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Now, I wouldn't call myself an avid Eric Clapton fan - yes I like some of his early work, but in total I only have four CD's (including Derek & The Dominoes and Blind Faith) and the unplugged & sessions for Robert Johnson DVD's. So, listening and watching (I have the 2 CD + DVD edition) this in a "neutral" capacity I was thoroughly impressed by the contents. The tracks are varied and yes, do include the big hits you would expect (Layla, Tears in Heaven etc.) and, there are great renditions of Badge and Bell Bottom Blues. The playing is tight from a collection of extremely talented and experienced musicians with Billy Preston delivering vocals on one of the end tracks. So it's five stars from me.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Eric Clapton has made some great live albums, particularly the superb "Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert".This is not one of them.He and his band play very well, sure they do, but they're certainly not playing the blues. Instead they manage to turn everything they touch into slick, lounge-like pop songs with not an ounce of grit.If you prefer Eric Clapton in his 90s balladeer's guise, you'll probably like this album just fine. Nothing wrong with that. But if you like Eric Clapton the bluesman, and have gotten your hopes up by the inclusion of songs like "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Have You Ever Loved A Woman", you'll be sorely disappointed. Almost everything is done in a bland, unbearably mannered fashion, with not so much as a spark to ignite a little bit of passion in the listener, let alone the smouldering fire of Clapton's sixties and early seventies recordings."Key To The Highway" is pretty good, as is "She's Gone", and Eric Clapton does a better than half-decent "Bell Bottom Blues" as well, and....well, that's it, really.He performs all of his worst, most saccharine, Michael Jackson-like ballads, "I Want A Little Girl" from the "Reptile" album is pure Vegas, and I didn't even recognize Jimmy Oden's classic "Goin' Down Slow" at first...it has somehow been molded into a happy, bouncy little pop song whith just a hint of jazz and no trace of the blues whatsoever.And for a closing number he does "Over The Rainbow". I wonder if he'll be turning up in a white jumpsuit on his next tour?

Rating: 2 out of 5

There is definately not the rousing feel to this album's beginning, as has been mentioned. It will take 2 or 3 listens to get it, but rather than hit you over the head witha blooz explosion, EC invites us in with a laid-back "Key To The Highway" & rolling "Reptile".From there on in he surprises us. Sometimes with acoustic rather than electric. Sometim with the style of the music, sometims with the track choices. Nothing wrong with that either.Personal faves include, "River Of Tears"; " . . . Little Girl"; an excellant "Badge" & "Got Yo On My Mind", this one with a surprise, laid back vibe.So, give it a chance. Mr Clapton has reached the stage now where he could put on a show which would be different every night, from track selection to playing styles. This is not a bad reflection of his styles, abilities and emotions. Do yourself a favour . . . but it, but LISTEN to it also.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Don't be put off after hearing the first few tracks. As good as they are, they aren't quite what you expect from an opener to a Clapton gig. To say that it's a tame start is something of an understatement. The music itself is good - with stand-out tracks being Change the world and Tears in heaven. But if you're wanting to hear some of that fantastic Clapton fire on the fretboards, you have to wait until towards the end of CD1 - Father's Eyes and She's Gone in particular. There's also a wonderfully soulful River of tears - you can picture Eric losing himself in some of the solos he plays here.Better still slot CD2 in first. Here is EC at his finest - Badge, Have You Ever and Layla are the main stand-outs. Layla in particular has a wonderful intro - as in Unplugged, you wouldn't know the track until he drops the signature riff - and boy is he on form! Wonderful Tonight with a reggae tilt? - an interesting variation on what must have been played hundreds of times, though for me you can't beat the 24 nights version. Finishing with Over the Rainbow - as with the opening tracks, this one displays another side to his playing - but would you really leave a gig by Slowhand humming Somewhere over the Rainbow.By the way - Eric's voice sounds better than ever!All in all, some superb music - it's just the track listing that leaves something to be desired.

Rating: 4 out of 5

As a long-time fan of Clapton, I was pleasantly surprised that this effort exceeds my expectations. For once, the output comprises excellent musicianship, and a loose feel. While not quite smokey blues, it has some funky, inspired moments. It's enhanced by the occasional fluffed note from Clapton -- he's taking a few chances.Highlights include a lively acoustic Key To The Highway, a joyful My Father's Eyes, a blustering River Of Tears and a manic She's Gone. Even tired favourites like Wonderful Tonight have a new twist. The multi-soloist HYELAW is another refreshing change from the plain blues-rock version. The sound is first class, and the only criticisms I have are a poor version of Layla on the CD (the DVD version is much better), and an over-reliance on standards such as Sunshine of Your Love and Cocaine. More from Reptile or Pilgrim would have been appreciated. This may not be an album for those looking for non-stop guitar fireworks, but in fact Clapton's guitar pyrotechnics work better for being spare. (Cream fans should listen again to the dreary Live Cream 2 before they react!). Fans of Unplugged Clapton should love this too.His best live recording since Derek & Dominos.

Rating: 4 out of 5