Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs

Honest answer: outside of Layla, I just did not find anything I actually gave a shit about on this album. I'm sure it's good, and there's good stuff, but I was zoned out for almost out of it and nothing here brought me back in. This feels like an album my dad would make me listen to while staring at me to judge my reactions. Layla is an absolute classic, though.

Lots of great hit songs and some others that are good too. This would be a great album to put on and listen to the whole thing, it's very cohesive. Nice classic rock.

What can I say about this album? It does seem to be made for me in a way - I don't mind improv and long winded solos, and I love blues, but man, this one was hard for me. I listened to this while stuck in traffic. Echoing other's opinions, once I arrived to work, I thought "wow this album must be over soon, but the songs are decent at least for that 45 minute drive. Where is Layla?" and opened my spotify to realize I was only 30 minutes in and there was still over an hour left before I even got to the title song. All that to say, this is long winded and repetitive enough that I cannot give it another listen unless I want to fall asleep at work. Not to say it's bad music - It's fine, some great guitar work! Then I look up who is in this band (don't judge me, I might have been raised on late 60s and early 70s, but that isn't to say my parents were Clapton fans until Tears in Heaven) and I see it's Eric Clapton. I'm young(ish) and American and even I know Clapton has a.... reputation to say the least. I'm glad I found this out after listening to the album because it at least gave me a clean slate at listening to the music. And now that I've been as long winded as this album was, I gotta say, this is solid blues music. I enjoyed probably the first 3 minutes of every song - the longer it went, the more the solos blended together. Coming from a bluegrass background, I don't mind solos, and the more creative the better, but these were not entirely creative past that 3 minute mark. I think the longer guitar solos go on, the more they sound like nooding. I could not pull a melody to hum after listening to this album - well besides Layla, so this wasn't memorable to me either. Was it a good album? yeah, it was listenable. Was it world shattering? No, but Layla is admittedly great. Would I listen to it again? Yeah it's decent background noise if I can find a secondhand copy for like $1 (for those artists of dubious moral character, I try to only listen to on spotify once and otherwise get secondhand if I liked the music enough). 3/5. Song added to playlist: Layla. Come on, its the best song on the album.

I just got Bluesbreakers 2 days ago, so I already had my fill of Eric Clapton doing the blues this week. And this is a double album. Lovely. Clapton is an incredible guitar player, but that's not enough. There's just not enough emotion in these songs. Technically, they are very good, I'm just not feeling it. Every song is at least 2 minutes too long. Every song has Clapton doing the guitar solo thing to show the world how awesome he is. Layla is far and away the best thing on this album and even it is two minutes too long.

A pleasing bluesy rock and roll listen with consistency and heart.

I liked the bluesy crunchy guitar, and really enjoyed some of the songs-Layla, Little Wing. Overall, not an album I want to listen to carefully, but something I’d enjoy in the background.

was in a deep photoshop sesh listening to this

Ouf, pas matière à un album double. Quelques bonnes pièces, plusieurs oubliables et quelques-unes pénibles.

Ça s'écoute, ça s'oublie. Ce qu'il y a de plus mémorable, c'est la pochette qui est exécrable. 2.75 étoiles

Pretty good, no complaints but nothing outstanding either.

Unfortunately I'm not a fan of Eric, so many great guitarists overlooked in the 60's 70's due to media promoting him as the greatest. A one song album with a number of decent blues songs accompanying it. Always thought White room was his peak and everything else was just more of the same without a wah. Average.

Obligatory “fuck Eric Clapton” as a person. I kind of enjoyed this. A bit bloated but very listenable. Layla itself is great. Maybe a generous 3.

This started out strong and despite a few good tunes throughout its pretty middle of the road. There’s some lovely work on this but I don’t think I’d put this on to listen to it through.

As far as Eric Clapton projects go, I liked Derek & the Dominos' sole studio album a degree or two more than Disraeli Gears – just not quite enough to push it into four star territory for me. "Layla" really is the headliner here, so I can understand why the band chose to title the album the way they did. Highlights: I Looked Away, Keep On Growing, Anyday, Tell the Truth, Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad, Little Wing, Layla

This was a pretty good "turn your brain off" record. Layla is the big track on here, and it doesn't feel like much of the record compares to it. Favourite Track(s): Layla, Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out Least Favourite Track(s): Thorn Tree In The Garden

I disagree with the critics. "Layla" is the sole track on here with all time legs. Everything else on here has been done to death thousands of time before and millions of times since. It is a good album, even at one time an essential album, but I'm not convinced it is one of the 1001 most important albums in music history any longer. It is album that is important largely only to guitarists and wanna-be guitarists, and no one else. So, while the songwriting and arrangements don't do anything particularly groundbreaking for 1970, it doesn't diminish the instrumental performances by Clapton and the rest of the band, nor the quality of the engineering and mastering, so a 3 it is. "I Am Yours" was a nice change of pace for the album, but ultimately a failure at capturing anything interesting about the bossa nova format.

Nice, Typical Blues Album done pretty perfectly. Didn't realize the band was formed in part by Eric Clapton, having the Layla song. The blues sound makes sense now. It's amazing how 'samey' blues can be. I've been a fan for a long time, but, it all follows such a pattern - great jam music of course, and Layla is an exception - it's not a blues jamesque track. Either way, decent Album - mental to think it was out 17 years before I was born... The world ages.

Drags on a bit for me

Bell bottom blues but that's it.

Some excellent riffs by a talented couple of guitarists, but overall the thing is a bit too long, and blues isn't my fave genre. Plus, Clapton is a shit person (talented, but shit).

A high 3, almost 4 stars. Middle aged dad blues, even when done well, should be kept to under 45 minutes at a time.

Love the energy and enthusiasm on this album. Not really for me but it is very easy to listen to. High 3.5 but rounding down

Some decent tracks, but one or two blues numbers that seemed to go on forever and that really isn't my thing. Layla is an all-timer but can't completely rescue this slightly bloated record.

The first half hour while I was walking the dog in the sun were great. But then the album never ended. I am still listening to it.

