Eric Clapton is a legendary figure in the realm of rock and blues music, whose immense talent and virtuosity have solidified his status as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. With a career spanning over five decades, Clapton has produced an impressive body of work, marked by his soulful vocals and mesmerizing guitar solos. In this article, we will delve into the vast discography of this iconic artist and explore the top 10 best Eric Clapton songs of all time.
From his early days as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream to his successful solo career, Clapton’s music has consistently captivated audiences around the world. His ability to infuse raw emotion into his songs, combined with his technical proficiency, has made him a true master of his craft. Each song on this list represents a pinnacle of Clapton’s artistry, showcasing his ability to transcend genres and connect with listeners on a profound level.
Whether it’s the timeless blues of “Layla” or the heartfelt balladry of “Tears in Heaven,” Clapton’s songs have the power to transport us to another place and evoke a range of emotions. Join us as we take a nostalgic journey through Clapton’s remarkable discography and celebrate the brilliance of his musical legacy. These top 10 Eric Clapton songs serve as a testament to his enduring influence and showcase the timeless quality of his music.
1. ‘Back Home’
Eric Clapton's 'Back Home' is a classic tune. Upbeat rhythms, layered instrumentals and nostalgia – all these make it amazing. It's a nod to Clapton's roots, taking us through his life.
The song starts off his 2005 album. The lively melody sets the tone for great music. Guitar riffs, solos, drums and keyboard hooks – Clapton creates a rich tapestry. He transports us back home!
The chorus is unique. Clapton sings in perfect harmony with backing vocalists. It conveys the message of cherishing home and family, regardless of where life takes you.
Pro Tip: Listen carefully and appreciate how Clapton evokes different emotions. Contentment, yearning – all these in six minutes of stellar musicianship. Enjoy watching Eric Clapton's musical talent bloom!
2. ‘Let It Grow’
Eric Clapton's 'Let It Grow' is a soulful and emotive track. It showcases his extraordinary guitar skills. The lyrics speak of growth – in nature and relationships.
The song has:
- Smooth, melodic guitar riffs blended with soothing vocals.
- A catchy chorus guaranteed to have you humming it for days.
- An instrumental break with a stunning guitar solo that will give you goosebumps.
Clapton wrote this song while reflecting on his relationship with Pattie Boyd (previously married to George Harrison). The imagery of nature in the song may be Clapton's hope for growth and change.
On its release in 1974, the song was not a commercial success. But, it has since gained critical acclaim as one of Clapton's greatest hits.
If you're looking to ease the pain of a breakup, 'Next Time You See Her' is a great choice – unless you were the one who broke up with Eric Clapton.
3. ‘Next Time You See Her’
Eric Clapton's 'Next Time You See Her' is a classic from his Slowhand album. His signature guitar playing and heartfelt vocals feature in the song. It tells the story of a man who regrets losing the love of his life and hopes for a second chance. The melody and lyrics touch anyone who has felt heartbreak or lost love.
Clapton's emotion-filled delivery, along with his guitar work, brings out the essence of the track. The opening riff establishes the mood and solos show off his guitar prowess. The lyrics are simple, yet powerfully express universal emotions.
One unique detail is how the blues and rock genres blend to create something new. This demonstrates Eric Clapton's ability to experiment with music styles without sacrificing quality.
In an interview, Clapton revealed that he wrote 'Next Time You See Her' after his breakup with Pattie Boyd. His pain and regret fill the song, adding extra significance to the track.
In conclusion, this is a standout track from one of Clapton's greatest albums. Its timeless sound and theme have made it a fan favorite for decades. 'Signe', with Clapton's guitar skills, tells a story without any words – quite impressive for chords!
4. ‘Signe’
The fourth song on the list is Eric Clapton's 'Signe'. It's an experimental piece, featuring an acoustic guitar riff. Clapton recorded it during a layover in Miami, while on his way to New York. He was going there to record Cream's Disraeli Gears.
'Signe' was first heard on MTV's Unplugged, which is known for its acoustic sound. What's even more interesting is that it wasn't even a complete song when Clapton performed it live! It was actually a lead-in intro for 'Tales of Brave Ulysses'.
But it made such an impact on fans that it became a part of his live shows and record collections as an individual track. Just goes to show – Eric Clapton got his talent from his father's eyes reading sheet music!
