Back Home

Retaining the easygoing, naturalistic air of 2004’s Me and Mr. Johnson, Back Home encompasses all the aspects of Eric Clapton’s latter-day career. There is the light R&B of “So Tired” and the relaxed gospel of “I’m Going Left.” His knack for sweet-natured pop continues with “Say What You Will,” while his longstanding reverence for blues is reflected in “Lost and Found.” Despite the variety of material, Back Home is ultimately a soul album; an unperturbed horn section and laid-back choir form a recurring motif, but the songs themselves fit easily into the patterns of soul. “Love Don’t Love Nobody,” “Piece of My Heart,” and “One Track Mind” will appeal to fans of Luther Vandross, Bettye LaVette and Jill Scott, as much as admirers of Clapton’s classic rock albums. The album’s centerpiece is Clapton’s gentle, poignant reading of George Harrison’s “Love Comes to Everyone,” which works as an understated tribute to his recently deceased friend. Feeling no need to masquerade as an artist in his 20s, Clapton shows it's possible to act one’s age, and deliver music that overlooks current trends in favor grace and good taste.