This was actually the Theolonious Monk idk why it changed

A little slow and meandering. Decent songwriting though

Decent set of songs that i guess were all covers? Little wing and Layla were the best

I am the son of a Rock Dad, so a couple of these songs reached into my soul, even as I repeated "Fuck Eric Clapton" under my breath like a mantra while slogging through the filler blooze jams

On the one hand, rock and roll peaked with the song Layla. On the other hand, I could probably cut this album in half and end up with a better album--not everything needs to be a double album and in a way we get a very appropriate album title. There are some other outstanding songs here (I Looked Away, Keep on Growing) surrounded by an unfortunate amount of filler (Nobody Knows, Key to the Highway). 3.5 if I've ever seen one.

there were some decent songs here

bien

Made for easy listening. Only really knew bell bottom blues and Layla beforehand, but nice and bluesy

Brave

Eh not claptons best. Some okay guitaring

Kinda cool but nothing really pops out from the vocals. Just feels like people jamming together. Layla is still good though.

6/10 - at first I thought it was a drag but it grows

I like this blend of blues and rock, its enjoyable.

Really liked the sound, but it got a little repetitive for me towards the end. The funk can't be contained!

I can dig it. Lot of great songs, but also a lot of filler

Layla, surrounded by 1h 7m of middling filler. Meh.

Sounds like they recorded Layla then said “Well we can’t just have one song” and made a bunch of mediocre blues rock to fill out an album. Clapton’s a good guitarist but this one wasn’t super fun to listen to. It does get an extra point for Layla, which is a classic for a reason. Fantastic song.

--I Looked Away...not bad. not great --Bell Bottom Blues...a little long but Clapton's in good voice here --Keep on Growing...this rips --Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out...generic cover --I Am Yours...we mix it up with something tropical. enjoyable --Anyday...fun rocker. I like Bobby Whitlock's voice --Key to the Highway...it's great that recording technology gave us access to black blues musicians which also provided all of us the opportunity to grow as people and not be totally racist shitbags right, Eric? --Tell the Truth...boring rock. grew on me by the end --Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?...another ripper. the bassline is great, wish it were louder in the mix --Have You Ever Loved a Woman...just got PTSD flashbacks from that Bryan Adams song. thankfully this is just a standard blues number --Little Wing...Jimi's is better and shorter. brevity-soul-wit and all that --It's Too Late...generic --Layla...I mock of Clapton for his general craftsmanship-over-artistry approach but this song always felt authentic to me. Maybe because it was cowritten by a schizophrenic convicted murderer --Thorn Tree in the Garden...a surprising acoustic ballad. this LP makes me want to listen to more Whitlock

This album could have done without the superfluous 12-bar blues songs. The little wing cover goes on for a couple repetitions for solos too long and even the back half of Layla is some forgettable piano arrangement. It is not implausible to blame this excess and lack of self editing on Clapton's ego. I normally appreciate guitar noodling but there are limits to how much filler you can get away with.

Listenable.

These fellows sure love their guitars. I mostly liked the first 2/3 of each song, which surprised me.

Hadn’t listened to this one in ages. Still a classic well beyond Layla. Many other gems.

the first two tracks and the title track are fantastic. the rest meh

Clapton é um desgraçado, mas a faixa titulo é realmente muito especial. O resto é menos.

better than expected... darn

Layla is a certified hit. The rest just kinda drifts off into meh

-S Tier- Bell Bottom Blues Layla -A Tier- I Looked Away Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out -B Tier- Anyday Why Does Love Got to be So Sad? -C Tier- Keep On Growing Have You Ever Loved a Woman? Little Wing -D Tier- I Am Yours Key to the Highway Tell the Truth It’s Too Late Thorn Tree in the Garden AVG SCORE: 2.5

Not bad! I liked the vibe, should give it a second listen tho

That's is an album which gets rave reviews and I'm not sure why really. With the exception of Layla which is undoubtedly brilliant all the way through I can't say this did much that I would say justified it's status.

I think this is probably a four star album, but I only know one song. There’s got to be a reason I haven’t heard the entire thing in 50 years. And I still haven’t. I’m docking it a star for that.

Better than I thought it was gonna be but Clapton is one who, rightly or wrongly (as I know opinion on him varies), I can't separate the art and the artist. He's not Kanye levels of knob head (or maybe he is) which means I can bring myself to listen to this but it's not one I'll return to, however good Layla is.

Nothing cut thru the generic blues guitar/vocals sound except Layla, Anyday and Bell Bottom Blues

Я ніколи не був фанатом Клептона. Такий собі доволі дефолтний батя-блюз-рок, втім і якогось роздратування не викликає. Просто ок фонова музика.

Too many Jam sessions recorded

Pretty decent music,felt a bit filled out though

3.5

Fine.

Aah, lovely Eric.

70's rock just hits different

This is the first Eric Clapton thing I didn’t totally hate. Can’t really deny that Layla riff & after hearing so many bad jam bands, this felt more competent & written.

Layla is an amazing song and the only one worth revisiting. I look at the album name and suspect they knew this as well.

This album is way too long, and fuck Eric Clapton, but honestly the playing on this is spectacular, and these are all pretty groovy and cool blues rock performances (since they’re not all original songs). It gets pretty repetitive after a while, but then Layla comes to save the day. I don’t think I would listen to the whole thing again, but I could definitely see myself revisiting some of these songs for a little classic rock action

Unlike Eric Clapton as a person, there was nothing in this album that was offensively bad. It's all decent music, though there's nothing really groundbreaking here; not even Layla, the best track by far. Also, while each song is fine on an individual level, the full album is just feels soooo long. It's kind of a slog to get through.

Gut gemachtes Album. Spannend, dass hier Duane Allman auf 11 der 14 Tracks mitspielt. Insgesamt schöne Melodien, gute Energie, aber auch ein wenig zu gniedelig, ohne den tollen Jamcharakter von den Allman Brothers zu haben. Ziemlich gut, bin aber auch kein Riesenfan von.

I've obviously heard Layla many times before but didn't realise that was quite different than the other tracks on the album. Most tracks are quite bluesy. Thorn Tree In The Garden is also quite different. Not sure why they had such varied styles. Good guitar and piano with strong blues vocals so a pretty decent album.

