific album! Talented musicians and Clapton and Allman are amazing! Highly recommend!

It was beautiful

Sooo good

A bluesy, groovy, loose masterpiece full of musical variety and soaring fretwork that remains consistently surprising over its double discs

Love it sm

Excellent!

One of the most inspirating albums of the 70's Amazing and with one incredible song: "Layla".

Surprisingly good. Gonna add to my daily listen.

I still really like this album though for Duane not Clapton.

Ah start to finish - what a bop. Always loved Layla, what can I say, I'm a human being. As my first time listening to the album in its entirety, I was hooked from the first song. I love the blues for the familiarity. It's like comfort food - you know what to expect as a whole but each artist add their own special blend of spice. This album is also super nostalgic as I am CERTAIN. It was blasted down the highway on a few overnight drives to the put in with mom and dad

great album .,

Great blues

At his rare best, Clapton marries the laidback w/ the desperate, effecting a sort of soft style of yearning, a self-weakening, self-deprecating passion. I usually wouldn't go for that kind of thing, being evidence of self-pity & all the bad qualities of white-boy blues. Indeed, it's often the downfall of solo Clapton, who's as underwhelming as any proclaimed god can be. But Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs is a justified classic, Clapton's most realized work this side of what he did w/ The Bluesbreakers, & that has to do w/ the fact that he can be his casual, heartbroken self. He'll never be a big deal in my listening life, & I'll never understand what all the fuss is about. But then again, I'll never 'get' Fleetwood Mac, tho I recognize Rumours for what it is.

Man there’s a lot of talent at play here Bell Bottom Blues was probably my favorite, but Layla’s a classic for a reason so it’s pretty hard not enjoy that one. I liked Clapton’s singing a lot more in this one than I did for Cream, just think it’s a better fit. Pretty confident at this point that I just really like blues and blues adjacent genres, something about way guitars are tuned just sounds great. There’re some amazing guitar solos on here, and though I’m not sure whether it’s Allman or Clapton on those, they’re close to the top of what I’ve heard I don’t have a whole lot of complaints, but there’s definitely some songs that just kinda exist and by the end of the album I think I got a little tired of the vocals since it’s on the long side. Pretty criminal this is all we got out of them, if only Clapton kept his needle out of the spoon and didn’t piss off everyone he worked with.

I remember my dad blasting this album and teaching me the opening riff to Layla when I started playing guitar. Its blues heavy, but specifically white guy blues. I'm sure its nostalgia, but I cant help but love pretty much every track here. I just picture myself sitting in a smoke filled blues bar drinking cheap whiskey while Have You Ever Loved a Woman wails in the background. Even though its the standard blues riff you've heard so many times before I cant help but enjoy every second.

My cat michi liked it, i think it was good

What a great blues album, I'd never heard of these guys before

God damn, Bell Bottom Blues is perfect. Keep on Growing, Tell The Truth, Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?, and Layla are all heaters too. Great album. I know how much you guys hate Clapton, so I'm giving this one a 5.

I hate you Eric Clapton. 5 stars

That lil asshole sure can play guitar

Great listen. This was bluesy, funky, and easy listening. The guitar is the main character of the album, but all the instrumentals are really good. Big fan

Very nice

Very good album. Some songs were slower than others but they were still very good. Easy listening type of album and i liked it.

Loved this type of songs

The moment I saw what album I got I smiled very widely. I love this album from head to toe, and Bell Bottom Blues is one of my favourite songs ever. An anecdote I have is that I somehow prefer the unplugged version of Nobody Knows When You're Done and Out. That kind of never happened to me with a song before, definitely not with a blues rock song. I have an underplate with an art work that really reminds me of this cover. Everytime I look at it I just gotta listen to some songs off the album. Gets you hungry for blues, not food. But that sounds like something a 60 year-old guitar teacher would put on his facebook status.

Man, I wish Duane Allman and Eric Clapton could've played in a band together forever. Two of the greatest guitarists of all-time. This is chock-full of crushing blues tracks. I could listen to this over and over again. Top tracks: I Looked Away, Bell Bottom Blues, Keep on Growing, Anyday, Key To the Highway, Little Wing, Layla (duh)

Great album, Layla is up there with one of the greatest tracks ever

All timer. One of my very favorite albums and one of the only double albums that I don’t find to be too long. So many great songs. I looked away, bell bottom blues, title track, little wing cover, all awesome… The blues numbers all rip, and in my mind the best of the bunch is Anyday, which for my money is one of the best rock songs ever written. I don’t love solo Clapton, but this album is a true 10/10. Rip Bobby.

I wasn't aware that Duane Allman was in DnD, but it explains why the guitar is so enjoyable. This is a perfect album. So authentically groovy, energetic and bluesy. The iconic guitar riffs, Allmans slide guitar, the solos, are so intoxicating without becoming self indulgent. Eric Claptons low, gritty vocals accompany the blues guitar so well, and I love how forward and unashamed the lyrics are.

Wow. Just wow. This album was so amazing, it would be 5 stars even without Layla. Layla was definitely the highlight of the album, but I was surprised at how good the other songs were, especially the cover songs. This is why I really like double albums, the whole album feels like a story or journey rather than a few songs. And this was no exception. Tremendous album, not a single song stopped short of a masterpiece. I will definitely have to give this more listens in the future.

Great vibes and some real bangers

Jah! Wie zei er dat dubbelalbums altijd te lang zijn? Nou, niet als je Eric Clapton en z'n vriendjes even lekker tekeer laat gaan met hun bluesrock. Het superieure gitaarspel van Zijne Ericheid vult samen met die ene broer van de Allman Brothers met gemak de vijf kwartier die ervoor staat. En dan ook nog hartenkreet Layla erop, meer heb je echt niet nodig.

