Slowhand - ERIC CLAPTON***

Cocaine/Wonderful Tonight/Lay Down Sally/Next Time You See Her/We're All The Way/The Core/May You Never/Mean Old Frisco/Peaches & Diesel

Slowhand, like many solo Eric Clapton albums, is rather uneven with too many forgettable tracks, yet it sold very well in the USA, helped by the No. 3 hit single Lay Down Sally. (US:2 UK:23)

“The problem with Eric Clapton isn't that he's boring (though he unquestionably is), it's that he's pompous enough to believe his own hype and internalize it. Listen to Slowhand and ask yourself if you've ever heard any song as shamelessly cheesy and earnest as Wonderful Tonight anywhere else.”

“Containing two well known hit singles and another of his signature tunes, Slowhand is definitely one of his better albums. With covers of songs by JJ Cale and Don Williams, Clapton sidesteps the blues to some degree, particularly by adding some country to the mix. While some purists may bemoan the lack of blues or even passion here, I think the producer Glyn Johns, does a fine job in coaxing a good album from Eric.”

“This music has no substance. The lyrics have just as much weight as any corny pop song. The album seemed contrived and formulaic. In the end this remains not that good, since it's just so forgettable. Would anyone care about Slowhand if it wasn't by Clapton? I think we all know the answer to that.”

“There is some lively stuff with a few toe tappers here and there. Of all his solo releases I think this is Eric Clapton's best, primarily because most is just mediocre.”

“This doesn’t exactly forge any new grounds in the world of rock unlike any of Clapton’s ‘60s bands. The whole album is safe and marketable. Get this out at parties if you need some safe rock music, but don’t be surprised if Slowhand ends up collecting dust for years at a time.”

“It's very laid back and not very exciting, but it plods along at an even pace that you can settle into if you're of a mind to.”

“Slowhand is clearly one of Eric Clapton's stronger solo releases. Whereas there are plenty of guitar solos and effects, many of these tunes are quite pleasing. A solid if not overly spectacular release that showcases the mellow side of Eric Clapton.”