Eric Clapton - Clapton

At 65, Eric Clapton is at the official retirement age but thankfully Slowhand is in no hurry to slow down. From facilitating the Crossroads Guitar Festival each year (video after the jump) to high-profile live tours with Steve Winwood and Jeff Beck to collaborations with B.B. King and J.J. Cale, Clapton now adds another chapter in his own solo album output with the simply titled Clapton, due September 28. An eclectic mix of styles, from country blues to orchestrated ballads to Cream-styled blues/rock workouts, the new project also boasts an A-team guest list including Sheryl Crow, J.J. Cale, Steve Winwood, Derek Trucks, Allen Toussaint and even jazz-man Wynton Marsalis. There's also a healthy mix of covers in with originals. Guitarist and long-time collaborator Doyle Bramhall II co-produced the album with Clapton.

"This album wasn't what it was intended to be at all," observes Clapton. "It's actually better than it was meant to be because, in a way, I just let it happen. It's an eclectic collection of songs that weren't really on the map - and I like it so much because if it's a surprise to the fans, that's only because it's a surprise to me, as well." Lead track "Run Back to Your Side" finds Clapton exploring familiar "Crossroads"-styled blues -- hardly groundbreaking material. But there's something comforting in hearing him making it all sound so easy, an artisan still proving that he's still got the touch. "Diamonds Made From Rain" is a soulful gospel-tinged ballad, a standard redeemed by rich organ fills, gorgeous stinging guitar solo and Clapton's own confessional vocals.

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Eric Clapton - "Run Back to Your Side" (from the album Clapton)

Eric Clapton - "Diamonds Made from Rain" (from the album Clapton)

TRACK LISTING:

1 Travelin’ Alone
2 Rocking Chair
3 River Runs Deep
4 Judgement Day
5 How Deep Is The Ocean
6 My Very Good Friend The Milkman
7 Can’t Hold Out Much Longer
8 That’s No Way To Get Along
9 Everything Will Be Alright
10 Diamonds Made From Rain*
11 When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful
12 Hard Times Blues
13 Run Back To Your Side
14 Autumn Leaves