Ik hoor in het begin heet even typisch engels jaren '60 geluid met wat verlengde lettergrepen, snel aangevuld met een amerikaanse country-klank. Slaat de band een intercontinentaal bruggetje? De lange lettergrepen worden de rest van het nummer benut om telkens op een andere manier uit te schieten. Het doet me wat denken aan de muziekles van Van der Laan en Woe. Het album schiet al snel naar bluesrock, wat een heel stuk prettiger is. Ik ga steeds meer interesse krijgen in de band. Wie zijn dit toch? Er komt zelfs nog iets heel bekends voorbij. En dan, bijna aan het eind, pling, valt het kwartje. Aahhh Layla. Tja, de albumtitel zei het eigenlijk al...

De Engelse Cuby and the Blizzards leggen een heerlijk potje bluesrock op de mat. Waar de ene gitaarsolo snel de andere opvolgt, want Eric Clapton en Duane Allman proberen hier elkaar de loef af te steken. Over virtuositeit gesproken. Dubbelaars zijn over het algemeen iets te lang, en deze vormt daarop niet direct een uitzondering. Als je dan de megahit vrijwel achteraan zet, kom je makkelijk weg met die 76 minuten. En heb je achteraf ook meteen het idee dat je een heerlijke plaat hebt geluisterd. De 4,5 ster ronden we dan moeiteloos af naar boven, want alleen voor Layla zou je al 5 sterren kunnen geven.

Putting aside the fact that Clapton is a dick personally, there is some seriously fantastic guitar playing on this album. It was a joy hearing two of the best guitar players of all time, Clapton and Duane Allman, jamming together. The chemistry between these musicians is obviously fantastic. The interplay between the relaxed slide guitar work from Allman and the infamously precise playing from Clapton really created some unique music. It is sad that their collaboration was cut short by Allman’s death a years later. I suspect that the world missed out on some amazing music. This album is one of the best blues-rock albums I’ve heard. It is also a guitar opus. I like this a lot more than I thought I would. I like it even more on subsequent relistens.

Undoubtedly one of Eric's finest musical hours. A brilliant collaboration of musicians with some fantastic work from Duane Allman, some real Clapton classics on here, amazing musicianship and songwriting. There are numerous reissues of the album of course, including a massive box set with 7 CDs, a DVD and a double vinyl, if you can find one (and afford it). I've got the 2CD 2011 edition and that will do me nicely for this morning.

16/02/2026 *1. i looked away - already kindof know this one. bass is so nice with the guitars.... love the vocals. love the tambourine(?). *2. bell bottom blues - like this one already! love how dramatic the chorus is..... love the slide guitar..... 3. keep on growing - liking the beginning....love the chorus!! bass is really nice :) guitar solo about 5 mins in is making me go crazy!!! maybe a bit long, but can't say i didn't enjoy all of it :) *4. nobody knows you when you're down and out - absolutely adore the guitars together. the slide guitar is insane!!!!!!!!! love the organ in the back. going crazy right now. how have i never listened to this before!!!! ending is phenomenal!!!! 5. i am yours - sounds more folksier to start... really loving the slide guitar instrumental. sweet little break :) *6. anyday - loving the slide guitar immediately. aahgh!! loving it, but considering how long the album is, this song did not need to go on so long lol 7. key to the highway - loving this album, but not sure i need seven more songs of it! just more similar blues music. still great, just maybe a bit much to listen to all at once. *8. tell the truth - really liking the groove in this one.... slide guitar solo is insane. love it! great ending! *9. why does love got to be so sad? - drums are realllly nice on this one. love the bass as well. great!! *10. have you ever loved a woman? - slower paced. love the instrumental about 2;30 in.... crazzzzyyyyy...... don't know anything about clapton apart from the music, but getting the vibe that he was a serial(!!!!) homewrecker from these songs... *11. little wing - really loving the intro... more psychedelic. reaalllly beautiful <3 12. it's too late - really liked this one :) *13. layla - love it already!!!! even though i reaaallly enjoyed it, i think i enjoyed track four more, which i wasn't expecting going into this! 14. thorn tree in the garden - immediately more softer, sentimental.... nice ending :) really loved this one. thought i'd like it from the songs i'd heard before, but was a bit concerned about the length of it - some of the songs did drag a bit, but not to the extent where it got on my nerves. slide guitar was absolutely incredible. oh my god just read eric clapton's wikipedia after reading some of the reviews.... how racist do you have to be to support enoch powell?????

Amazing rock album, some disco, some pop, some ballads, Layla is obviously great, but overall really solid album

He plays that guitar so good

Eric Clapton at his best. Duane Allman on slide guitar. What more could you want? Some killer blues tracks and some killer rock tracks.

cool shit

Bluecitos god aires a queen y a pink floyd

LOVE SO MUCH

yes

Outstanding. One of the best

Fantastic stuff. A little long but very enjoyable.

Great classic rock with Clapton & Allman

Rock uit de jaren 70, dit zou toch wel wat moeten zijn voor mij. En obv het eerste nummer kan ik zeggen, ja dit vind ik heel relaxed. Die stem, die klinkt wel verrekte veel als die van Eric Clapton... En verrek! Het is hm ook. Geinag. Ja dit gaat de goede kant op, heerlijke gitaar tussendoor. Pfffoaaahh wat heerlijk is dit zeg. Gwn lekkere bluesy rock. Ge-wel-dig. Gewoon, puur genieten. Oooooh, Key to the Highway is zo lekker old school blues. Geen poes pas, gwn het simpele bassrifje, gitaarsolootje erover en praten over wat er in je opkomt. Genieten zeg. De laatste nummers vind ik dan toch wat minder. Nog steeds erg fijn, begrijp mij niet verkeerd. Maar als je lekker in de bluese vibe zit, dan zijn dat laatste 2/3 nummers ineens wel even schakelen. Dit hadden ze beter andersom kunnen doen. Had oprecht een 5 in mijn hoofd, maar twijfel nu toch een beetje. Ik vind het beter dan andere albums die ik een 4 heb gegeven.. Fuck it. 5 it is.

