The songs are for the most part cover and admissions of known standards. Clapton has often shown that he masterfully understands old material to breathe new life (Swing Low Sweet Chariot, Cocaine or the live version of Cant Find My Way Home, to name just three examples), to let them shine in very different light. This time, this does not succeed, everything ripples (at least to my ears) something equally, almost inconsequential therefore. THE FOLKS WHO LIVE songs like on the Hill or GOODNIGHT IRENE act more like cocktail lounge background music, show little heart and feeling.
Every Little Thing is perhaps the song that makes the dilemma of the album the most. He begins crunchy, with a solid riff and real good singing from Clapton, but then begins the haphazard change between styles and one has the impression that the song just goes to nowhere. Here underlined by the choir whispering children at the end of the song. For another artist that would be a great song, but here it looks more as if some product manager has designed the song, coated with a sweet layer to patch up the depth and passion that would otherwise have Clapton songs frequently. Of course there are many great solos, of course, there are grandiose guest appearances by JJ Cale, Paul McCartney and others, but even Cale may be nothing special example. ANGEL.
Sigh as I said, it makes me a little sad myself so an album by a single artist to write. I give him three stars, because on the one hand to play the guitar, of course, puts a lot of highlights. I can recommend the album but not 100%, everyone should at least firstonce listen in order to make a better impression than my might.
