10 Best Eric Clapton Songs of All Time

Eric Clapton is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. He first rose to fame in the 1960s as a member of the Yardbirds, before going on to join other legendary bands like Cream and Derek and the Dominos.

Clapton’s music is characterized by his virtuosic guitar playing and blues-influenced sound. His hits include “Layla,” “Tears in Heaven,” and “Wonderful Tonight,” and his music continues to be celebrated by fans of rock and blues around the world.

In addition to his solo career and work with bands, Clapton has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, and B.B. King. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three times – as a member of the Yardbirds, Cream, and as a solo artist.

Clapton’s influence on the development of rock and blues cannot be overstated. His virtuosic guitar playing and emotive songwriting have inspired countless other musicians, and his music continues to be admired and celebrated by fans around the world.

1. ‘My Father’s Eyes’ (‘Pilgrim’ / 1998)

This song, released in 1998 on the album 'Pilgrim', is titled 'My Father's Eyes'. Eric Clapton wrote the song to find his father, whom he never met. The lyrics pay tribute to the person who gave him life and shaped who he is today. The song beautifully captures the essence of love, longing, and family.

If 'Signe' doesn’t give you goosebumps, you’re probably a robot in disguise.

2. ‘Signe’ (‘Unplugged’ / 1992)

This Eric Clapton classic called ‘Signe’ from his ‘Unplugged’ album in 1992 is a masterpiece that showcases his acoustic guitar skills. The song has a beautiful and catchy melody that captivates the listener's attention and evokes emotions of love and tranquility.

The following table outlines the relevant details about this iconic song.

Title	‘Signe’
Album	Unplugged (1992)
Genre	Acoustic blues, instrumental rock
Duration	3:15 minutes

Apart from being a great showcase of Clapton’s guitar skills, ‘Signe’ is also highly appreciated by fans because it was the opening track of his ‘Unplugged’ performance that earned him six Grammy Awards. It remains one of Clapton’s best-known songs and still receives airplay on various radio stations worldwide.

Historically speaking, ‘Signe’ was written by Clapton as a tribute to Martin Carthy’s arrangement of Davey Graham's famous instrumental “Anji”. The title of the song is derived from the Swedish word for “sign”, which translated into English means “guitar tuning”.

Next Time You See Her, you'll know why Eric Clapton is the God of guitar solos.

3. ‘Next Time You See Her’ (‘Slowhand’ / 1975)

Eric Clapton's 'Slowhand' album from 1975 had a hit song called 'Next Time You See Her'. It is one of the top ten best Eric Clapton songs. The emotional power-ballad is a classic example of Clapton's bluesy guitar style and heartfelt lyrics. Featuring strong use of piano and organ, the song displays a rich musical depth that showcases Clapton's versatile talents.

This ballad demonstrates Clapton's ability to both write and perform songs that cut deeply into listeners' hearts. 'Next Time You See Her' tells the story of a man missing his love interest, after she leaves town without saying goodbye. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of loneliness and heartache that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost.

Fun Fact: According to an article on Ultimate Classic Rock, Eric Clapton originally wrote 'Next Time You See Her' for George Harrison, but later decided to record it himself for 'Slowhand'.

Listen to ‘Let It Grow’ and let your love for Eric Clapton grow stronger than your attachment to your ex.

4. ‘Let It Grow’ (‘461 Ocean Boulevard’ / 1974)

This song, featured on Eric Clapton's 1974 album '461 Ocean Boulevard', is a timeless classic that showcases his musical prowess. With its enchanting melody and touching lyrics, 'Let It Grow' is a soulful ballad that tells the story of letting go of past regrets and embracing the present moment. The song features some breathtaking guitar work by Clapton as he creates a magical soundscape with his signature style. Its message of hope, love and growth has made it one of Clapton's most beloved songs.

Continuing with the musical journey, 'Let It Grow' stands out for its emotional tone and introspective lyrics. The song builds with each verse, drawing listeners into its hypnotic rhythm. The guitar solo in the middle elevates the song to new heights, showcasing Clapton's innate ability to make music from his soul.

What sets this track apart from other Clapton classics is its unique use of strings and background vocals. Their inclusion adds another layer of depth to an already moving composition. 'Let It Grow' remains popular among fans of all ages and continues to be a defining moment in Clapton's illustrious career.

For those who have never heard this classic piece before, we highly recommend adding it immediately to your playlist. The touching words coupled with masterful guitar playing will leave you feeling inspired and fulfilled. On the other hand, if you've heard it many times before but want more similar tunes – why not try 'Wonderful Tonight', 'Tears In Heaven' or 'Layla'. Each song bears similarities in terms of emotional themes and exceptional musicianship by Eric Clapton himself – making them instant classics as well!

 

Eric Clapton's 'Back Home' may not actually take you back home, but it'll definitely make you feel like you've just had a cosy family reunion.

5. ‘Back Home’ (‘Back Home’ / 2005)

One of the standout tracks from Eric Clapton's 2005 album 'Back Home' is a song with the same name. This introspective tune sees Clapton reflecting on his life after finding peace and stability in his personal relationships. The driving beat and soulful guitar work make this song a favorite among fans.

Clapton's lyrics take us on a journey through his emotional landscape – from the loneliness he experienced during his drug addiction to finding love, starting a family, and settling down. Musically, the song features a blend of blues and rock elements that showcase Clapton's guitar prowess.