A true classic, great early Eric Clapton playing and singing. Great sound and the backs is tight. A must listen for guitar fans.

This is one I haven't heard in a long time. Classic album. It plays & sounds as I was sitting in that studio. Yes it has it's classic cuts but what blows away is the musicianship on display. It pours out of every songs. As a guitarist, in my opinion this is definitely a guitarist album.

Loved this album. Lots of passion in the melodies and lyrics.

Very cool album , I like dis shit

5/5 stupendous album dedicated to ur friends wife that ur in love with

Everyone was right, 1970s rock is fuckin cool.

9/10… blues / rock / *1970

Can't believe I've never listened to this front to back. I'd be giving this a 5 just for Layla. In fact, just for the end of Layla, which is one of my favorite things ever. But the whole album is solid. 5

The album gets better as it goes

Great rock album and what a rabbit hole to go down with the history of these musicians and their friends.

Solid! The guitar work is perfection and just a good album to have playing in the background

Dude absolutely loved this album. Clapton has been one of my main inspiration guitarists since I started playing in the sixth grade.

Great album

I knew a bunch of these songs from classic rock radio (thank you, Labor Day/Memorial Day countdowns) but hearing as a collection was pretty stupendous. The singing harmonizes with the guitars and the guitars battle and play. This may be the apotheosis of guitar god rock.

I haven’t listened to this album in years. It holds up!

Excellent album. Great throughout. Loved it

Excellent album of blues rock

FUUUUCK YEAH wow. Just so good all the way through. Can’t believe an album at 1:15 long kept me gripped the whole way through. The melodies and riffs and all of the above just were so great. Really well done Mr. Clapton.

Favorite Track: Have You Ever Loved A Woman?

groovy 70s blues rock music. this is the only album released by derek & the dominos, formed by famed rock singer and guitarist eric clapton. mans was going through a bit when he was recording all this material, and even hearing a small sample allows one to hear that passion and emotion. it's blues, but it's probably the most fiery, most energetic blues music you'll ever hear. i absolutely agree with a lot of people that say that some of the stuff in here is clapton's best... i'm VERY impressed by the chemistry of the band, especially when guitars clash with one another. it's a very impressive collection of songs, and i'm surprised i haven't listened to any of them until now.

Good

I actually cannot believe I have gone my whole life not knowing the goodfellas music is Layla. The switch in the song absolutely floored me. Great song + album though and mental stories behind them. Really enjoyed it, some of the songs are just a tad long. Would happily listen again though. Specific rating - 4.6 Fav song - Layla/ Bell bottom blues Least fav- have you ever loved a woman?

I've always loved EC, this is the best of him and I knew nothing about it. Listened through 2 times.

Absolutely great! What a blast. The second half of Lyla is just beautiful.

Classic, even if it's too bluesy for my taste. Five stars.

Amazing

For the music only. If I were rating Clapton as a human it would be a negative score.

This is pretty great overall, there were several songs that made me look up and notice the name because I was really enjoying it. Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out was a standout, with its followup I Am Yours also right there with it. Layla is a banger, no doubt. The guitars are great and timeless in my opinion.

right up my alley, a new fave

Blues rock

Love this one

Teetering between 4 and 5 on this one. Rounding up.

Rating the music, not the man. The real magic isn’t Clapton—it’s Duane. We didn’t get nearly enough of his playing, so every second of it is solid gold.

Love it. Own it.

An album I'd not really listened through before with of course the obvious exception of Layla. That song along justifies the album but there are lots of other good bits here as well. Little Wing is poignant when you know the story. The blues influence is good and strong. An album that could have led to so much more, but chance and circumstance mean we just have this one masterpiece, and of course the few lost tracks on "Crossroads"

Lowkey tormented.

I loved this album super psychedelic my favorite song was no body knows when your down. I lovedddd this one

So many classic tracks, just hit after hit. An absolutely amazing blues album.

Great album. Yes, Clapton is a muppet, but he did know what he was doing with a guitar. This album is long, but it is fairly varied so it never really frels boring.

Bom demais, eric clapton

Excellent album especially when you get Clapton and Allman together

An excellent album to find out if your heart is still broken. It will make you cry your eyeballs out. Otherwise, if you just shed a tear, all good. Clapton Is God.

Loved it. Clapton is a bloody brilliant blues guitarist.

