Eric Clapton (album)

After the breakup of the power trio Cream in 1968, Clapton joined the short-lived supergroup Blind Faith, which disbanded after one album and tour in 1969. Seeking a less intense musical environment, he became involved with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, a loose collective that provided backing for his first solo performances. The album was recorded in early 1970 at Olympic Studios in London and Criteria Studios in Miami, with Bramlett producing and a core band that included Bramlett, bassist Carl Radle, drummer Jim Gordon, and keyboardist Bobby Whitlock — all of whom later formed the nucleus of Derek and the Dominos.¹

The album blends blues, rock, country, and gospel, reflecting Bramlett's Southern soul influence. It features three original Clapton compositions: "Slunky", "Easy Now", and "Let It Rain" (the latter co-written with Bramlett). The rest are covers, including J.J. Cale's "After Midnight", which became a hit single and helped popularize Cale's songwriting. Clapton's guitar playing is prominent but restrained, with a cleaner, more melodic tone than his work with Cream. The lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and personal reflection, foreshadowing his later introspective songwriting.²

Released in August 1970, the album was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in both the UK and the US. "After Midnight" peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Clapton his first solo chart hit. Contemporary reviews were generally positive, with critics praising the relaxed, rootsy sound, though some found it less adventurous than his previous work. Retrospectively, AllMusic rated it four out of five stars, calling it "a solid, enjoyable set" that captures Clapton at a transitional point in his career.³

The album's cover photo was taken by Linda McCartney, wife of Paul McCartney, and shows Clapton holding a Gibson Les Paul. The track "Let It Rain" was originally titled "Let It Rain (Let the Sunshine In)" and was later re-recorded by Clapton for his 1974 album 461 Ocean Boulevard under the title "Let It Grow". The album was recorded during a period when Clapton was heavily influenced by the Band, and the song "Blues Power" features a spoken intro by Clapton that was later sampled by hip-hop artists. The album's original UK pressings included a gatefold sleeve with a poster, a rarity for the time.

Atco Records

A subsidiary of Atlantic Records that released the album in the US.

Delaney Bramlett

American singer, guitarist, and producer who produced the album.

Derek and the Dominos

A band formed by Clapton shortly after this album, featuring several of the same musicians.