If you're looking for an uplifting anthem about coming home, this track is sure to resonate with you. 'Back Home' showcases Clapton's innate ability to write songs that are deeply personal yet universally relatable.

Interestingly, before releasing 'Back Home,' Clapton had retired from touring and recording for nearly three years to focus on being a father to his daughters. This time away from music gave him space to reflect on his career and create new material that sounds authentic and heartfelt.

Eric Clapton slows it down with 'Slow Down Linda', but don't slow down too much or you might miss the rest of this list.

6. ‘Slow Down Linda’ (‘Money and Cigarettes’ / 1983)

Eric Clapton's 1983 release 'Money and Cigarettes' featured the track 'Slow Down Linda'. The song has a blues-influenced melody with an upbeat tempo. The lyrics explore themes of infatuation with a woman and advising her to slow down. Clapton's guitar solos in this song add depth and texture to the track, showcasing his musical proficiency.

Interestingly, 'Money and Cigarettes' was one of Clapton's first releases after getting sober from alcohol addiction. This album marked his resurgence in the music industry and earned critical acclaim for its strong compositions, including 'Slow Down Linda'. As one of the lesser-known tracks from the album, 'Slow Down Linda' stands out as a hidden gem in Clapton's discography.

If you can't stand this song, you must not have a pulse – or ears.

7. ‘I Can’t Stand It’ (‘Another Ticket’ / 1981)

This Eric Clapton hit, featured on his 1981 album ‘Another Ticket,’ takes the seventh spot in our top ten list. 'I Can't Stand It' showcases the artist's signature blues sound with catchy guitar riffs and soulful lyrics. The track was an instant success among fans and critics alike.

Clapton's smooth vocals blended with the funky rhythm section creates a unique listening experience that is hard to replicate. With its upbeat tempo and memorable sing-along chorus, ‘I Can’t Stand It’ has become a fan favorite that still manages to captivate audiences.

What stands out in this song are the guitar solos between verses. They showcase Clapton's virtuosity on the instrument, proving why he is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Overall, ‘I Can’t Stand It’ is another classic from Clapton’s extensive discography that never fails to impress.

If you're looking for something new to listen to or want to revisit classic blues-rock hits, ‘I Can’t Stand It' should be at the top of your list. So sit back and let Clapton's smooth vocals and incredible guitar skills transport you to a world of pure musical bliss.

Eric Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' is the perfect song for a romantic evening, as long as your date doesn't mind you air-guitaring during the guitar solo.

8. ‘Wonderful Tonight’ (‘Slowhand’ / 1975)

Eric Clapton’s timeless classic from his 1975 album ‘Slowhand’ ranks eighth among his greatest hits. ‘Wonderful Tonight’ is a romantic ballad that narrates the singer's feelings as he admires his partner's beauty while getting ready for an event.

With its soft acoustic guitar melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song is a popular choice of couples during weddings and dances. Slowhand's rendition has been covered by multiple artists over the years, making it one of Clapton’s most covered tracks.

Furthermore, 'Wonderful Tonight' was written for Pattie Boyd, who was Eric Clapton's girlfriend at the time and was married to George Harrison. The song is believed to have been composed after yet another argument about not being ready on time – which led to Pattie being left waiting for her husband at several events in the past.

In addition, despite being one of his most famous songs, Clapton rarely performs 'Wonderful Tonight' live in recent years as it holds painful memories for him. He wrote in his autobiography that playing it reminds him too much of Pattie Boyd and their relationship troubles.

To add to this, every time it is played live at a concert or wedding reception or any other event with a special someone by your side; there will be nothing but hand-holding, wandering eyes – just thankful hearts enjoying each other's company with every lyric sung by Slowhand himself.

Eric Clapton proves that even the shape of a person can be a smoking hot topic.

9. ‘The Shape You’re In’ (‘Money and Cigarettes’ / 1983)

This Eric Clapton track from his 1983 album "Money and Cigarettes" showcases his bluesy guitar work and soulful vocals. With a driving beat and catchy chorus, 'The Shape You're In' exudes confidence and swagger. Clapton's influences of R&B and rock come through in this track, highlighting his mastery of different genres. It's a must-listen for fans of the legendary guitarist.

As one of the standout tracks on the record, ‘The Shape You’re In’ captures Clapton's signature style while also showcasing his growth as an artist. The lyrics describe a woman who has caught Clapton's eye, and he sings about wanting to be with her despite any obstacles in their way. The upbeat tempo makes it impossible not to tap your foot or dance along.

One unique aspect of this song is the breakdown section towards the end where Clapton showcases his guitar skills with an extended solo. The music builds back up into another energetic chorus, leaving listeners feeling satisfied yet wanting more.

If you haven't already added 'The Shape You're In' to your Eric Clapton playlist, do it now before you miss out on this classic track that perfectly encapsulates his musical prowess. Eric Clapton's tear-inducing classic may not be the most uplifting song on the list, but it's definitely proof that even the guitar god himself has a soft side.

10. ‘Tears in Heaven’ (‘Unplugged’ / 1992)

This iconic Eric Clapton song, originally composed for the loss of his son Conor, brings tears to many eyes. Recorded live for ‘Unplugged’ in 1992, the simple arrangement of acoustic guitar and vocals captures the raw emotions of grief and longing. Despite being one of his most commercially successful songs, Clapton has only performed it a handful of times due to its personal meaning. ‘Tears in Heaven’ stands out as an emotional masterpiece in Clapton's impressive repertoire. Don't miss this one on your playlist!