Fucking hell, what an album. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 4.5 that I’ll bump up to a 5. Once again, Eric Clapton is an asshole. I shouldn’t have to preface that, but I feel a need to say it anyway. I’ve given him some benefit of the doubt, but from what I’ve read since… yeah, dude’s a mega asshole. Still though, good music can be made by mega assholes, and this is good music. Ironically enough, even with how much acclaim “Layla” (deservedly) gets as the shining opus of Eric Clapton’s career, I think a lot of what I wrote from “Disraeli Gears” still applies to this album. To quote myself, “there are a handful of moments where the album repeats verses & riffs and enters a bit of a stagnant state, but those moments don’t ruin the album that badly for me. That’s mainly why I’m at a 4.5, because they’re prevalent enough to be noticeable, but not obnoxious enough to bother me. When this album isn’t in a stagnant phase, it’s firing on all cylinders; the guitar work here is as good as advertised, the percussion is an incredible anchor that feels just a bit ahead of schedule, and the vocals” – and I’m going to cut myself off there, because I think my main complaint with this album comes in Eric Clapton’s vocals. I don’t think Eric Clapton is truly feeling the emotions he’s trying to pull out on a number of these songs. When you look at how he belted out “Layla”, you can absolutely feel it, and it’s the sort of thing that’s so raw that even if it’s about lusting over another man’s wife, you almost kind of root for him to succeed, as weird as that sounds. Compare that to the track right before it, “It’s Too Late”, and you can feel just how phoned in that performance is – it’s not a bad performance, but it’s a very color-by-numbers cover that he’s not putting his all into. That sense of not “feeling” pops up for a decent chunk of the tracks here for me, and combining that with his grittier / lower registers feeling a bit strained / forced on the more blues-y tracks of the album, it makes his vocals the weakest part here for me. I will also challenge the whole “prevalent enough to be noticeable, but not obnoxious enough to bother me” thing – these do get just a little bit obnoxious enough to bother me. I think the solos on this album go just a little too far with self-indulgence; knowing when to cut them off is a talent in its own right, but this album lets a lot of its instrumental breaks hang in the air for just a little too long. “Key to the Highway” is the prime example here; it didn’t need to be 10 minutes, and the amount of times it blueballed hitting an exit ramp on the extended solo in the middle just felt torturous by the end. This album ends up going longer than it should because of it; I think at least 8-10 minutes worth of slightly indulgent solos could’ve been trimmed down, as well as its two most plain tracks in “I Am Yours” & “It’s Too Late”. With all of that said, I don’t think it’s enough for me to bump it down to a 4, though it’s certainly leaning closer towards it – when this album IS rolling, it just feels infectious, and for 1970, a lot of this does feel slightly ahead of schedule, especially in the guitar / percussion work. For the high tempo stuff here, there’s no notes; it’s just great rock & roll. The blues stuff could use a little more work, but when you’re in the groove (and it’s still very easy to be entranced into the groove), it just never feels like a big deal. At the end of the day, “Layla” by itself is such a strong track that it sort of overrides all of these things that are basically just nitpicks about how I’d approach this album. I think it’s worth the bump to a 5, and at worst, I think the floor here is a 3.5 that could go either direction. For my tastes, I enjoyed it. Sometimes, it’s that simple. Still a mega fucking asshole, though.

This might be my favorite Eric Clapton album, and yes I know he was in Cream as well. This album hits deep with emotion throughout, whether it is Clapton wailing with his voice throughout, filled with heartbreak from beginning to end; or with the guitars. Duane Allman and Clapton have a dynamic throughout the album where their guitars are telling their own stories without hardly any words. Then you add Bobby Whitlock in the background makes each note hit even harder.

For me, this is one of a few double albums that doesn't pverstay its welcome. From purely blues tracks to great rockers to beautiful ballads, this album is incredible. A statement to EC's songwriting genius, crowned with one of rock's greatest love anthems in Layla. Everything is on point, the singing, guitar playing, other instrumentstion too! 5/5

Many differnt styles of electric blues are on this album, it is an amazing showcase of Clapton's versitility in the genre, as well as a showcase of his vocals, both of which were at the top of their game during this era. Worth a listen for sure.

Ça doit être mon premier CD de Eric Clapton de mes années du Secondaire. Album qui me réconforte un peu comme Ten.

J'adore le style de jeu de Clapton. Ça remonte à l'adolescence sûrement, j'étais tombé dans la discothèque de mon père et j'ai élu 2 albums qui m'ont suivi: Bringing It All Back Home et Clapton Unplugged (une de mes premières tounes à la guitare = Tears in Heaven, qui d'ailleurs sonne bien différent comme père maintenant). C'est pas tous des hits et Layla et définitivement le centerpiece. J'ignorais qu'il y avait une 2e partie à la toune, excellente. Malgré tout, il y a du jeu incroyable sans relâche et du musicianship au boutte. La Harrison-Clapton era à son meilleur, il devait y avoir beaucoup de drogues dures là... Les albums doubles c'est tough à digérer en une journée, mais je va y revenir!

A must listen for anyone into Rock.

I know the blues aren't everyone's jam but this was excellent.

What a album

I'm a guitar player so Clapton will always be God. While with Derek & the Dominos, he really finalized his transition from various Gibson guitars to the Fender Stratocaster - completely revitalizing the instrument and becoming forever connected to it. Layla is a masterpiece on every level. The bluesy guitar on Nobody Loves You is so Clapton it hurts. I've always been impressed with all of the bands and collaborations Clapton participated in and how he brought his own sound but never overtook the main vision of the band. Who wouldn't want Eric in their band, even just for a minute?

I've cooled on Eric Clapton over the years but you can't deny this album. A true blues rock masterpiece. Duane Allman plays guitar on 11 of the 14 tracks

Bad person, great music

Classic album - when putting together a super group works as it should.

I’ll readily admit I’m not the biggest Eric Clapton fan. I think he was god before he became more of a solo singer/songwriter. However, Derek and the Dominoes’ Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs contains no filler & may be the perfect album. I heard the album before, but it was many years ago & probably just once or twice. After listening to it a couple of times over the last day, it blew me away. Clapton is brilliant on this album & I think it's because he had Duane Allman, an alien, pushing him on to greatness. When Clapton is cutting heads with other great guitarists, he always pushes himself. When he’s by himself, he doesn’t seem to have the same fire, in my opinion. If Allman isn't the MVP of this album, then the late Bobby Whitlock is. I’m certain this album wouldn’t be the same without Whitlock's singing & writing. Whitlock is so soulful in his backing vocals and the songs he sang. I can’t pick a favorite song. They’re all good. As I listened, I just kept thinking, “All these songs are so good, one right after the other.” I think this is a masterpiece and probably Clapton’s last great album.

