Release date: August 30, 2005
Label: Warner Bros./Reprise/Duck Records

Back Home, the long awaited CD from Eric Clapton, is his first release of original material in five years. Five of its twelve songs were written in collaboration with fellow producer and keyboardist, Simon Clime. Though many longtime Clapton fans may shrug it off as being yet another mediocre and contemporary pop release from the guitar icon, it's a proficient work, deserving of praise and recognition. Much of the lyrics are about love and family, a way of life Clapton has learned to cherish as of lately.

In addition to his usual players of recent years, such as Doyle Bramhall II on guitar, Andy Fairweather-Low on guitar, Nathan East on bass, and Steve Gadd on drums, the CD also has Simon Clime on keyboards, and guest appearances from John Mayer, Pino Palladino, Vince Gill, Billy Preston, Robert Randolph, Chris Stainton (Spooky Tooth), Steve Winwood, and a slew of other excellent musicians and background vocalists.

Besides its relatively mellow and contemporary manner, the CD displays another trait common with recent Clapton releases; it's a portrayal of his diverse tastes and influences over the years. Ever since the release of Eric Clapton in 1970, we've come to know him as a well-rounded solo artist whose influences pour forth from his own creations, covers as well, sometimes in a baffling and extraordinary manner.

Other than the recent Cream reunion concerts, he had left his British blues behind to savor his remarkable past. His taste for American music spread from early blues to the folkish and earthy styles of Bob Dylan and The Band. Though he often delved into reggae rhythms, contemporary pop as well, he never fully departed from his blues and rock roots. Roots music is what propels Clapton. His love for old Robert Johnson tunes and the more contemporary blues styles of J.J.Cale have been obvious throughout his career. His love for soul, R&B, and gospel is forever noticeable as well.

Back Home is no different.

The CDs opener, 'So Tired', is a clever and catchy tune. It thrives on a lazy, J.J.Cale rhythm, yet has that Knopfler lead guitar tone Clapton tends to adopt every now and then, compressed and tubular-like. It's a Simon Clime collaboration, and lyrically is about life as a parent, and is basically a tribute to wives and mothers. He inserts the sound of a baby crying to get that 'tired' message across, a feeling all parents know all too well.

'Say What You Will' is a mature love song. It has an interesting rhythm to it, reggae yet contemporary. A background horn section and a rhythm guitar utilizing a wah-wah effect give it a pleasant persona all its own.

'I'm Going Left' is a Stevie Wonder and Syreeta Wright composition. It's an up-tempo, optimistic track, with a satisfying opening lead. The guitar has that recognizable Strat tone.

'Love Don't Love Nobody', a Spinners song, is mellow R&B about heartbreak and the pain caused by lost love. Clapton does a searing solo in this one.

'Revolution' is another track driven by a reggae rhythm, yet contemporary in its approach again, in a Clapton sense anyway. As soon as you hear the opening line: "I told you once, I told you twice. You never listen to my advice.' you may think, 'I've heard that before'. Though the little clip from the Stones 'The Last Time' is only a lyrical similarity, I found it interesting that it's in a song with an old Beatles' title, also stating, 'You say you want a revolution.' This one is also another of the five Clapton, Clime creations.

'Love Comes To Everyone' is a George Harrison song, with Harrison-like
slide throughout. Hauntingly familiar, any fan of the late Beatle will
instantly recognize the copped style.

Both 'Lost And Found' and 'Piece Of My Heart' are Bramhall creations, and are bluesy and gritty.

'One Day', written by Vince Gill and Beverly Darnall, is certainly a diversion from typical Vince Gill. It's sizzling and bluesy. It also features a nice Hammond B-3 sound from none other than Mr. Billy Preston, with a nice electric piano as well. There are some scorching leads throughout. It's definitely going to age into a classic EC song.

'One Track Mind' and 'Run Home To Me' are two more Clapton/Clime collaborations. The latter, reminiscent of his earlier 'River Of Tears', has an interesting vibrato guitar effect and more Hammond organ.

'Back Home', the CD title song, is the closer, and the one sole Clapton composition. It's acoustic, and like the opener, has a home and family theme.

Back Home proves once again that Eric Clapton is a maturing yet prominent performer. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, because, as I noted above, lovers of that early Cream 'Gibson into cranked Marshall' sound, who just can't get enough of that, won't be getting it. However, as his friend, George Harrison, once said, 'All things must pass'. What we are getting here is what Clapton wants to give us, an album that's as inclusive, mature, and likable as the musician himself.

Back Home Track Listing

1. So Tired - Clapton/Clime
2. Say What You Will - Clapton/Clime
3. I'm Going Left - Wonder/Wright
4. Love Don't Love Nobody - Jefferson/Simmons
5. Revolution - Clapton/Clime
6. Loves Comes To Everyone - Harrison
7. Lost And Found - Bramhall/Stacey
8. Piece Of My Heart - Bramhall/Elzondo/Melvoin
9. One Day - Darnall/Gill
10. One Track Mind - Clapton/Clime
11. Run Home To Me - Clapton/Clime
12. Back Home - Clapton

Warner Bros./Reprise/Duck Records on August 30th, 2005

Links

Official Eric Clapton website
Official Eric Clapton fansite
Back Home on Amazon.com