lambchops's Full Review: Unplugged by Eric Clapton
With formal ties to classic rock bands like Cream, Derek & The Dominoes, The Yardbirds and Blind Faith, Eric Clapton was a seasoned veteran of the business by the time he released his most thoughtful and lovely album to date.
Clapton debuted as a solo artist with much acclaim on a self titled 1970 Polydor release. He went on to release upwards of twenty more albums before he really came into his own. He dropped the drug addiction and stripped away the layers of sweat and hardness to expose his nerve endings on 1992’s Unplugged. Recorded live, Unplugged featured fourteen lovingly sung, crafted, and expressed tracks ranging from the classic to the relatively new. The tracks surpassed anything that Clapton threw together in the 1980’s. In fact, some would argue that he never sounded better.
I probably would be one of those people putting forth that argument. Although, let me say that I am in no way a fanatic of Clapton. Rather, I am a casual fan of all good rock music including that recorded in better times by Clapton and contained on Unplugged.
What most people remember specifically about this album is the divine ”Tears in Heaven.” Originally recorded for the soundtrack to the film Rush, Clapton wrote the song in honor of his young son Conor who died following a freak accident (he fell from the window of Clapton’s apartment). In an amazing stroke of pure genius, Clapton sang a live version for Unplugged. A classic was born with the stroke of a guitar. ”Tears in Heaven” is undoubtedly one of the most perfect rock/blues tracks ever recorded. And, since it was done so out of true pain and loss that accomplishment seems more than just appropriate. It seems like the perfect punctuation to both this album and Clapton illustrious career. With this being such a lovely song, it only seems appropriate to include a verse…
Would you hold my hand if I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand if I saw you in heaven?
I'll find my way through night and day,
'Cause I know I just can't stay here in heaven.
If that song were the only track of mention on ”Unplugged” I would still own the album. Fortunately, many other wonderful things can be said. Clapton really does sound like a blues god on the second track ”Before You Accuse Me”. The live aspect that usually detracts from the overall sound quality of an album actually adds to the quaintness and perfection of ”Unplugged”. This particular track is simply played yet wonderfully executed.
Clapton’s collaboration ”Layla” sounds quite literally better than ever here. A usually emotionally raw and gutsy song is performed to perfection by an older and wiser Clapton. He sounds at peace with himself; both controlled and free flowing at the same time. If you are looking for the best version of this track ever recorded, look no further. ”Unplugged” is the album for you.
I could talk endlessly about ”Unplugged”. I could tell you how great blues laden tracks like ”Walkin’ Blues”, ”One Love” and ”Malted Milk” sound. I could repeat myself again and again by talking about how classic Clapton’s voice and guitar are. Hell, I could even tell you to eject whatever CD you are listening to as you read because ”Unplugged” deserves the slot that disc is taking up. So far as albums go ”Unplugged” is one of the true, timeless classics to have been recorded and released in the 1990’s. Clapton is a guitar master of seldom paralleled talent. ”Unplugged” is the culmination of emotional angst and talent.
Keep these little factoids in mind. Unplugged sold an astounding seven million copies…a number almost unheard of in the world of live recordings. Even more impressive are Clapton’s multiple Grammy wins for the truly amazing tracks contained on Unplugged. What was that? Multiple Grammy awards? Yup. In 1992, Clapton took away an armload full of the coveted award (six to be exact). His honors included: Record of the Year (”Tears in Heaven”), Album of the Year, Best Male Pop Performance (”Tears in Heaven”), Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, and Best Rock Song (”Layla”). But don’t let the awards tell you everything about this album. They are empty if it were not for the divine quality of ”Unplugged”.
Drop what you’re doing right now and head on over to your favorite CD store. Buy yourself a copy of one of the best albums in the last twenty years. Unplugged will not disappoint.
Track Listing:
1. Signe
2. Before You Accuse Me
3. Hey Hey
4. Tears in Heaven
5. Lonely Stranger
6. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out
7. Layla
8. Running on Faith
9. Walkin’ Blues
10. Alberta
11. San Francisco Bay Blues
12. Malted Milk
13. Old Love
14. Rollin’ and Tumblin’
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