Classic Clapton
Eric Clapton needs no introduction, this also isn't the first, or likely to be the last time a compilation of some of his work has been released. This one arrives in time to be bought alongside his autobiography, and is, as is often the way, released as the record industry run up to Christmas gets into full swing. So should this one be considered as a worthwhile buy?
Fans of Eric Clapton may have a hits collection of some kind already. That said this version has sold well already scoring a first week chart position of number 2. Although its title is 'Complete', it would be more accurate to describe this as a whistle-stop tour through Clapton's long career. The two discs are compiled in chronological order, with Cream represented by 'I Feel Free', 'Sunshine Of Your Love', 'White Room', 'Crossroads' and 'Badge',, Blind Faith by 'Prescence Of The Lord' and Derek and the Dominos by 'Bell Bottom Blues' and of course the rock powerhouse that is 'Layla'.
From here on in most of the famous Clapton solo tracks appear, and show a good cross section of the change in his sound throughout the years. The latter part of disc 1 has the reggae fuelled 'I Shot The Sheriff', his cover of 'Knockin' On Heaven's Door' and the hugely popular ballad 'Wonderful Tonight'.
There are many huge stars who have seen popular music trends come and go, most have adapted with the times in order to stay at the top of their game. Think the way the eighties had an impact on the type of music David Bowie was releasing at the time. Eric Clapton is no exception, and track's like 'Pretending' and the big early nineties hit 'Bad Love' are among the most pop driven on this two CD set. This also marks a key turning point too, since for the rest of the album it's very much Eric Clapton making music inspired more by country and blues.
There's also an acoustic trio in the form of the emotive 'Tears In Heaven', and two tracks from his MTV Unplugged concert. Everyone talks about the Nirvana one, but Eric Clapton's was enormously successful and sold albums by the lorry load too. From the 'Unplugged' album we get 'Layla' and 'Running On Faith'.
There is a brief pop flash with the extremely cleanly produced 'My Father's Eyes', before the likes of 'Riding With The King', 'Sweet Home Chicago' and 'If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day' take us full circle back to the blues, and 'Ride The River' closes the collection in a country rock styley.
If there are those who aren't too familiar with the depth of Clapton's work then this is a good starting point. This CD will also be great for long car journeys, however, as is the nature of the beast with best of collections, those with plenty of classic Clapton may prefer to make their own compilation: for me no showcase of his music is complete without the great seventies acoustic track 'Please Be With Me'.