Oh shit, Layla is by them! This is the only song I recognized from this album. Anyways, this album was a great snapshot of good ol 70s rock. I liked it but didn't love it. 3 stars.

Good but not for me

I’m learning from this list I’m a sucker for the blues, and sadly, for Eric Clapton’s guitar. 0/5 for his racist ass, 3/5 for this album, which, despite what many of the reviews on this site would have me believe, had a lot of amazing songs besides just Layla. There are definitely some gratuitous tracks, but it’s a solid record.

I know Clapton can play his guitar. And he proves it here again. Only just because of "Layla" I give it the three stars. But I'd really like to rate it down because his vocals are not my favour and the album itself and even the only hit is way too long. 2,5

⭐⭐⭐ Layla är en 10 poängare till låt och versionen av Little wing är riktigt bra. Resten är inte dåligt men tycker det är ganska oinspirerat. Det är välpolerad bluesrock men blues ska vara skitigt och med mycket känsla, det saknar jag på detta album. Tack vara Layla får det ändå en 3a.

Starts bad, but I do like the sound. But it quickly descends into that 70s white guy blues rock slop that is all over this list. And it's a double album. Side 4 is half cool. 3 Heard before? That 1 song Owned: No 47/189 (25%) Will I get: No

"Mom, can we listen to Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Big Bill Broonzy, BB King, or Jimi Hendrix?" "We have Eric Clapton at home."

At least they knew Layla was by far the best song

Too long, couldn’t get through it, was getting repetitive.

I haven’t listened to Clapton in a long time and I must admit I kinda missed him.

Good stuff.

META: I Have Had A Spiritual Revelation

I like Clapton and Layla. The lyrics/singing on this album don't do it for me. The guitar is great.

Early Eric Clapton

Never got around to this one till now — glad I finally did. The record sounds great and the songs are engaging and performed well. However, it’s too long and could benefit from having the blues tunes removed. Brits never quite play it right. Also, Eric Clapton is a hoe. NN This is my first Eric Clapton listen. I liked it. Nostalgic and warm sounding and is clearly well made. I agree with Noah that it’s too long, and I must say that anything Eric Clapton-made is going to be diluted by his massive douchbaggery. I enjoyed every song less simply because his grubby little fingers is all over em. -Ruby

Everyone’s favourite racist (allegedly) leaves the awesomeness of Cream and makes a new, lesser band. A bunch of good quality blues tracks plus that famous one. 3.5 stars.

White guys playing the blues, Layla still rocks though

Considero Clapton um artista superestimado. Demasiadamente norte-americano para um músico britânico, e é o que este disco mostra. Blues cansativos e seus solos "manjados", duelos vocais convencionais e arranjos que não favorecem a qualquer sutileza melódica. Duas faixas merecem destaque: "Bell Bottom Blues" e "Layla".

6/10

Very decent album. It loses me a lot at the halfway point, there's a steady decline from the smartly-written opener with those tortured sounding backing vocals to the nothingness of say Key To The Highway, Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?, or It's Too Late. Long sprawling blues improv sections from one of the best guitarists ever but mysteriously absent are truly crazy guitar solos. I think they are great, but I was underwhelmed. I know jazz/rock/metal guitarists that blow this stuff out of the water. I think his tone is great, he can really make that thing shriek, but I was surprised at how underwhelming the long bluesy songs were.

Layla is a great song and I can see why this album is influential. Great guitar playing, lots of jamming. This isn't 100% my taste but I appreciate it for what it is.

Great leads and guitars, great musicianship, just not as enjoyable as I'd hoped.

Teetering on a 2 just from how long the album is, but the sounds were overall good. It took me a few times to fully listen to the album.

fine guitar work all around but nothing that really stood out to me. Layla is of course the one that everyone knows (thanks guitar hero)

I'd probably give this a 3.5 if I could, parts of it are quite good, parts are more just "fine". Keep On Growing is a pretty great song, and the title track is certainly an all-timer (made from a good song into a legendary song primarily due to the piano outro). No disputing Clapton's status as a guitar god, and fun to hear him with another legend in Duane Allman. Some of the more straight-ahead blues moments are kinda just OK for me. Still a good listen, probably not one I'd revisit too much outside of a few songs.

I listened to this twice and still have no feelings about it. Sometimes there was a cool blues thing. Sometimes it went on too long. Sometimes it faded into the background. Oh and then I recognized Layla.

Blue eyed blues at their best

2.5 but rounding up. I like Bell Bottom Blues and Layla.

I wasn’t looking forward to this one. I absolutely hate the song Layla. Fortunately the rest of the album, for the most part, was a decent enough listen without having anything that blew me away. Top Track - Keep On Growing

Better than eagles. But still kind of boring to me. A lot of middle aged dad albums coming through lol

Pas désagréable mais rien d'exceptionnel à mon goût. Quant à Layla j'ai trop le souvenir de la version du fameux Mtv Unplugged pour lui préférer cette version. Mais content tout de même de l'écoute.

I know Eric Clapton is highly regarded but this was kinda boring. Layla is peak though!

In so many years since knowing of Derek & the Dominoes, I have never bothered to listen to this besides Layla, so should be interesting. So far, listened to half and don't really see what's the big fuss with this one. Your average 70s blues rock with mid vocal performances and not many memorable parts at all I'm afraid, probably 3 stars at most.

Gosh, that's a lot of blues riffs to get through before you can listen to Layla. Is it weird that I like the long outro for that song better than anything else on the album?

I think this is just a 3 for me. Layla is one of my favorite songs of all times but I just didn't love this one as a whole. Maybe I'm crazy

Musica de pai/radio.

Definitely has some jams

It's filled with blues, rock and roll and some great songs, a few took me by surprise by being very long and mostly instrumental, liked the concept and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Will recommend!

Ekki nógu grípandi fyrir mig

Has a bit of a shaky start, but once it gets going, it’s pretty good! Not something I'd come back to though.

(61/100)

Pretty damn great. Groovy. Love the cover photo. Good companion for drawing!

6.29

fun record! Really enjoyed this

great album. layla is really the best song of it.

