Eric Clapton is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and talented musicians of all time. He first rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of the Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, and Cream. Clapton’s blues-influenced guitar playing and soulful vocals earned him a legion of devoted fans and influenced countless musicians.
Clapton has had a successful solo career, with numerous hit songs such as “Tears in Heaven”, “Layla”, “Wonderful Tonight”, and “Cocaine”. He has also collaborated with other legendary musicians, including B.B. King, Steve Winwood, and The Beatles.
In addition to his musical achievements, Clapton has also been open about his struggles with addiction and has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction and recovery. He established the Crossroads Centre in Antigua to help those struggling with addiction and has organized several benefit concerts to support the cause. Clapton’s influence and impact on music and popular culture continue to be felt to this day.
1. Layla
“Layla” is a classic rock song by Eric Clapton, originally recorded by his band Derek and the Dominos. The song features a guitar riff that has become iconic, with Clapton’s soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics telling a tale of unrequited love. The song builds to a powerful climax, with Clapton’s guitar work driving the emotional intensity to a fever pitch. “Layla” has remained a beloved classic since its release in 1971, and its enduring popularity is a testament to Clapton’s artistry and the timelessness of his music.
2. Wonderful Tonight
Released in 1977, “Wonderful Tonight” is one of Eric Clapton’s most beloved and enduring hits. It is a tender love song that Clapton wrote for his then-wife Pattie Boyd, and it has become a timeless classic in the world of rock and pop. The song is notable for its gentle melody and Clapton’s heartfelt vocals, which perfectly capture the emotions of a man who is deeply in love with his partner. With its simple yet powerful lyrics and timeless melody, “Wonderful Tonight” has become a staple of wedding playlists and romantic movie soundtracks around the world.
3. Tears in Heaven
“Tears in Heaven” is a heart-wrenching ballad by Eric Clapton, written in memory of his young son who tragically died in an accident. The lyrics express the pain and grief of losing a child and the struggle to come to terms with it. The melody is simple and haunting, with Clapton’s emotional vocals and guitar work conveying the deep sadness of the song. The poignant lyrics and tender melody struck a chord with listeners around the world, and it became one of Clapton’s most popular and enduring songs. “Tears in Heaven” is a testament to Clapton’s ability to express complex emotions through his music.
4. Cocaine
“Cocaine” is a classic rock song by Eric Clapton, released in 1977. The song features Clapton’s signature blues rock guitar sound and catchy chorus. The lyrics describe the addictive nature of cocaine, with Clapton’s raw vocal performance emphasizing the song’s theme. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Clapton’s original remains one of his most popular and recognizable songs. “Cocaine” is a staple of classic rock radio and remains a fan favorite at Clapton’s live concerts, where he often plays an extended version of the song showcasing his guitar skills.
5. Crossroads
“Crossroads” is a blues-rock classic that was originally recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936, but it was Eric Clapton’s 1968 rendition that made it a hit. The song features Clapton’s virtuosic guitar playing and powerful vocals, backed by a driving rhythm section. The lyrics speak of a man at a crossroads, facing a difficult decision between a life of sin and a life of righteousness. With its catchy melody, electrifying guitar riffs, and iconic solo, “Crossroads” has become a staple of Clapton’s live performances and a beloved classic for generations of blues and rock fans.
6. Badge
“Badge” is a classic rock song co-written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and recorded by the power trio Cream. It was released on their 1969 album “Goodbye”. The song features a catchy guitar riff and showcases Clapton’s guitar virtuosity. The title of the song came from a malapropism of the word “bridge” that Harrison had said during a conversation with Clapton, which Clapton misheard as “badge”. The song has been covered by various artists and has become a staple in Clapton’s live performances, demonstrating his lasting influence on the rock music landscape.
7. Bell Bottom Blues
“Bell Bottom Blues” is a song by Eric Clapton that was released in 1971. It was written about Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time. The lyrics express Clapton’s intense emotional pain and longing, with lines like “I don’t want to fade away, give me one more day please.” The song is a masterful blend of blues, rock, and soulful balladry, with Clapton’s signature guitar work shining through in both the gentle verses and the explosive chorus. The song has become a classic of Clapton’s repertoire and is still beloved by fans today.
8. I Shot the Sheriff
“I Shot the Sheriff” is a reggae classic that Eric Clapton covered on his 1974 album “461 Ocean Boulevard”. Clapton’s version became a huge hit and is considered one of his best-known songs. The song tells the story of a man who admits to killing the local sheriff but claims that he did it in self-defense. It is a powerful and catchy track, with a driving rhythm and Clapton’s soulful guitar work that gives the song a sense of urgency and raw energy. Clapton’s interpretation of “I Shot the Sheriff” remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite.
9. White Room
“White Room” is a classic rock song written by Jack Bruce and Pete Brown, which was famously performed by Eric Clapton and his band Cream. The song features Clapton’s signature guitar work and showcases the band’s psychedelic rock sound. The lyrics describe a surreal and mysterious “white room” that the narrator is trapped inside, with vivid imagery and a haunting chorus. The song was released in 1968 and became a hit for Cream, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and the US. It remains a beloved classic of Clapton’s extensive catalog and of the psychedelic rock genre.
10. Change the World
“Change the World” is a song by Eric Clapton, written by Tommy Sims, Gordon Kennedy, and Wayne Kirkpatrick. The song was recorded for the soundtrack of the 1996 film Phenomenon and was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary chart and winning three Grammy Awards in 1997. The song features Clapton’s signature guitar playing and soulful vocals. The lyrics express a longing for a better world and the desire to make a positive difference. The song’s message resonated with audiences and has continued to be a popular choice for wedding dances and other sentimental occasions.
Edward Tomlin 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.
