"Money and Cigarettes" is not one of Eric Clapton's better remembered albums, but that's not because it isn't any good. It ranks somewhere in the second tier of Clapton albums behind classics like "461 Ocean Boulevard" and "Layla" but well ahead of some of his lesser efforts. The best songs here include the easy rockin' "I've Got a Rock'n'Roll Heart," "Pretty Girl," and "Slow Down Linda." The album is also one of Clapton's more bluesy, which perhaps accounts in part for its lack of popularity. Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile listen for Clapton fans.

This Eric Clapton album is like a port in a storm, in a way. All of his albums after "Backless" and until "Journeyman" are kind of disappointing, with the strong exception of this one. All of his albums in the 70's and 80's started to drift heavily onto a more poppy sheen, this one included, but it's the songs themselves that speak for this album. There just seems to be this energy and sincerity to the way Clapton plays and sings that I have heard rarely since, and hadn't been displayed to fans since 1977's "Slowhand". The lone single, "I've Got A Rock N' Roll Heart" is (other than being a Clapton fan who wanted more than just "Crossroads") what led me here, and it's not even the strongest cut on here. The whole album is quite strong, melodic, fun, and one of the better Clapton albums. If you're going to pick three to buy, buy "Slowhand", "Eric Clapton" (his solo debut) and this one.

Most of these songs just sound like they've thrown together some last minute weak major to minor chord progressions. Clapton seems to be going through the motions. Apart from the Sleepy John Estes track "Everybody ought to change" there's nothing inspirational. Eric's version of "Crosscut Saw" is adequate but he repeats just one predictable Albert King phrase throughout. My goodness, even Albert, who was always accused of using three licks, was more adventurous than someone who was bestowed with the title "GOD". "Slow Down Linda" and "Man In Love" sound more like Chas 'n" Dave songs and Eric was still influenced by that duo.
Skip this one and move on to another earlier Clapton album or better still listen to him with "Cream".

Ok folks here it goes.The year was 1983 and comercialism was still going strong.Most groups put out music every year.In the seventies you had to wait a life time{so it seems} I've got a rock n roll heart bellowed from radio stations.It sold the album.Its amazing when I look back and bought records on one single.Sometimes it was a good album and other times it was like getting dental work done without novacane.This album is laid back but enjoyable.Its not Slowhand but its not reptile either.Eric might of been relaxing on a tropical island somewhere but money was flowing in just from that song alone.The song man overboard is a little cheezey but doesn't kill the album.Crazy Country Hop is always a treat thanks to the nutty lyrics and music by J.Otis.The good thing about today as I mentioned earlier was that you can sample music so you know what you're in for.I sampled this and bought it.Your call!

I recommend this album on the strength of three very good tracks: The Shape I'm In (a laid-back rocker that actually works for a change, and boasts some stinging guitar solos); Ain't Goin' Down (first time he had sounded like Derek and the Dominoes in a long, long time); and Crosscut Saw (classic Clapton blues rock). Unlike the "professional" review Amazon opens up with, I would totally disagree that the hit, "Rock'n'Roll Heart," "sums up this album." That's the worst track on it. Sad to say, but for me, this was the best of a very dismal, long string solo Clapton albums going back to Ocean Blvd.