I enjoyed some of the more bluesy tracks, but not typically the kind of music I enjoy, especially not first thing in the morning, so that possibly effected my listening experience. Wasn't bad by any means, but doubt Ill revisit in the near future

good album! i liked the guitars, hadn’t heard most songs before. favorite was bell bottom blues

Might be a hot take but not every song needs a minute long riff. Felt a little indulgent. Cool sound though (2.5 stars)

This is a tough one. Not sure if we are supposed to rate based on how influential or how much we enjoyed the album. Ended up going in the middle. Would have given a 3.5 if half stars were an option. In my opinion there were far more influential blues/ rock albums and bands than this one. I did like several songs and of course love Layla and Eric Clapton in general.

Very promising the first two songs, but kinda dragged on in the middle

Solid album, Layla is the absolute highlight of it.

oo maybe i love i could get with it

This must be Clapton's best work. I don't like his solo records and this is better than Cream. It should have been 2 albums though. After 7 songs I checked how much longer it was. Turns out that's the end of disk one. Would have been perfect length. Favorite song: Layla.

I overall enjoyed this album but it’s not really one I’ll go back to a lot. It obviously has some hits and is well regarded.

Album Review 036 Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs by Derek & The Dominos (1970) Rating 3.5/5 I’ve never been a fan of Eric Clapton; racism aside, I’ve always found his music to be indulgent wankery and I really wasn’t expecting to be as impressed as I was with this album. I’d normally avoid anything labelled “blues rock” but there’s some really good stuff on Layla - both musicianship and the songs. Can I just give the credit to the band members not named Eric though? (see earlier point about Clapton being a racist ****).

LAYYYYYYYLAAAAA

Great guitar work was the shining star

Sigh. I mean... I can sort of forget it's there for the most part. And then there are a few nice tracks here and there.

It sounded good but a bit too long for a concept album. Better than the last project I listened to featuring Clapton.

Eric Clapton's fifteenth new group, where just like the previous 10 groups, they only recorded a single album. So I went into this album never having had listened to the title track and expecting a guitar solo fest. And I managed to correct my mistake and listen to "Layla", and my god yes it was a guitar solo fest. This being a double album I find is just overkill. I believe this being a tight 35-40 minutes, this would've been more concise. I think some of the tracks on my imaginary shortened album would be: "I Looked Away", "Bell Bottom Blues", "Anyday", "Key To The Highway", "Have You Ever Loved A Woman?", "Little Wing" and finally "Layla." It's just way more to the point and it gives it a more concept album which was all rage in the 60s and 70s. My final words are Duane Allman is just insane on the guitar, what a loss to the world his death was, and I liked this album more than I thought I did. Which is always good. Highlight Song/s: "I Looked Away", "Key To The Highway" "Little Wing" and "Layla"

War ok

3,4/5

I respect Eric Clapton’s guitar skills immensely, but this album doesn’t fully resonate with me, and I’m not sure why. “Layla” itself feels less like just a song title and more like a piece of rock mythology at this point, even turning up later in bands like Oasis.

The hits are really good. The rest is fine I guess.

Very pleasant Kitchen album

Electric guitar is going awwffff Not really my type of music again but still it was a fun album to listen to Great music to walk to icl

Alright album.

Strong 3, light 4

Sunny winter afternoon. This album is quite the yearners paradise if you yearn in the tune of blues rock. It didn’t spark any super strong feelings or wholly resonate with me, but this just isn’t a genre I connect with like that. Actual rating 3.5 Fav: Thorn tree in the garden. Quite beautiful. Like really beautiful I think I could listen to that one for a long time and probably will

bão

Anglo-American blues-adjacent guitar fireworks. Allman is astounding, yes Clapton's a dick, and this record has some good songs.

This is the classic rock that it seems like I should like, but something has just always rubbed me a little wrong about Clapton. I really have no idea what it is. A lot of this feels like repetitive blues riffs over and over - and despite how good the guitar work is, I just get bored. I Looked Away is a great starter. Bell Bottom Blues is fine - could have been a 3 minute song. Keep on Growing provides a nice boost but then it goes on for 6 and a half mins. I've never been a fan of the jam band tracks that go forever - maybe that's what's bothering me about this - too many songs feel like they are the last song of the encore and everyone's having a great time. But I can't do that on EVERY song! It loses it's luster. Nobody Knows instantly drags if I'm not in the mood for that lope. I Am Yours...no. And so it goes with this album I guess. Some great tracks that I appreciate (even like), and some tracks that I get so tired of. This feels like the most hand-wringing pearl-clutching 3 I'll ever give. I'm annoyed that I've thought about it this much and it still comes out as 'average'.

Some good songs, but as usual Clapton has a couple good tracks and the rest is forgettable.

good mix of fun music and lyrics!

Man the some of the bluesier songs are a drag. However, the rock songs are good.

Got a little boring with blues twangy, and is too long. But has some great songs! Loved Thorn Tree in the Garden, Layla, & Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad

Pretty good. 3.4

Not bad, but not my favorite

Learning so much, like that this was the band Eric Clapton started after Cream.. another band I need to listen to. Glad I listened, and it's good background work music!

1 song added to my favorites. Would listen again if asked to.

Wasn't that lovely 🌹

A real walk down memory lane. Some gems, but the middle began to feel like a slog.

Aight

Two things are true: 1) Clapton belongs on the Mt Rushmore of guitarists and 2) He gets a lot better than this album. You’re likely to never find me in the mood for the blues. Different strokes…

Fine. Layla obviously the stand out song on this.

Love songs... this isn't how to woo me, Derek/Eric. It's all a bit of a snooze, and very dated. I don't think it was dated and generic in 1970, though, I think it probably stood out as being a great album. For now, though, I think we're allowed to recognise that, whilst it's very solid and accomplished, it's ultimately unexciting, apart from one great, famous, opening riff.

Music about wanting to bang George Harrison's wife is unsurprisingly pretty boring Best Song: Layla Rating: 6/10 Stars: 3

I listened to the titular song and some others and it was pretty decent, doesn't feel right to give it a rating tho

Layla's incredible, the rest is generally decent though a bit more hit or miss

Titelspåret är odödlig, men är inte superintressant i övrigt.

