Eric Clapton-461 Ocean Boulevard (1974)

Few musicians like Eric Clapton can boast of having belonged to four of the greatest bands in history: The Yardbirds, John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith, with whom he left behind some of the masterpieces of rock music, and yet having a solo career full of ups and downs. This somewhat diminished his credibility, not as a guitarist, which is beyond question, but due to his consistently limited songwriting ability. Even so, his extensive discography includes some of the best albums recorded in the 1970s, such as "461 Ocean Boulevard", released in 1974. This second album was his second and definitively cemented his solo career. In this second release, Clapton skillfully delves into the roots of American music, blending blues, country, and R&B with pop, reggae, and rock. Suggestive tracks like "Let It Grow" alternate with exquisite versions such as Bob Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff", Willie Dixon's "I Can't Hold Out" or Johnny Otis' "Willie and the Hand Jive", while the traditional and lively "Motherless Children" or the beautiful folk blues "Please Be With Me", led the album to the top of the charts on both sides of the Atlantic.