Eric Clapton

Clapton paid tribute to the woozy shuffle of J.J. Cale on this career-defining record. With a handful of giant radio hits and stellar material throughout, Slowhand earned classic status upon its release -- and remains the point where many beginners start with his work.

Eric Clapton's solo albums have tended to be so evenhanded and laconic that they often
seem interchangeable. His pain was always so apparent that every move he made seemed
frozen for eternity. At first glance, Slow Hand does nothing to alter that pattern -- a few
good tracks interspersed between the usual filler -- but there's a lot more going on here
beneath the surface. Clapton is showing signs of psychic rehabilitation. His love... More >

As MOR singles go, "Lay Down Sally" is a relief--at least it has some soul. But the album leaves the juiciest solos to George Terry, and where four years ago Eric was turning into a singer--in the manner of Pete Townshend--now he sounds like he's blown his voice. Doing what, I wonder. (Grade - C+)