Några riktigt bra låtar men lite långt

Well, Clapton is a huge chode and we should all call him out on his bullshit, but that said this is a solid album. They're kinda generic 70s rock songs, but you're really here for the guitar laid down between Clapton and Allman. It's damn good and that can't be looked over. The downside of this album is its length. This thing is chock full of tracks and some of them are meaty, but in a draggy way. The "Little Wing" Hendrix cover kinda pissed me off. Standouts were "Bell Bottom Blues" "Key To The Highway" and "Layla" I really wanted to love this album. It's got all the ingredients but for some reason it just didn't move me. Sure the guitar is very good, but it wasn't really gripping. I found myself bored a few times so I think it's a 3.5/5 for me.

I guess file this one under, "Bands I didn't know Eric Clapton was a part of". Seems to be a lot of those. It's got Layla on here. It's alright.

#196/1001. Can't confirm myself as a fan of mr. Clapton's and his friends blues. There is some great shredding here and even funky and soulful stuff with the inevitable psychedelic organs and effects - I did read about the band basically living on hard drugs at the time, which might explain some of that for sure. But as with the sister project, the Harrison album All Things Must Pass, there is a bit too much jamming to my taste, and less nice things for my ear. I was thinking 2, but my daughter is called Laila - not after the song though - so I'll ramp the number up to 3.

Surprisingly better than cream for me. I was genuinely a bit surprised that it sounds a step or two more mature and musical than the cream album I heard earlier. Still sounded kind of generic in parts to me (that's the blues sometimes I guess.) but with a few interesting things and mostly pretty pleasantly listenable throughout a whole double album. I have been really trying to separate art from artist. This is the biggest test of that for me yet - I can try to ignore that Clapton is a horrible racist, but when he's playing blues music it's tough!!

I looked away- 5 bell bottom blues- 5 keep on growing- 5 nobody knows you when youre down and out- 4 I am yours- 4 anyday- 3 or 4 key to the highway- 3 tell the truth- 3 or 4 layla- 4 I skipped some songs cause I didn't care

I am a fan of Clapton, politics aside. Guitar work is spot on and singing is just OK. why did they need to compile love songs? I don't understand the purpose of compiling these in one set?? Listened before? Partially Saved tracks? N Favorite tracks? Bell Bottom Blues, Tell the Truth, ⭐️⭐️⭐️Liked it, saved no tracks.

It was ok.

I liked this album but it was way too long! There was no need for these songs to be 5+ mins each Loses a star for that reason, but it was enjoyable 3 ⭐️

Up beat, good background music. has jimmy Hendrix vibes. Layla would of been the perfect ending to the album.

I love rock, but this album does not catch me. Maybe I should relisten it. Layla - 1 love

It’s ok and of course Layla is a classic but a lot of bland rock sound.

Ight

ne znam zašto, ali malo mi je neugodno priznati da mi se ovo svidjelo

Imagine 7 years before she divorces her husband (your close personal friend George Harrison) you write a series of love songs for Pattie Boyd, only to treat her like absolute shit when you do get together (after nearly a decade of pining!). Also you're a racist and an anti-vaxxer. Anyway, while I don't think we'd get on I do think the music is good. It could do with some trimming, a few less guitar solos and I think some of the covers feel out of place. But Layla is such a great song. Hope Pattie's having much better luck with her third husband. Favourite song: Layla Least: Have You Ever Loved A Woman

Some decent songs but too long

“She belongs to your very best friend”-Have You Ever Loved a Woman… and like every other song on here. The chorus of Layla made me think “oh that’s why it’s called Layla &. This is the real reason this album exists”, too bad the verses kinda suck with real awkward transitions from the chorus and they’re so short I wonder why they’re here other than convention. The coda sounds like a jam where everyone is too nervous to deviate from a good groove so they just stay on it for way too long and eventually it just gets boring. There’s gotta be so many white women named Layla because of this song lol. Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad? is the best track, it has a sound that seems to anticipate disco years before it would break out. Rest of the songs break into fun enough jams but they almost seem like they’re there to try and make up for how most of these actual songs are just pretty standard 60s British blues stuff. Eric Clapton is one of my musical arch-nemeses but I gotta admit he did alright here.

what a strange album... it was kinda decent most of the way if a bit derivative at its worst, then all of a sudden track 13 comes out of nowhere and is phenomenal. the long run time definitely works against it though

There is no good reason why this should be a double album; too many songs, not enough substance.

Another fine album, best so far probably but still nothing to write home about for me. I actually recognised one song in this album

Found this to be fairly unremarkable, but there were a couple of nice tracks!

3.25-3.0 Layla is p good, but want in the mood for the other stuff cause the first track wasnt too bad either

Overly long but some great tracks on there as well.

Me ha pillado un poco distraído,

I've already listened to his album (29). A few stellar songs does not make it devout of flaws. Overrated band with too many guitars.

Bell Bottom Blues is a classic, Layla possibly heard too much and the rest nothing special.

Just feel bad for george harrisson. Not bad, just didn’t speak to me

the last time i got clapton (461 ocean boulevard) i said these wise words: "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." but layla isn't trash. it is better than trash. but for me it is still a 3. clapton did peak at the song. 3/5

Forgettable, with the exception of Layla

To be fair, I was working when listening to this yesterday so didn’t pay much attention, but it’s not like I haven’t heard much of this before. I’ve never been a fan of Clapton, white boy blues is not my thing, but there’s no denying his talent or influence, and there were a few songs on here I did enjoy.

Solid (early) classic rock. Clapton is a legend and for good reason. His ability to make the guitar sing is elite and his voice is always recognizable.

Incredible guitar album

3- Stars (7/15)

Racism be damned my boy can play the guitar.

Definitely some classics on here but it runs a bit long and I don’t think the cover of Little Wing does the song justice.

Probably the best Eric Clapton record. Not a big fan of him, but it's still an impressive record.

