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Eric Clapton: Meanwhile Review

Eric Clapton is back at the forefront of blues rock with his brand new album Meanwhile, released October 4. Celebrating his career with a blend of introspective themes and classic blues arrangements, the record includes six brand new tracks and eight previously released singles, featuring collaborations with Jeff Beck, Van Morrison and Judith Hill, among others. 

Eric Clapton requires very little introduction. Widely regarded as one of the greatest names in popular music, Clapton’s influence stretches across blues, rock, and beyond. His career spans more than six decades, during which he has achieved tremendous success both as a solo artist and as a member of legendary bands like The Yardbirds, Cream and Derek and the Dominos. 

Needless to say, the man has nothing left to prove. Still, It’s always a pleasure to hear a new Clapton album and dwell in the warm familiarity of his late-career laidback stylings.

Meanwhile hits precisely this familiarity spot. It showcases Clapton in a relaxed state, one that could only be achieved by a lifetime spent mastering one’s craft, and focusing on more introspective and contemplative numbers. 

The album opens with “Pompous Fool”, a solid mid-paced blues number with great lead work. Sounding strong as ever, Clapton’s vocals are also a highlight here. Then, “Heart Of A Child” follows. A beautifully crafted 7-minute acoustic piece, the song provides a platform for one of Clapton’s finest late-career solos, which include a slight yet tastefully palpable undertone of flamenco and Latin music.

Featuring none other than Jeff Beck, the slow blues “Moon River” is another highlight with its gorgeous lead guitar work, while the reggae-infused “One Woman” capitalizes on Clapton’s mastery of dynamics. A duet with country singer Bradley Walker, a nice, country-tinged version of “Always On My Mind” is also on offer.

On the haunting soft rock piece “The Call”, Clapton seemingly reflects on his life and mortality, elegantly adding a poignant touch to the proceedings. 

For those wondering, the trilogy of “The Rebels”, “This Has Gotta Stop” and “Stand And Deliver”, Clapton’s recordings with Van Morisson during the pandemic, are also present. However, their controversial lyrical content aside, they sound slightly out of place on the record, even if they are solid numbers.

The slow bluesy numbers “You’ve Changed” and “Misfortune”, though, conclude the record on a solid and coherent note. 

At this point, the legendary British guitarist is not pushing boundaries or seeking to redefine his legacy, but rather enjoying himself playing the music he loves. Much more could be said, but ultimately Meanwhile is simply a welcome addition to Clapton’s discography, and his continued presence is less about proving anything, and more about the joy of creating for its own sake.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Pompous Fool
– Moon River
– One Woman
– The Call

The Big Hit

– Heart of a Child

Fidel Beserra

Fidel Beserra is a professional translator and an occasional writer. As one would expect, he's also an enthusiastic lover of everything music-related.

4 thoughts on “Eric Clapton: Meanwhile Review

  • Being his fan for many decades, I listened to the album 3 times on the very day of its release, I knew the older songs made during the pandemic, but the new ones didn’t impress me either. Why did I listen to it 3 times even? so I can figure out if Meanwhile is his weakest album or not! maybe not… I still can’t figure it out. I just know that it’s a thin album from all points of view. I know, it has an age and a weakened and trembling voice is something normal at this age, but even the guitar did not awaken in me the pleasure that Eric has accustomed us to for the last 60 years. His guitar is far behind sent by the sound engineers from a reason still unknown to me, the whole sound being so digital/analytical that it practically sends you to sleep. Where is the guitar from “Double Trouble” that raises your hair?! but, it’s ours and we love it anyway!

    Reply
    • I cannot help but agree. Eric needs to rekindle the fire that has been so missing in recent years.

      Reply
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