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