Eric Clapton and Duane Allman make a compelling rock/blues album. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #226 (2023) Best Songs Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out Have You Ever Loved A Woman? Layla

While Layla is an all time great song and many tracks are a solid 4 out of 5, it is overly long. Especially since it is just Blues rock track after blues rock track. Get in the mix a horrible Little Wing cover and Derek and The Dominos' albums really isn't the strongest even if it is still miles ahead of any solo work from Clapton.

𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘖𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘈𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 shows that Eric Clapton can actually write memorable music and lyrics when he wants to, rather than just leaning on his guitar skills. The emotional weight of 𝘓𝘢𝘺𝘭𝘢 still stands out, but much of the credit belongs to Duane Allman, whose slide guitar gives the album its real soul and fire. Clapton may have been called “Slowhand,” but here Allman clearly steals the show. A solid blues-rock record overall — passionate but uneven.

Ultimate dad rock boss battle. Bland blues. Not terrible just not as good as anything else going at the time. Just some dudes noodling.

Zwei okayene Lieder, aber die Version von 'Layla' ist abgesehen von einem Mittelteil deutlich schlechter als die Akustikversion.

Only ever heard "Layla". Super impressive, and not in an eye-roll way, guitar playing. "Keep on Growing" got bumped half a star thanks to that guitar solo at the end. Why is it so much easier for me to enjoy white dudes playing the Blues?

I know rick beato strokes his shit to this. I sorta get it cause Layla is such a sweet song among some others on here. The blues parts are painfully tedious though. Eric clapton sucks big donkey chodes too

There is clearly a lot of talent here, but it just didn’t keep my attention after listening.

Layla is an all time banger, there were a couple of pretty good tunes though most were just mid blues

Soft rock/blues rock. Like KGLW Flight B741. I am yours has some world music elements too. Nice. Otherwise nice enough but not outstanding. Quite easy listening. Best track - I Am Yours, Anyday 3 stars

The music is not as cheesy as the title and cover might suggest. Several nice compositions. But yet again, we’re dealing with a double album that should have been a 1 LP release. 3/5

Always feel a bit funny about Clapton, as he basically stole Harrison’s wife and now I’m reading plenty of other slants in the reviews too. Let’s see… It’s pleasant enough. Im not sure how you get an “attitude” over in music but there is just a sense of self-importance and indulgence 🤷🏻‍♂️ Nice groove and enjoy ‘Keep On Rolling’ and ‘Anyday’. Looking like it’s heading towards a 3 at this point. Apparently this was a project to become “just another guy in the band” again. Not the impression I’m getting from his place in the album! Yeh, was ready for this to finish. Get the picture and a pretty similar one throughout.

I have a hard time getting into this. I just have never liked Clapton. There, I said it. Obviously he has incredible technical mastery. But I just don't find any any life in his playing. He also has one of the weakest and most soulless voices in rock history. The version of Little Wing is a great example. He stripped all of the the life and emotion out of the song. It's painful to listen to it He would have been a better fit as a prog artist. He just isn't believable playing blues. The overall sound of this album is salvaged by Bobby Whitlock's vocals and Duane Alman's guitar. They both have the actual soul that this music need. Giving it three stars because if one of my jam band friends wants to put something on, this isn't the worst thing they own.

Well, dear god, did this have to be so long? Again, some of these sacred cow artists have become a bit lost on me over the years. Sure, pleasant to listen to but not my favourite style really. Full of what you'd expect, cool solos, riffs, Eric singing about love (although you kind of think with his track record, how's he singing about love). It's fine, if you like blues and rock from the 70s.

Classic, but totally overrated IMHO. Dull sound.

Great blues rock. It dragged on a bit long for me though.

3.5 - Hit and miss for me. Some of these are classic, some are very skippable.

They should’ve called it Long-la

A mixed bag (as you would probably expect for a double album), I wasn't pleasantly surprised how much I didn't hate it.

A few solid blues numbers but nothing groundbreaking

-so the biggest issue with this album for me was definitely how long it felt. just a little hard to take in and appreciate individual aspects when there’s so much goin on but it was nice -blues rock as a holistic genre continues to grow on me more than i thought it ever could. some absolutely mesmerizing tracks on here -Favorites: Keep On Growing, Have You Ever Loved A Woman?, Layla

Du blues de blanc pas très inspiré, -1 parce que Clapton est un gros con.

LAYLAAAAAA you got me on my knees! LAYLA begging darlin please! LAYLAAAAA Have You Ever Loved A Woman stood out along with Little Wing. some of this album felt a little disconnected from said songs, not matching up in comparison. i didn’t even know Eric Clapton wrote Layla about George Harrison’s WIFE… the men being messyyyyyyy

Bell Borrom Blues is incredible Layla is incredible Everything else is decent But its way too long and the singer is a prick

Pretty good classic Clapton! I'd be pretty happy to hear any of this on classic rock radio.

nice artwork, Layla is excellent, but also plenty of blues fillers.

a classic.

Back after a break of a couple of weeks... So Eric Clapton has always been one of those artists who I respect their talent but not so much their music. This album does little to change that although there are some strong moments. But if I never hear Layla again, that will be just fine with me. 3/5 #201

bluesrock

Most of the songs are bland, Layla is definitely doing a lot of heavy lifting here.

I found myself rocking out to this album a lot more than I thought I would. The fast songs are better than the slow ones. I started to get tired of all the guitar noodling by the end of the album, though.

Primera vez 6/10

God damn that man could play guitar

More rock blues not for me. 3.

Jesus, Derek! That’s my wife you’re talking about! It’s embarrassing how obsessed you are.

A pretty long album, especially considering most of it is blues jams. Getting Duane Allman to play on this was a great idea. And of course there’s that song, although it took an hour to get to it.

This had a Muppet vibe. 3 stars.

If I was Patti Boyd, I suspect boredom would have crept in about halfway through this and be debating whether I could be bothered. This album is largely a standard blues effort, albeit a far too long one. It’s all a bit same-y: not just lyrically (obviously), but at points I’d gotten confused as to whether we had gone onto the next track or not. I didn’t even twig the cover of “Little Wing”, so same-y was all of it. AND THEN! God bless Duane Allman for creating what is, in my humble opinion, the greatest guitar riff of all time. Although I’d cut most of the piano ending, “Layla” stands out immediately in an album of mediocrity, and is a barnstormer of a track that still sounds incredible more than 50 years later. If Patti Boyd did get bored halfway through… I bet she took notice of THAT. Even I’d risk it all if someone wrote “Layla” about me.

