Unplugged

If you're looking for live Clapton, you have quite a few options. From the '60's, we have Live Cream, vols. 1 & 2 or Derek and the Dominoes Live, but those releases are pretty indulgent. Or you can pick up any one of his various "autopilot" live releases from the '70's and '80's. Or if you wanted, you could go with Unplugged, which is my pick.
Though E.C. will forever be remembered as a pioneer with the electric axe, he could play some good folk guitar too, although that is a side of him rarely seen. For instance, listen to his heartbreaking rendition of (At the time) recent hit Tears in Heaven. Can you picture this as a rocker? Or how about another centerpiece of the album, the long jam Old Love? Just listen to his almost-Eastern guitar solo and tell me it would've worked electric. The stripped-down arrangement also aides the obligatory blues covers (Before You Accuse Me, Hey Hey, Nobody Knows You, Walkin' Blues), all fine except Rollin' and Tumblin', which simply doesn't work without electric guitar and mouth organ. And if that weren't good enough, he cuts loose and has a good time on San Fransisco Bay Blues, reinvents classic Layla, and puts some serious soul into Runnin' on Faith. A Clapton essential, surprising considering that it's from MTV!

Eric Clapton is blues to his very Robert Johnson soul. There is a reason this album got 5 grammy's, it was pure and true, straight to the heart Eric Clapton singing and playing the blues music. He just touches ground on the roots of blues with Nobody Knows you... classic done by many but done best by Clapton. Layla, this version I would have to respect better than the original, I think he really poured his heart into this number this time. Running On Faith, awesome, Lonely Stranger has got to be my favorite on this album set, he really got into this number, as well as he did with the rest. This album is a keeper and a must, definitely for Clapton fans out there. Let your mind ease a little for some pure BLUES POWER.

I have read a lot of positive comments about Eric Clapton Unplugged and I enjoyed every one. Good blues all around. Favorie cut:Layla. This is the type of song to listen to a hot humid weekend afternoon with ceiling fans rotating and bottle of wine by your side. AWESOME! Go out and buy it!

First of all, I would like to encourage all to buy this album. Very rarely does one get to hear and feel the emotion of an artist like Unplugged offers. This album has it all, and is a must buy for all music lovers. Theres no hard core rock, classical music, but just one man making brilliant music. Clapton is at his sublime best and shows his true genious as both a live performer but also as a muscian. Now to the Songs.

1. Signe- This is the intro Song. Claptons relaxing voice won't be heard in this song, yet it sets the tone for a wonderful night of music.

2. Before You Accuse Me- Truly a brilliant song. The Crowd's clapping mixes in the song harmoniously and Claptons voice graces the song. A great guitar part accompanies the song. Simply Brilliant.

3. Hey, Hey- Catchy Guitar Tune, but the song seems a little to repetitive. However great buildup songs for track number 4.

4. Tears in Heaven- Probably one of the greatest songs of all time, Clapton performs it as only he could. In this touching tribute to his son, Conor, Clapton pours his emotions into his guitar. The Crowd's applause after the song is the icing on the already perfect cake.

5. Lonely Stranger- Sounds very moving. Clapton at his best.

6. Nobody Knows You When You Are Down and Out- One of my favorites. The Songs has a very "cool" feel to it. A very hummable tune. After hearing it once don't be surprised to find yourself humming the tune everywhere you go.

7. Layla- They say that Genius Loves Company. The first Layla was Genius, the second might be better. Unlike the first original, which was an instant hit, this one takes a litle adjustment. A different guitar line, but a much more cool version. One of Clapton's all time greatest works.

8. Running on Faith- A Beuatiful Song. It Truly transcends Clapton's emotions into a simple melody with truly beautiful lyrics.

9. Walking Blues- An interesting song. Not as catchy as the others but very good to listen to. Clapton plays blues like a hand fits in a glove. Sounds Great!

10. Alberta- One of the greatest Again. Criticism that he trys to hard is unsubstantiated and completely ludicrous. Clapton sounds unbelieveable in track number 10. The basic chorus line wraps the listener in to singing along. Great Song

11. San Francisco Bay Blues- Bringing back life back into the concert, Clapton pulls out a goody but oldey. The instruments seize control as the song morphs into an enjoyable song.

12. Malted Milk- Blues at its finest.

13. OLD LOVE- Best Song in my opinon. What a catchy tune. The Song can be split into 3 main parts. Clapton singing in his brilliant voice, then to one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, and then to an amazing piano solo to finsih it off. The solo is quintessential clapton as is the singing. Truly an amazing song and a wonderful listen.

14. Rollin' and Tumblin'- Catchy song, but in the end a little bit of a let down. Nevertheless appropiate ending.

All together don't catch yourself without this cd in this collection. You could listen to this album 100 times without getting old. Truly Genious. Great Guitar, Piano, and of course Clapton. Thats all that needs to be said.

9.

There is nothing like this CD if you are a true Clapton fan. The accoustic remakes are incredible!