Absolute Radio: Discover real music

Ahhh... What a feeling when you hear the magnificient opening riff to 'Layla' as you prepare yourself for over an hour of pure Clapton genius.For the most part, you won't be disappointed, well, for the first half anyway. This album is arranged almost chronologically (they just stuck layla first as it was the biggest hit) so it starts off with Cream and Derek and the Domino's biggest hits. This first half provides some classic 60's music ('I feel free', 'Sunshine of your love' and the fantastic 'Strange brew') and a good mix of variety too.However, after the first 8 tracks, Clapton is on his own. This is where things start to slowly go downhill. Eric starts off with 'Cocaine', good start, but is followed by a version of Bob Marley's 'I shot the sheriff' which Clapton fails to make his own. When you reach 'After Midnight' and 'Swing low Sweet Chariot' (how this made it on to the album, I don't know) you start to feel like Clapton has lost his fire, and sadly, he doesn't get it back. Songs like 'Promises' and the horribly corny 'Wonderful tonight' fail to show the spirit and passion (or the amazing guitar work) that Clapton can put into his music.I think that this album is really a mixed bag. It shows the magnificient 60's and early 70's blues/rock clapton, and then mainstream 80's clapton. However, despite what this album seems to show, Clapton never lost his fire, and I suggest buying 'Unplugged' for a true taste of his solo genius. Also I recommend 'I feel free-Ultimate Cream' as 6 songs from the original supergroup is just not enough.

Rating: 3 out of 5

great

Rating: 1 out of 5

The first three quarters of this album display Clapton's incredible ability in groups such as the cream and derek and the dominos, but tracks such as swing low sweet chariot lack the same talent.the variety in this album is excellent but most people like a certain era of clapton, for raw blues buy from the cradle,or r+b buy john mayall's bluesbreakers featuring clapton,for rock pop buy august or behind the sun,for excellent psychedelic rock/blues buy disraeli gears by the cream.the best albums in my opinion are, disraeli gears,layla+other assorted love songs,ec was here.these cover the majority of claptons quality music. but this album could be a good startin point as it has such variety, and from this album u can find ur favourite clapton era.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Eric Clapton was given the nickname 'god' in the sixties when he was the original guitar hero. This album of 'hits' covers the early and middle years of Erics great career. This is a good place to start if you are new to Eric's music, but be warned you may then need to buy the original albums from which tese tracks were taken. Another suggestion would be to buy 'Crossroads' a more comprehensive collection of Eric's guitar playing and singing.

Rating: 4 out of 5

I usually do not go in for short reviews but there is not much to say on this one. This is someone else's (and we do not know who) selection of what they think is the Cream of Clapton. It may be used as a beginning album or just a synopsis for those that just want to have a Clapton sample in their library.Bottom line all these songs are on original albums and if you just happen to like this combination then there are no ringers or odd songs in there to just fill space/time.

Rating: 3 out of 5