461 Ocean Boulevard [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Eric Clapton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 20, 1996)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Polydor / Umgd
• ASIN: B000002G89
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,256 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #39 in Music > Rock > Rock Guitarists > Guitar Gods
  • #55 in Music > Blues > Contemporary Blues

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

The 1974 album on which Clapton's solo career truly caught fire, 461 Ocean Boulevard is best remembered for its hit version of Bob Marley's "I Shot the Sheriff"--perhaps the first time many in America ever heard the rhythms of reggae music. But it's also an album on which emotions run high, especially on two Clapton originals, the prayerful "Give Me Strength" and the pleading "Let It Grow." Clapton maintains his grounding in the blues with versions of Robert Johnson's "Steady Rollin' Man" and Elmore James's "I Can't Hold Out"; revisits a rock & roll classic in Johnny Otis's "Willie and the Hand Jive"; and turns the standard "Motherless Children" into a showcase of snarling guitars. Following a period of dark reclusiveness, 461 Ocean Boulevard was a powerful comeback for Clapton. --Daniel Durchholz

Product Description

Eric Clapton Merchandise

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clapton Got The Right Address, December 12, 2000

By 

Thomas Magnum (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: 461 Ocean Boulevard (Audio CD)

461 Ocean Boulevard was the first studio album Eric Clapton recorded after he kicked his heroin habit. Unlike the tortured passion of Layla, the album finds Mr. Clapton still not completely satisfied, but with a more positive outlook. The album opens with a blistering take on the traditional song "Motherless Children" follow-up by the compassionate "Give Me Strength". His remake of the Johnny Otis classic "Willie & The Hand-Jive" is loose and fun. On "Get Ready", he duets with his backup singer Yvonne Elliman (pre Saturday Night Fever) on a simmering, bluesy number that has call and response vocals backed by a driving guitar riff. He practically introduced Bob Marley to the white rock audience with his percolating take on Marley's "I Shot The Sheriff". By combining the song's reggae roots with rock, Mr. Clapton made a memorable song that became his first and only number one hit. Ms. Elliman backup vocals provide the backbone for the sweet "Let It Grow". The album closes with the burning "Mainline Florida" in which Mr. Clapton lets it all hang out. 461 Ocean Boulevard was his first number album and re-established Eric Clapton as a musical force.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Laid Back EC, Living and Loving in South Florida, July 26, 2006

By 

Todd and In Charge (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: 461 Ocean Boulevard (Audio CD)

I have to confess that, while I love Clapton, his albums are often a hit-and-miss affair. And I can't say I am a fan of the numerous recent blues tribute albums he has put out lately. For me I enjoy his work with Cream, his guest work, his first few albums, the one he recorded with The Band, a few older live albums, and bits of the Phil Collins-produced record in the early 80s. After that it's a fall-off, but I am thankful for all the great music he has turned out over the years.

I have been listening to 461 a lot lately. It holds up exceedingly well. The groove is laid-back, with solid musicianship and expert song selection. It makes for great road music, especially "Willie and the Hand Jive," "I Shot the Sheriff," and the classic closer, "Mainline Florida."

The ballads are beautiful, too. There is not a weak track on the album. There is a consistent tone, an aversion to excess and a concentration on the note and harmonic "fit" that makes this album an overall winner in EC's catalog. As someone who used to party in EC's old house at 461 Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach in the early 80s, let me say -- you did it (and us) proud.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great album!, December 17, 1999

By 

Brian (Philly) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 461 Ocean Boulevard (Audio CD)

The problem with alot of clapton fans, is that they always expect long extended solos. This a great contrast to his work of the 60's. If I want to listen to great guitar work, I'll listen to Cream or D&D. If I want to listen to great songs played with feeling, I'll listen to this album evertime(Though Layla is my favorite album). This album does contain some beutiful guitar work played with exquiste taste. Let it grow is great and the best song on the album but every song is really good. Buy this album you won't be dissapointed.