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I'm getting the impression that people are buying this album and expecting to hear RJ's voice coming through the speakers. Well sorry folks, that just isn't going to happen. Having said that, these are Johnson's songs, his lyrics, all even in 'his' keys, and he was Clapton's biggest influence. Though I'm sure I'll take an enormous load of flak for this, I only recently first listened to Robert Johnson, and between the quality of the 1930s recording and the overwhelming rawness of it, I find it hard to take seriously. Sacrelige, I know, but I'm being honest. This album, on the other hand, benefits from modern recording and a stellar backing band. Now don't get me wrong, Clapton et al still manage to capture an ambient raw attitude that makes RJ's songs absolutely come alive. And it's not just about technical prowess. These guys love these songs, and you can hear it shining through. Clapton sings (and plays) his heart out.I won't rate each song individually, just point out the gems. 'When You Got a Good Friend' is a solid start, but is followed by the much weaker 'Little Queen of Spades' and to me it's a sad loss of momentum. However, 'They're Red Hot' more than recaptures it. The best tracks by far are 'Traveling Riverside Blues', 'Milcow's Calf Blues', 'If I Had Possession', 'Love in Vain' and 'Hell Hound on My Trail'. All in all, without a doubt one of my favourite albums.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Eric Clapton brings his own unique talent to theses classic songs, excellent music but be aware my CD arrived "CD protected" and will not play on my PC, car CD player or be copied to my mp3 player. If I could listen to it more easily it would have got 5 stars.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Very dull no passion.Johnson's might be old and creaky,but they are class.If you want a collection of Johnson songs plus the orginals,go for 3 cd special edition set of Me And The Devil by Peter Green's Splinter Group.Green does it with meaning and as some great guests. Mr Clapton should get of his high horse...If he loved the man where was the warmth,instead we get cold steel.

Rating: 2 out of 5

This album shows Eric Claptons outstanding musical talent by recreating these legendary classics by one of the kings of the Blues. However, I do not rate this album 5 stars, as I feel this is not Claptons best work. In my opinion his own modern adaption to blues which he creates in the music he writes himself is much better for the modern day listeners. He is a genius on guitar, his vocal talents and song writing abilities are amazing and are better suited to his own music. So if your looking for good old fashioned blues then get this, but for some modern Clapton, I suggest Pilgrim, Clapton Chronicles or his latest Back Home.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This is definitely an average CD from someone who should have known / done better. Can Eric match Robert Johnson? No. Many tracks have been reduced from blues greats to rumpty tump pop.

Rating: 2 out of 5