Your dad's favourite album. Middle of the road blues rock. Some solid guitar work on display but Clapton is no messiah. He's also a cunt.

Layla title track is very familiar and nice, although the instrumental part is quite long. Vibes are defo giving old coffee shop or saloon mayhaps?

Ambitious

j'ai cru que ça allait être un coup de cœur mais non, c'était cool pour autant, 3.5

Prva misel: lepa naslovnica! In spet nekaj meni totalno nepoznanega. Uuu, všeč mi je začetek. Ok, Derek so far delivera banger after banger 70s sounding komadov, z obilo kitarskih solov (ha, sm poguglala poj, itak mi je bil že ime Layla sumljiv, ampak Derek je Clapton!) Potem bluesovska balada, "Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out" in umirjen " I Am Yours" in gremo v šest in pol minutni "Anyday", k je res hud. Sledi še en bluesovski komad, "Key To The Highway" (mislm, večinoma je to za pričakovat - ne bom neki posamezne komade več opisovala - so zelo glasbeno kompetentni, rock, blues komadi. Claptonov problem je pa itak to, da je čist preveč samovšečen - kle je 1 uro in 16 minut približno the same sounding shita). Iiiin "Layla". Vsi poznamo. Za zaključek albuma pa umirjen "Thorn Tree In The Garden". Sicer nism nek fen Claptona (I prefer others), ampak tole je blo čist fletno za poslušat ob pucanju.

this one wasn’t really my fave. I love a good instrumental as the next person but… meh

Bell Bottom Blues was a fun one!

It was alright. I know it's considered a classic, but it was just kind of boring after a while. The dueling guitars was the one saving grace.

2025-09-17: I came to this album lacking sleep. I spent the first couple of songs trying to get into it but I did not manage to do so. Perhaps I am not much into blues(?)-like music, but I found the style somewhat repetitive and felt that the guitar solos dragged on. “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad” did get my attention (though I didn't quite like the change of pace of the chorus), but half way through I was distracted and hoping for the album to end. Hearing Clapton's voice and ”Layla” felt nostalgic, but for the time being I don't feel compelled to come back. In a scale of 1 to 5, at the very beginning I hoped to give it a 4 but at the end I was thinking more in the lines of a 2.

A little little jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd’s, soul. But a little generic. No great Hooks. An easy listen but feels forgettable

Rating: 6/10 Competent blues rock, nothing too memorable besides Layla.

Not bad, not my style. Probably a 3

7/10

Solid 70-talls-rock.

I tried to give this a fair shot and an attentive listen, as I do all albums on this list, but it felt like it went in one ear and out the other. I had a hard time focusing, and I’m not sure how much of that is the fault of the music. Either way, it didn’t stand out to me at all. Little Wing, Layla 2-3

I liked this album.

Sounds like the shit my dad used to play when I was a kid that made me believe english/western music is stupid and boring. Initially gave this a two stars rating, then changed it to three because...well...I did like a few songs. Fave tracks: why does love got to be so sad, little wing, layla. Other than these, boring.

had higher hopes

Pretty solid album. His voice is satisfying and their sound is great.

It's funny that they titled the album "Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs". It's practically a more honest album title to what's happening to albums these days, where it feels like an album is just a collection of random filler songs plus that one song that really popped off on TikTok. To be fair, Layla is that good of a song that it's worth singling it out in the album title. I'm not sure still how I feel about Clapton writing 'Bell Bottom Blues' and 'Layla' about his best friend's wife, then marrying her, then abusing her. Favorite tracks: Bell Bottom Blues, Layla.

Thought this album would be more promising after a strong start with I looked away, but found it difficult to connect with the rest of the way through. Still a good listen, one I wouldn't have touched outside of the project and that's a win in my book

Some great playing. Layla is an all time classic. Lots of long sections of noodling over a blues rhythm. 3/5.

Did not relisten - fine

Obviously, most people remember this album for the title track [easily Eric Clapton's signature song], but in reality, there's quite a lot to like about the sprawling, 77-minute double LP that is 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.' For a long time, I would always see Eric Clapton's name pop up on the 'Greatest Guitarists of All Time' lists and didn't really understand why. I felt that, maybe, he's a touch overrated. Sure, 'Sunshine of Your Love' has been so many guitarists 'first song learned' for decades, but it's a pretty simple song to learn, all things considered. But, if I didn't find out already from 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps', this album, to me, justifies why Clapton is regarded as one of the all time greats of the six-string, especially in the blues category. Clapton's subtle-but-emotive guitar work combined with his and Bobby Whitlock's impassioned vocals and a solid rhythm section make 'Layla...' [at times] such an engaging listen, not to mention the additional contributions of fellow guitar great Duane Allman. In addition to 'Layla', 'I Looked Away', 'Bell Bottom Blues', 'Anyday' and 'Why Does Love Got to Be So Sad?' are some key highlights. With that said, I did find the 77-minute run-time a little bit exhausting, especially with the blues genre having a tendency to get lost in meandering guitar solos [some might call it guitar wanking], and the cover of the blues standard 'Key to the Highway' is the worst culprit here. I don't mind the blues, but sometimes I can't help but think 'just get to the point already, sheesh.' Overall, it's a good album, and the truest showcase of Clapton's guitar skills, but there's maybe a few too many covers, exhausting guitar passages and a little too much untrimmed fat for it to be a perfect record.

a few really great tracks on here for sure, not into the bluesier stuff tho

Usually I can’t stand Clapton but honestly, this was perfectly pleasant and well made, with some good songs.

Good, enjoyed

The title of the album speaks perfectly to what the album is: Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs. Layla is one of the best rock songs that has ever been performed. The rest... Bell Bottom Blues is actually a great song, but seriously, it's such a boring drag of blues rock with little sustenance. They should have cut around four songs and made the rest of the songs build up to the significance of Layla because it deserves it. Eric Clapton, you can do so much better.