I mean sometimes it just doesn't get better than this. Powerhousing blues that is right in your face on end. Duane Allman and Eric Clapton are unarguably two of the greatest to ever pick up the electric guitar and you need look no further than this album to confirm that fact. Every single song is incredible and the story behind this rock giant is the cherry on top. This thing is and always will be one of the greatest albums to ever be put to tape. 10/10 without a doubt in my mind

Love Eric Clapton; was surprised to find this was not already in my library

I looked away Keen on growing i am yours key to the highway have you ever LAYLA thorn three

Wonderful album with two of the greatest guitarists, Clapton and Allman.

Excellent. Can't believe I'd never heard of them before!

This is the only Clapton record I really fuck with. My main complaint about Clapton is his white-guy-playing-black-music-that-pales-in-comparison-no-pun-intended-but-maybe-it-was songs, and there are a few of those on this record, but stuff like the title track and “Bell Bottom Blues” make up for it.

Awesome. Great blues the whole way through. Thought the guitar was amazing, didn't realise who it was until after I listened

Esse álbum é espetacular! CVJ Aria

Una absoluta maravilla. Extraordinario. Si ud. no ha escuchado este álbum de principio a fin, deje todo y vaya ahora mismo a hacerlo. Muy en el top de la pesente lista.

Clapton y la guitarra fueron parte de mi ingreso al mundo del blues. Debe tener una zona oscura como todos, pero yo busco su luminosidad y me confirma y tranquiliza.

Peak Clapton, aided by Duane Allman and a sympathetic band. Clapton never sounded so authentic or engaged with the blues.

Everything blues in this os straight up perfect, the rockier cuts still hit though, loved this!

I approached this one with trepidation because, quite frankly, Eric Clapton is a bellend (Bellend Bottom Blues?) and I find it very difficult to listen to him these days. I used to love this album but haven't listened to it in a few years. It stands up. "I Looked Away", "Keep On Growing", "Tell the Truth". Why Does Love Got To be So Sad" and, of course, "Layla" are classics. The blues covers are good, the extended jams from Clapton and Duane Allman excellent. If you can put aside the racism, the Covid denial, suing a fan for £4,000 for advertising an €11 bootleg on Ebay, and generally being a prick, there is some really great music here. I can forgive Clapton for stealing his friend's wife, as George did, as it led to a lot of these songs, but then he treated her as the arsehole his is. For these reasons, it may be a while before I can suitably divorce the art from the artist and listen to this album again, but I'm glad I did this time.

holy shit eric clapton

Top album

This rocked. Hard 5

Fantastic. 4 stars. Fuck it, 5 stars, this is a cut above the other 4 starrers.

The quantity of reviews saying, that Clapton “doesn’t understand blues” from people who clearly doesn’t understand blues is outstanding. Why? Because a lot of professional musicians, who not only played blues all their life, but pushed it further, and gave praise this album AND Clapton (as a musician), is outstanding too. Fuck the guy as a part of society, but as a musician and guitarist and a blues player — he’s one of a kind. And those people, who just toss other people worked on this album, put their soul and talent — musicians, engineers, artist, even those who market this album, managed, people from label, etc. — those people for me are equal in ignorance and shitiness, as that prick on a guitar. For me it’s the same sin — it's about taking people's individuality away from them, putting them in a box, and giving them a “mark”, because one or two of them have shown themselves to be shitty people. And in order to assert themselves, they create their own reality, “proving” it with invented bs, and shoving it down everyone's throat, hoping that it will become "reality." Sounds familliar?

Absolutely perfect

Fantastic; it was so good, I listened to the whole album twice. Thusly, it’s actual rating is 10 stars.

Great blues. Also Layla is one of my all time favorite songs

Awesome

Loved this one

Fantastic album. Great great blues rock

Aaron would like this album; Maybe Jared?

10/10 just for Layla, oh and other songs are great too

Those who say Clayton can’t play or is always dull never listened to this. Superb blues in 1970. Clapton hit these heights agin but rarely. The dominoes were superb. Layla is amazing, if tainted by the despicable miscrediting of the coda, which was written by carol bayer sager. Little Wing is majestic. Key to the highway is terrific. I do prefer the unplugged nobody knows you… but this is great. . In short, this album shows how white guys can do blues. It’s a pity so few others got the lesson.

Excellent album.

Amazing. Had no clue about their other work other than Layla

Eric Clapton is a beast of a blues guitarist, no different in Derek and The Domino. Aside from their live records this is their only album. It's a phenomenal album. Who can mistake "Layla", "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" and their rendition of "Little Wing" as anything but pure greatness? The ending track, "Thorn Tree In The Garden", is sublime.

Really good. Clapton is so damn good with that guitar. I think I like some of the acoustic version better, but this entire album is hit after hit.

Men will make a whole album about their friend's wife rather than go to therapy. This was perfect for a Friday afternoon. Love how the guitar is essentially the lead vocals on this with Clapton's voice turned way down.

was surprised i hadn't already listened to this all the way through. what an incredible record. little wing cover is mind blowing no other way to put it

OKAY, so... yes, Layla is their most popular song in this album, and yes, Bell Bottom Blue was very nice and jammy, but holeh moleh - this whole album was such a bop. I enjoyed listening to the whole thing, and it seems that they just had fun playing this whole thing as well, it wasn't forced as well. Overall, great songs, really nice stuff, and Eric Clapton absolutely destroyed that poor little guitar.

loved this

LOVE!! Austin's fav album too.

