Though not in the same league with Clapton's best solo albums from the 1970s (that would be "461 Ocean Boulevard" and "Slowhand"), "Backless still contains enough good Clapton performances to keep it interesting. The best are the countryish "Promises," the bluesy "Walk Out in the Rain," the superbly rockin' "Tulsa Time," and "Watch Out for Lucy." The rest aren't quite as good but are a cut above your average filler material. This is the kind of album you can plug in and play in the background without getting any nasty surprises. Overall, its well worth a listen for Clapton fans and for fans of 70s rock.

This has become one of my favorite albums. As was the case with many of Eric Clapton's 70s recordings, there is conscious, post-traumatic sense of escape from the trappings of superstardom. "Backless" is the antithesis of the apocalyptic drama that was Cream or Derek and the Dominos. No one would ever die for this music--it's just for fun, to make you smile, and to enjoy some great playing. His two Dylan songs are nothing you would confuse with "Desolation Row"--they are simple songs that could've been written by anybody, and they are both quite enjoyable here. The real highlights, though, are the minor hits "Promises," "Watch out for Lucy," and "Tulsa Time" which have a great after-hours motel room feel about them. "Promises" is as close to perfection as you could get--a subdued vocal, lyrics ruminating about one of those relationships that get under your skin, a great rhythm track, and subtle slide guitar touches that double the wordless chorus. "Watch out for Lucy" is an irresistable toe-tapper that allows Clapton to cut loose on the guitar, and "Tulsa Time" is a rocker that provides another good setting for Clapton to cut loose. I love the organist and the drummer on this session--and found myself thinking of Garth Hudson and Levon Helm.

One of the most underrated albums in my opinion is Eric's 1978 "Backless" recording. It is a fantastic collection of music, starting with "Walk out in the Rain" actually written by Bob Dylan/Helena Springs. This track sets the tone for the album, mellow bluesy rock that really gets in your head after a few listenings. "Tulsa Time" may be the most known track, at the end of the album, and it is a great remake of a classic.

In between are some nice traditional blues ("Early in the Morning" - similar to the sound heard on "From the Cradle"). "Watch out for Lucy" could come straight out of a roadside beer bar, a great "live band" sound even though it's a studio recording. Criticisms of this album are commonly along the lines of "Eric goes Country...etc..", but I would urge Clapton fans to give it a try... it's good listening

Backless is another melting pot of sounds from Eric Clapton. He mixes in some straight blues with "I'll Make Love To You Anytime" and "Roll It", the superb "Watch Out For Lucy" has a rockabilly feel, "Tulsa Time" is good old rock & roll, "Walk Out In The Rain" and "Early In The Morning" has a subtle sound while the top ten single "Promises" and "Golden Ring" are ballads. Stir them up and you have another Clapton classic.

This is a great album for anyone who likes subtle, home-style music. This is from a period when Clapton was heavily influenced by country music and wanted to incorporate it into his work. Don't let this scare you, though. This album is still a rock 'n roll album, but it just takes a much more laid back approach to it. This album shies away from the "Clapton is God" mystique. It isn't forced, and Clapton isn't feeling obligated to be the guitar hero anymore. There is still great guitar work in it, but it blends in naturally and smoothly. This is one of my all-time favorite Clapton albums (Among the 17 or so that I own).