325 - Eric Clapton - Slowhand

[csberry]

Slowhand hits you with the three singles right off the bat ("Cocaine," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Lay Down Sally"). On my first listen, I got worried about the album dragging on because the unfamiliarity and slow tempo of the two songs that followed. "The Core" caught my attention and I listened to the rest of Slowhand with eagerness. After a second listen, I can state that I enjoy this album. I don't know that I would buy it, but would certainly put it in the list of top contenders if it is a listening option with friends.

So, what's so special about it? Eric and the band just sound so tight. Yeah, the first three songs are truly great and the other songs may just be "good," but all are performed so well that it kind of elevated how much I enjoyed the experience. The musical style and attitude varies quite a bit from the rockin' "Cocaine" opener to the soft instrumental "Peaches and Diesel" at the end.

Now, I must confess that each time I listened to "The Core," I became convinced that much of 80's and 90's CCM has this song as it's foundation (minus the horns, organ, and guitar solos). There something about the vocal delivery (maybe just how high the vocals are in the mix - easily overpowering the rest of the band) that reminded me of a stereotypical CCM song from last century.

Songs I knew I liked: "Cocaine," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Lay Down Sally"

Songs I didn't know but now like: "The Core," "May You Never," and "Peaches and Diesel"

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None