Eric Clapton

Pilgrim

THE sleeper album

Review Score:

(10/10)
Like one of the earlier reviews, I too was disappointed with this album when it first came out as I compared it to the brilliant 'From The Cradle' (which incidentally I rate as being in the top 5 blues albums ever). Pilgrim just sounded too 'poppy' and was radically different from 'From The Cradle' which was very raw (it was recorded live).

I actually think Clapton has always produced rather patchy albums (apart from 'FTC') and so was not that surprised that it appeared to be a bit naff on first listenings.

About 6 months later, I was on the tube one evening when a guy next to me was telling his mate that Pilgrim was brilliant. I went home that night and listened to it again ... and again. I now have no hesitation in saying that it is now EASILY Clapton's best record (with the exception of FTC). There is only one average track on it. About 80% of them are brilliant. The drum machines don't matter. The songwriting is superb, guitar playing as brilliant as usual and Eric is actually developing a decent voice. Play it loud and play it often.

Here's to Reptile ... the new CD.

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