Banger! Instrumental is fantastic

Really enjoyed

A great blues album. In fact, I've always associated Layla with Erik Clapton. Nice to have learned something new here. I'll definitely enjoy listening to this again. 5/5

10

Layla is one of the greatest rock songs of all time. The rest of the album falls greatly short of that achievement, but is still pretty damn good. Eric Clapton is a piece of shit person with undeniable talent. The world isn't fair sometimes.

My dislike for Clapton aside, this gets 5*s for the last 4 minutes of Layla alone.

Lovely array of great tunes and lyrics - thx!

This gets an entirely biased 5 stars from me. I grew up on Layla, and the title song was one of my first favorites growing up. The album as a whole rocks for the entire 76 minutes. I have so many problems with Eric Clapton as a dude and even as a musician, and I should probably be listening to more black blues artists, but goddamn I cannot bring myself to not love this album. Sometimes you wanna fuck George Harrison's wife so bad that it makes you make the perfect album, idk

I love blues so this one was an album I knew I'd like. Of course I knew the title song as well as a few others... Bell Bottom Blues, Nobody Loves You When You're Down and Out, Little Wing (a very different cover of that amazing Hendrix song). But I didn't realize it was a double album and it was filled with really great blues music. You could really hear the joy and feeling of freedom in Clapton's voice and guitar. I didn't realize that Duane Allman played along with him on list of the songs. They had just met and formed a bond that really came through on the album. Definitely a five star album for me!

Good. Kinda music I’m into often these days

This was good in the way that if my dad had it on I would let him play it cause I love my dad but IDK if I would be going out of my way to put this on a playlist to pump me up

Maybe the greatest rock album of all time. Combination of Clapton and Duane is unparalleled.

Clapton sucks personally, but this is great

Got it

Slowhand….blues….what more needs to be said Really liked this album

I knew Derek & The Dominos mainly from Layla and Bell Bottom Blues and never heard the rest of the album. Boy was I missing out - I was blown away by the rest of the songs. Standouts were ""I Am Yours", Anyday" and "Key to the Highway" but really I loved them all. I believe this is the best blues-rock I've heard. Also Duane Allman's guitar work was killer!

5/5 love the guitar and emotion

unfortunately this is exactly my kind of shit

very good listen, flowed super good.

Turned this on starting my drive to work, could’ve sworn I was in a movie. I plan on listening to this if I get dumped by my girlfriend

Whole album slaps. Sick guitar solos. Could definitely have 5 or 13 balcony brews to this. Most notable: Nobody Knows When You’re Down and Out, Little Wing

Totally dig this album. Incredible guitar work and musicianship. Solid jamming rock and roll with a bit of a bluesy feel.

Apparently the key ingredients for a scorched-earth blues-rock masterpiece are heroin, a love triangle, and schizophrenia.

Drummer Jim Gordon also played on Pet Sounds and Classical Gas....he also killed his own mother in a pschizophrenic episode.

Awesome bluesy rock from the 70s. The album gets better and better and I actually prefer the second half. High 4 Low 5 but leaning towards 5. Great stuff.

I don't know if this is an unpopular opinion, but Layla is the weakest song on this brilliant album. Maybe we all need a Patty to muse us into our artistic cosmos. I don't think Clapton is the best person, but this album is epic from beginning to end and I've only gone 5 for a couple of 1st listens, but this is one of them.

Classic, not a single skip on the whole album

Clapton's best work

When critiquing art, and by extension music, it can be argued that you have to separate the art from the artist. For this album it was hard. Here is a quick list of things it was harder than: Resisting the urge to go on a racial tirade at a packed out concert. Not writing love songs about a good friends wife who you then marry immediately after they divorce. Not beating and raping said wife because you’re a piece of shit alcoholic drug addict. Not constantly cheating on every partner you’ve ever had and fathering a child with one of your mistresses. And it’s certainly harder than remembering to close your 53rd story bedroom window with your 4 year old bastard son in the house.

Yeah look mate, I've also done some really stupid shit when I've been toey. Written a whole double LP cause I wanted to fuck my mate's missus? No. After listening to this I went and googled Pattie Boyd and while she is a looker I don't know if she's hot enough for a whole double LP. It wasn't enough for Clapton to steal songs from 5 black dudes here (Jimmy Hendrix, Charlie Segar, Willie Broonzy, Billy Myles x2) but this bloke went back in TIME and ripped off a Persian poet from medieval times for 2 of the songs (I Am Yours, Layla). When I watched the movie Vice I had to take my hat off to the sheer unabashed evil of Dick Cheney, I admired him like you would Darth Vader. I feel the same way about Eric Clapton. If you wrote a character in fiction who was a plagiarist, racist, cheater, homewrecker, junkie, anti-vaxxer and English your publisher would look at you and say "Mate, really?". And despite all of this, this album fuckin' rocks. Yes, it definitely drags on Side C if you aren't a huge fan of blues or if you are suffering from blues fatigue. Or maybe it drags because you know the big hit is right at the end of the album. RIP Duane Allman, credit to you for writing one of the guitar riffs that belongs on the Mount Olympus of music. Step aside Trojan War, this song represents possibly the horniest a man has ever been in human history. The second half of the song is one hell of a tune to listen to while you whack all your accomplices from an airport heist. Good artists copy, great artists steal (their mate's missus). Highlights: Bell Bottom Blues, Keep On Growing, I Am Yours, Key To The Highway, Little Wing, Layla, Thorn Tree In The Garden

2/26/25. First time listening to the whole thing, definitely been missing out. Quintessential blues rock, each song hits hard!

