Record Details
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Record ID
149
Artist
Eric Clapton
Title
From The Cradle
Field / Genre
Blues
Year Recorded
1994
Label
Reprise
Pressing
Aus
Rating
****
Discs
1
Media
CD
Date Bought
10 Nov 1994
Cost
¤29.00
Cover Name
—
Review
<p>For years, fans craved an all - blues album from Clapton; he waited until 1994 to deliver From the Cradle. The album manages to recreate the ambience of post - war electric blues, right down to the bottomless thump of the rhythm section. If it wasn't for Clapton's labored vocals, everything would be perfect. As long as he plays his guitar, he can't fail - - his solos are white - hot and evocative, original and captivating. When he sings, Clapton loses that sense of originality, choosing to mimic the vocals of the original recordings. At times, his overemotive singing is painful; he doesn't have the strength to pull off Howlin' Wolf's growl or the confidence to replicate Muddy Waters' assured phrasing. Yet, whenever he plays, it's easier to forget his vocal shortcomings. Even with its faults, From the Cradle is one of Clapton's finest moments.</p><p>—<strong>Stephen Thomas Erlewine</strong></p>