Unplugged Album, By Eric Clapton Review
“Eric Clapton Unplugged” is a live album by English guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton, released in 1992. The album was recorded during a live performance at Bray Studios in England for the MTV Unplugged television series. The album features acoustic versions of some of Clapton’s most popular songs, including “Tears in Heaven,” “Layla,” and “Running on Faith.”
The album was a critical and commercial success, winning six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Rock Song, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. “Tears in Heaven,” a song written by Clapton after the death of his young son, was particularly well-received and won three Grammy Awards.
“Eric Clapton Unplugged” is widely regarded as one of Clapton’s best albums and is considered a landmark in the history of MTV Unplugged. The album has been reissued several times, including a deluxe edition in 2013 to celebrate its 20th anniversary. (Also read about: CrazySexyCool, Album Review)
Track List
The track list for “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is as follows:
- “Signe”
- “Before You Accuse Me”
- “Hey Hey”
- “Tears in Heaven”
- “Lonely Stranger”
- “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”
- “Layla”
- “Running on Faith”
- “Walkin’ Blues”
- “Alberta”
- “San Francisco Bay Blues”
- “Malted Milk”
- “Old Love”
- “Rollin’ and Tumblin'”
Note: Some editions of the album also include bonus tracks such as “Circus” and “My Father’s Eyes.” (Also read about: Adele 25, Album Review)
Critic Consensus
The critical consensus for “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is that it is a stunning and emotionally powerful acoustic performance that showcases Clapton’s talents as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Here are some examples of what critics and fans have said about the album:
- Rolling Stone’s Anthony DeCurtis called the album “a remarkable achievement” and praised Clapton’s “subtle, deeply felt performances” on tracks like “Tears in Heaven” and “Old Love.”
- AllMusic’s Stephen Thomas Erlewine gave the album five out of five stars, calling it “a minor masterpiece” and praising the “restrained yet fervent” playing by Clapton and his backing musicians.
- The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis called the album “spellbinding” and wrote that it “marked a career peak for Clapton.”
- Fans on social media have praised the album for its raw emotion and intimate feel, with many citing “Tears in Heaven” as a standout track.
Overall, “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is widely regarded as one of Clapton’s best albums and a landmark in the history of acoustic rock performances. Its stripped-down arrangements and heartfelt performances have resonated with audiences for over two decades. (Also read about: Human Clay, Album Review)
Awards, Nominations and Recognition
“Eric Clapton Unplugged” was a critical and commercial success, and it has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. Here are some of the most notable:
- Grammy Awards (1993): The album won six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Best Rock Song (“Layla”), Best Male Pop Vocal Performance (“Tears in Heaven”), Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo (“Unplugged“), Best Traditional Blues Recording (“32-20 Blues”), and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
- MTV Video Music Award (1992): Clapton won the award for Best Male Video for the “Tears in Heaven” performance from the “Unplugged” show.
- Brit Awards (1993): Clapton won two Brit Awards for the album, including Best British Male Solo Artist and Best British Album.
- Rolling Stone Magazine (2012): In 2012, Rolling Stone ranked “Eric Clapton Unplugged” at #71 on its list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The album’s critical acclaim and commercial success helped to establish the “Unplugged” format as a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, and it remains a beloved and influential album to this day. (Also read about: Eagles Greatest Hits Volume II, Album Review)
Review
“Eric Clapton Unplugged” is a remarkable album that captures the raw emotion and musicianship of one of the greatest guitarists and songwriters of all time. Recorded live for the MTV Unplugged series, the album showcases Clapton’s acoustic arrangements of some of his most beloved songs, as well as a few choice covers. (Also read about: James Taylor’s Greatest Hits, Album Review)
From the opening track “Signe,” it’s clear that Clapton is in top form, with his nimble fingerpicking and soulful vocals setting the tone for the entire album. The bluesy “Before You Accuse Me” and “Hey Hey” demonstrate Clapton’s ability to breathe new life into classic tunes, while “Tears in Heaven” and “Old Love” showcase his skill as a songwriter and his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
One of the most impressive aspects of “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is the chemistry between Clapton and his backing musicians. The album features a top-notch band, including keyboardist Chuck Leavell, bassist Nathan East, and drummer Steve Ferrone, who bring a subtle yet powerful energy to each track. Their interplay on songs like “Running on Faith” and “Layla” is nothing short of magical.
Of course, the standout track on the album is “Tears in Heaven,” which Clapton wrote in memory of his young son who tragically died in a fall from a high-rise apartment. The song is a heart-wrenching tribute to the loss of a child, and Clapton’s performance is nothing short of haunting. His voice cracks with emotion as he sings the lines “Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?” and the song’s gentle melody is perfectly suited to the weight of its subject matter.
Overall, “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is a masterclass in acoustic guitar playing and songwriting. It’s a testament to Clapton’s enduring talent and a landmark in the history of live music performances. The album has rightfully won numerous awards and accolades, and its influence can be heard in countless acoustic performances and singer-songwriter albums that have followed in its wake.
If you’re a fan of Clapton or acoustic music in general, “Eric Clapton Unplugged” is essential listening. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens and continues to resonate with audiences over two decades after its release. Whether you’re listening to it for the first time or revisiting it after years of fandom, the album’s timeless beauty and emotional depth are sure to leave a lasting impression. (Also read about: Devil Without a Cause, Album Review)
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