This was fantastic. Should've never gone into pizza.

Great album to listen to when you inevitably find yourself in love with your friends wife

Really solid album!

If you told me that there was an exceptional bluesy rock n’ roll album full of incredible ballads and love songs purely to exhibit Eric Clapton’s sheer mastery of the electric guitar, I wouldn’t doubt you for a second. Clapton is truly on the greatest guitar players of all time, and any argument otherwise is laughable.

One of the greatest electric guitar showcases ever recorded. (Non-Metal division) They simply don’t make these anymore. A stone classic.

10/10 i gag at this everytime loves it eric clapton >>>>

Incredible

It was the kind of love that was forbidden, foreboding, overwhelming, all-encompassing; so propulsive in its motion that, when the time came, it was pretty much inevitable that it would give way to actualization. Eric Clapton's crippling and enveloping devotion to Pattie Harrison (nee Boyd) was something that couldn't be kept hidden from whomever any more, not even to the man who was supposedly his best friend. It all had to come bursting forth and this was the result. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, by the intercontinental and initally incognito Derek & the Dominos, is the sound of lovesick blues taken to its absolute zenith and a fitting conclusion to the British infatuation of the blues that characterized much of the rock that came out in the Sixties. It can be a too lengthy for its own good, overtly masculine slab of wax to most but this album is a monolith that must be best heard to be believed; maybe you'll start pining heavily for the woman of your dreams afterwards.

Amazing guitar album with Clapton and Allman. It does run a bit long, but the jam sessions and back and forth between the guitars are excellent.

Very bluesy and soulful. Loved it. Only knew the one song off the album before!

Am I allowed to say I enjoyed this? Other reviewers all hate it lol Down with Clapton, up with noodling

Great album. Loved the guitars. It's just a shame reading the reviews is how I found out Eric Clapton is/was a racist :/

Eric clpapton's the finest work

"Bell Bottom Blues" and "Layla" were my favorites. Duane Allman's slide work is fantastic. Clapton could run away and try to hide beneath others, but there is only one Clapton.

More! More! More!

"Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs" is the only studio album (and a double one at that) by English-American rock band Derek and the Dominoes. Blues rock. Oh yeah. The band's anonymous name grew out of vocalist and guitarist Eric Clapton's frustration with the hype of his two previous bands, Cream and Blind Faith. Other bandmembers included Bobby Whitlock (vocals, keyboards), Jim Gordon (drums), Carl Radle (bass) and Duane Allman (slide and lead guitars). The album was produced by Tom Dowd and recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami which helped them get Duane Allman as the Allman Brothers were playing there. The album was initially a commercial (#16 US, #68 (in 2001) UK) and a critical disappointment. Now, many consider the album Clapton's greatest overall work. "I Looked Away" opens the album. Melodic layered guitars. A slow pace. Clapton and Whitlock's melancholic mournful vocals. The pace takes off a bit. A guitar solo and great little guitar touches (the whole album too). The second single "Bell Bottom Blues" continues the initial slower pace which increases its intensity. You really start to notice the passionate playing by all bandmembers. A song about Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd who happens to be George Harrison's wife. That is a particular subject theme repeated throughout this album. The band heard Sam Samudio (Sam the Shade) playing Charlie Segar and William Broonzy's "Key to the Highway" in the adjacent studio and they started playing the song as well. The producer heard them and said start the tape. And luckily, we have a 12-minute cover of the original Chicago blues song. Allman and Clapton feed off each other throughout. One of my favorite songs on the album is "Why Does Love Have to Be So Sad." The band starts out flying and never lets up. Clapton guitar is just searing. And speaking of searing, the band covers Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing." The anthemic guitar riff intro into dual melodic lead and rhythm guitars. Another emotional vocal delivery by Clapton and Whitlock. What about the guitars? Let's just say that this is my favorite version of the song. The self-titled "Layla" has one of the most recognizable guitar openings and riffs. Dual guitar solos. And another song about Pattie Boyd. Speaking of recognizable, the song ends with a piano finish. Yeah, it's about time I watch "Goodfellas" again. The album has impassioned guitar playing and vocals. The guitar playing is incredible...the solos, the layers, the lead, the rhythm, the slide...Clapton and Allman just feed off each other. The other bandmembers are great as well. Some call this the greatest blues rock album of all time; I'd have a hard time disagreeing. This album simmers all the way through. It's worth a listen if just for their cover of "Little Wing."

Flawless

The best album by one of the best tock guitarists the world has ever known.

oh, yeah. God damn, this is such a fantastic album.

Fantastic album! Cool cover art! 1001 album worthy: Yes - 22/38

Clapton and co are legends. Incredible from start to finish.

Solid album

Love it love it love it

This was really good and I’m looking forward to returning to this. My favorites from my first listen were “Bell Bottom Blues” and “Layla”

One of my favorite albums of all time.

++*: Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad? ++: Bell Bottom Blues, Keep on Growing, Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out, Anyway, Key to the Highway, Tell the Truth, Have You Ever Loved a Woman?, Little Wing, It's Too Late, Layla, Thorn Tree in the Garden +: I Looked Away, I Am Yours 9,7/10

What an album from start to finish, you can really just feel the music all the way through and I know that sounds wanky. Stand out tracks: - I looked away - Bell bottom blues - Keep on growing - Nobody knows you when you're down and out - Anyday - Key to the highway - Why does love got to be so sad - Have you ever loved a woman - Layla

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Really fucking good album. Didn’t realise how good some of the songs were. Classic blues undertones with amazing guitar solos/riffs. Also made me realise that I’m looking for good albums and that 5 stars isn’t necessarily the perfect album.