5. ‘My Father’s Eyes’
Eric Clapton's 'My Father's Eyes' is an emotional ode to a father he never knew. His signature guitar riffs and tender lyrics tell a bittersweet story. Clapton looks to his own son's eyes and wonders if they are like his father's. This song is on Clapton's 'Pilgrim' album and combines blues and modern pop. What makes it special is the mandolin played by Andy Fairweather-Low, adding a folk twist. It's one of the greatest Eric Clapton songs ever.
Pro Tip: Loops are great for practicing soloing techniques while listening to this song. Learn the chords and scales to play along.
Warning: Listening to 'Tears in Heaven' may bring up a mix of emotions. Sadness, nostalgia and the urge to start playing like Clapton.
6. ‘Tears in Heaven’
Eric Clapton's ‘Tears in Heaven’ is a classic, emotional track. It gained fame due to its backstory. Eric wrote it as a tribute to his son, who had passed away in an accident. It is powerful enough to touch the heartstrings of everyone and evoke unique emotions.
The lyrics are simple yet profound. They evoke raw emotions through every word. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity – it carries immense grief and loss.
‘Tears in Heaven’ is not just a song – it's a composition that resonates with people who have lost someone they love deeply. From start to finish, it is full of emotion and honesty. It showcases Eric Clapton at his best – raw, intense and vulnerable.
What makes this song stand out is its relatability. Many listeners can connect with the words on a personal level because they were based on Eric's own experiences.
To maximize your experience, listen without any distractions or noise in the background. This suits the mood perfectly.
Overall, ‘Tears in Heaven’ is an amazing piece of art directed by real-life experiences. It continues to resonate with people today, transmitting something unforgettable. Even if you're not in shape, Eric Clapton's ‘The Shape You’re In’ will give you some serious workout vibes.
7. ‘The Shape You’re In’
Eric Clapton's ‘The Shape You’re In’ is an absolute gem of a tune. Its driving rhythms and catchy chorus, plus Clapton's electrifying guitar work, make it a masterpiece. The soulful sax solo adds a unique layer and Jamie Oldaker's drumming perfectly complements Clapton’s playing. Plus, there are some exquisite blues licks and soaring guitar solos that showcase Clapton's technical ability.
It's a must-listen for any fan of classic rock! To get the most out of it, close your eyes and listen to every nuance, every bend note and every strum. Then, you'll truly appreciate the artistry behind ‘The Shape You’re In.’ And if you need more of Clapton's love, listen to 'Wonderful Tonight' – a song that'll make you believe in love."
8. ‘Wonderful Tonight’
Eric Clapton's classic, timeless tune 'Wonderful Tonight' is one of his greatest hits. It came out in 1977 and is part of the Slowhand album. It has a slow tempo, soulful guitar, and heartfelt lyrics that capture love's feeling.
What makes this song special? Its simplicity and sincerity. The words are straightforward yet full of power. They express joy and happiness of being with someone special. From "It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear," we are in a romantic world.
Clapton's guitar playing is amazing. His strumming and solos make the song great. These create a sonic landscape that fits the lyrics' emotion.
Fun fact: this song was written about Pattie Boyd who was married to George Harrison but later married Clapton.
9. ‘I Can’t Stand It’
Eric Clapton's 'I Can't Stand It' is a mix of blues and pop. It has soulful vocals, catchy rhythms and an amazing guitar solo. The lyrics show discontent with a relationship that's not going well.
What makes this song different? It has an upbeat tempo that contrasts with the sad lyrics. Clapton's use of minor keys adds depth too.
'I Can't Stand It' was popular. It reached #10 on US charts and MTV played it in the 80s. It earned its place among Clapton's greatest hits.
Pro Tip: Put on your headphones and listen to 'I Can't Stand It'. Hear Eric Clapton at his best!
10. ‘Slow Down Linda’
This slow blues song is part of Clapton's album 'Money and Cigarettes.' His signature guitar and soft vocals tell the story of an impulsive woman named Linda. It stands out for its catchy hook and smooth melody, conveying a message to slow down in life.
'Slow Down Linda' showcases Clapton's ability to make unique and entertaining soulful blues. Expect intricate guitar riffs, heartfelt lyrics and a rich soulful voice. While it's not as well-known, it's still worth checking out.
Interestingly, 'Slow Down Linda' was recorded during the same sessions as 'I've Got A Rock N Roll Heart.' The latter became a huge hit, yet 'Slow Down Linda' didn't replicate its success. Nevertheless, it remains an underrated gem in Clapton's repertoire.
Samuel Moore is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