Good 70s blues rock.

Enjoyed it.

Sounded like standard blues-rock of the era. Not bad, but nothing special either. The length of the album, and the fact that it's Clapton (never been a fan) didn't help.

Aw make it talk son, make it talk! No matter what project you have Eric Clapton in, it's always that Eric Clapton sound. I would prefer some John Mayhall or Cream, as I have never heard anything on here other than Layla. That is the way this album sits with me. Its Layla and a bunch of other songs.

When the title of the album is the review. A great song in Layla and a bunch of other songs that are fine.

Neat little blues album. Layla still feels like the standout, but there's some good blues jams on here. Key to the Highway and Thorn Tree in the Garden were my key discoveries here.

I'm not sure I really like it. I kinda like blues but this feels empty and seems like a showcase of guitar skills. I am not blown away by this album but Layla raises the overall score for me - I really like this track, it's so different from anything else on this album.

Sounded like some straight forward rock.

A pretty apt album title I guess, as I didn't know much of the non-"Layla" songs coming in. Decent blues rock album that goes on for a little too long. Guitar playing is the highlight, to be expected from a Clapton joint. I just found much of the album bland unfortunately. There's a lot of bland blues rock in this list now that I think about it. "Layla" definitely does a ton of heavy lifting here.

Others have talked about Clapton as a person already. I'm here solely for the music, not the man. This is a decent blues rock album, but most of it's nothing really mind blowing. Layla is the obvious star here. There's a reason that's the one that still gets played on classic rock radio decades later. Other than Layla, I think Bell Bottom Blues is worth the listen.

That was that. 3.

Didn’t know anything about the artists until I read the reviews and saw some strong opinions. Without all that context, this could have been a 4. I loved the long, rocking guitar solos and duets. However, this is just way too long and could be much more concisely done. For that reason I am giving this 3.

A little dated for my taste but great song writing.

Not bad - 3.5 out of 5 Eric Clapton is always a legend, depsite how ignorant he is (we didn't back then what an a-hole he was). TIL Duane Allman was a huge contributor which makes sense. This sounds like Southern Rock and has the Allman Brothers sound. Little bluesy, some southern rock, and little bit of folk rock. Not too bad. Good background music while working.

They really just named the album "we got this one banger and an hour of other shit"

Wusste nicht das es hier auch Best of Alben gibt. Klang natürlich nichts kagge, aber war mir dann doch zuviel "Summer of Love" Sound :D

Nichts besonderes. Ich merk einfach die beste Dauer für ein Album ist so ca. 40-50 Minuten. Alles drüber ist einfach too much. Eric Clapton kann toll Gitarre spielen, aber menschlich leider ein HuSo

Layla is a brilliant song. Rest ok 3/5

Started off great, ended great with Layla. Lots of overly long blues songs that kinda bored me (despite Clapton stuffing those songs to the brim with good stuff). Was thinking initially I'd rate higher, but then the bluesier stuff kicked in.

Classic Clapton. or as I call him, the American David Gilmour. whats not to love.

Great bluesy album with, of course, one of Clapton's biggest hits. But while great musically, there were no other standouts.

Obviously Clapton is a guitar legend (regardless of his recent years of…being interesting). This album, to me, excels with its slow blues numbers that showcase his playing and their ability for delicate music. Some all-timers on here, some really good songs, and some that I was ok with skipping after a couple of minutes.

Before I went into this, I expected a boring collection of unimpressive vaguely blues-inspired guitar noodling. Instead, I got a boring, and at points genuinely annoying, collection of unimpressive vaguely blues-inspired guitar noodling. It’s nice when Eric Clapton shuts up, but then you realise he’s the one playing that annoying guitar. He really thinks he’s the shit, doesn’t he. Every time he comes up on this list I will mention his “keep Britain white” ideals and his contradictory heavy ‘borrowing’ of music made by... black people. Hang on, track 11 is great! Oh, it’s just a worse version of a Hendrix song. As are half of the songs on here; blues-y covers of (probably) better originals. The title track, the song more well-known than the album, is... OK? It’s just alright? The sort of thing that appears on “top 10 greatest riffs of the 70s” Youtube videos, or more accurately, “top 10 most recognisable riffs”, as it’s more just recognisable than actually being any good. I can’t really say Little Wing is the best track on here, it’s a like-for-like cover, but it’s certainly the one I enjoyed the most. As for the remaining 13 tracks, they range from listenable to near-laughably annoying. This really is your average rock album.

Fun easy listening music with stellar guitar playing. 3.4/5

Ugh, I love Bell Bottom Blues. The rest of the record is fine but that one track carries the whole thing.

Greit nok. Har sine bra stunder, men blir også fortvilt bakgrunns musikk. Svak 3»er

2.5 rounded up it’s pretty good, but way too long and just lacking a certain something. overrated highlights: bell bottom blues, i am yours, little wing, layla (mar 16 2026)

takes the place as least favourite 3/5

yeah not bad, i almost felt something on some songs so, not too shabby, didn't evoke much tho it gotta be said, so it's getting a 3

Decent album overall. Some high and low points. Layla kind of carries it tho Standout songs: Layla Key to the highway Little wing

Good, but not enough to reach 4 stars. "Layla" rocks pretty much.

Some excellent electric guitar

Another meh album, but Layla gets it an extra star. Not really incentivized to go higher since Eric Clapton sucks as a person.

A lot of songs I’ve heard. Glad I listened to the album but don’t think I’d revisit

Coming back to this one

4 stars for Layla alone. 2.5 for everything else.

Much as expected really for this period. Heavy blues driven riffs. Layla is a stand out classical and added to bell bottomed blues moves the dial to 4 stars. But then a soulless pointlessly heavy version of little wing takes one star away. 3 stars given that Clapton is a great guitarist.

Not my cup of tea for the most part. I enjoyed the last two songs and Anyday

je connaissais que Layla de cet album (une des meilleures chansons du monde), et jsuis un peu déçue en vrai c'est hyper générique, pas forcément innovant. c'est pas mauvais mais un peu boring