Great record that stands the test of time.

Landmark album. Clapton spurred on by Allman to create something magnificent. The biggest highlight post Cream for Eric.

*****

Dawg how have I not found this gem earlier. This is the progenitor to some AMAZING music following this. Not to discount the talent on the record itself, Clapton really came into his own on this record. Somehow 6-9 minute songs just glide by and I wouldn't be mad at the 12 minute mark on some of these. Truly lost to modern music history but definitely worth going back and spinning through a couple of times.

Great Blues tunes. Awesome album

This album is just good. It’s one I listened to a lot when I was first really discovering and falling in love with music, and the blues in particular. So, many of these songs are very nostalgic to me, but it’s been quite some time since I’ve listened to this album straight through. It feels like coming home. Some albums with a runtime over an hour suffer because of it, but that’s not the case here. There’s so much to enjoy but it never feels like it drags. — 5/5 Highlights: Bell Bottom Blues Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out Key To The Highway Layla

Yeah, this. Had it for donkey's years. Fantastic. 5/5.

One of the greatest rock albums of all times. They travel through all genres of music with the heavy rock sounds of the 70s. Eric Clapton's best album.

12345

Such a raw, bluesy collection of songs, original and covered. Sound production is pretty organic and captures the emotion of Clapton and Whitlock so well. Fantastic songs; probably only a couple I wouldn't have on my playlist.

Timeless.

This album really broke up a stretch of meh. This teeters on a 5, but since it was so much better than what I've had recently, I have to bump it up. On another topic, I get why people love this album so much and say, "Derek & The Dominos" is Eric Clapton's best work. The guitar solos alone put this album into classic territory. On top of that, the subject matter of the songs shows humor and raw emotion. Really solid album. Layla is obviously the most famous song, but the rest of the album is still stacked. Best Songs: I Looked Away, Nobody Knows When You're Down And Out, Have You Ever Loved A Woman, Layla Worst Songs: NA

1. She ran away from me, I’m such a lonely man 2. If I could choose a place to die it would be in your arms 3. Our love’s gonna keep on glowing 4. Nobody knows you when you’re down and out 5. I am yours, however distant you may be 6. Break the glass and twist the knife into yourself 7. When the moon peeks over the mountains I’ll be on my way 8. Open your eyes and look into your heart 9. Show me a place where I can hide my lonely face 10. You tremble in pain 11. With a circus mind that’s running ‘round 12. Wish I had told her she was my only one 13. Won’t you ease my worried mind? 14. Who’ll be the one to answer why?

Clapton and allman are sick together

Eric Clapton + Duane Allman, what can go wrong?... Absolutely nothing! There's never a dull moment or a wasted note. This entire album is a flawless 1:16 journey through the vast landscapes of love and relationships. 💯 Timeless classic

Legendary

Classic rock vibes, steady flow of sound and vibration - the first 5 star!

Of the 60's-70's guitar gods, I'm probably the most lukewarm on Clapton. I mean, I'm good with his hits and all -- but he always seemed better to me as a complementary player than the star of the show. And then he descended into farting through blues standards, After Midnight for beer commercials, and Tears in Heaven -- which is a song I personally cannot stand. So this comes up. I know Layla and Bell Bottom Blues, of course -- but the rest was a mystery. Glad that I looked into it. He sounds like a completely different guitarist here. There's so much joy in his playing that just vanished later in his career. (Heroin will do that to you, I guess.) Hearing him trading licks with Duane Allman is magical. Allman died a few months after this was recorded. There's just so much phat in the boogie they lay down here. Absolutely essential rock & blues. Unexpected bangers: Key To The Highway, Tell the Truth, It's Too Late.

Epic album. I had never actually listened, but very glad I did. Note: "Layla" is not Eric Clapton's greatest accomplishment. Not really his accomplishment at all. Duane Allman wrote the riff, and the riff makes the song. Duane >> Eric, but still, this album is 5 stars... maybe because Duane played on all but two tracks??

Banger

Loved it

What an album ❤️❤️❤️

I liked it

I loved the album and the first long version of the famous song "Layla". This album definitely is a must listen to. Epic guitar sound and amazing solos with great voices and heart broken lyrics. What do you want more of a blues rock album?

Liebesbeweise für Pattie Boyd

This is the best example of classic dad rock played on classic rock stations. Each song has the beats and blueprint you'd expect, and some decent guitar.

Every song is epic !

4.8 - Never heard of the band, but it sounded pretty familiar and thought it was really good. Then looked and saw it was claption and duane allman really surprised with me as I just never knew they had a band together. Just such a perfect collaboration and brings the best out of both of them. Only thing is it's a bit too long, but such a great album. I also think allman makes clapton less wanky

Pretty much the perfect proper rock album. Great songs, great musicians. And great stories behind the making of the album and the musicians lives since.

Classic album - one of the greats

I knew the singles on this album, but I’ve never listened to the whole thing. It’s absolutely perfect.. finally, a British blues album on this list that doesn’t suck

Bluesrock will never die!

An essential blues rock album with both Eric Clapton AND Duane Allman (no Derek, as I learned). I like that they didn't bother coming up with an album name; they knew which song people would be looking for when buying the record. The slide guitar is on point, and it's really cool that the name "Layla" is inspired by a book.

Day212 - judging by the music this is a five star album i try not to judge artists personal lifes but it’s crazy what the last four years did to clapton’s reputation

5.0 definitely an all time great album. Two of the greatest guitarists ever.

Top Ten album. An all time fave.

I'm in love. With this album. Who knew?