Pilgrimby Eric Clapton

Clapton's later works got progressively heavier on the blues. He dedicated a full album to Robert Johnson, but did release some rock albums. As with most artists, as he aged, his music did too. His guitar work is as great as ever, but the songs feel slower. There is no "Layla" here, no "Crossroads". His later success was more adult contemporary than rock...songs like "Tears in Heaven" and the unplugged version of "Layla" got all the airplay.

By this time, Clapton is comfortably in his legend status, not even attempting to keep up with music trends, he writes what he pleases. And what pleases him is an adult contemporary version of the blues. There isn't a lot here that is all that memorable, or worth revisiting, with one real exception. "She's Gone" is a rock song that would have fit in with his 80's solo albums. It features a strong, biting guitar riff over a steady beat. This one is a keeper, it belongs on one of his many, many 'best of' collections.

It's hard to criticize one of the greatest guitarists of all time, and truth be told, there isn't much to criticize. The musicianship is outstanding and clean...too clean, too refined for rock. The real issue is that there just isn't much that is memorable here. The songs are all fine, but fine isn't really what you want from a legend. "She's Gone" is an excellent song, but nothing else will stick out, in a positive or negative way, they are fine, but forgettable.