Eric Almighty

Artist: Eric Clapton

Album: Clapton

Record Label: Reprise

Release date: September 27

Grade: A-

Eric Clapton has been referred to as a god on more than one occasion. Being a divine figure comes with a few perks, like not having to listen to anyone when it comes to your music.

As a result, Clapton's 19th album, simply titled Clapton, is an eclectic mix of blues, country and even a bit of jazz. The record is comprised of 14 tracks, with only one of them being an original piece.

However, this is not just another cover album, Clapton takes songs by old-time greats such as Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer and Irving Berlin, and makes them his own.

On "Rockin' Chair," originally performed by Carmichael, Clapton layers world-weary vocals over bluesy guitar chords. He exudes a mellow confidence that carries through the entire length of Clapton. It may not have the unabashed passion of "Layla," but it certainly has the self-assurance of a man that is comfortable in his own skin.

But Clapton is not all about back porch blues. Bryan Ferry's "When Somebody Thinks You're Wonderful" has a fun, Louie Armstrong-esque feel to it and is bound to put the bounce back in even the most cynical step.

The album does run a little long, something Clapton fans will not be unfamiliar with. Yet there isn't a single track that it could have done without. The only exception to this may be the strained ballad "Diamonds Made from Rain," but even that has a guitar solo that is impossible to hate.

Clapton may be a disappointment to those who have not yet come to terms with the fact that the man himself is 65. In the end though, even they'll have to admit that Clapton is not a bad record: it's just different.

Eric Clapton has gone against the odds and produced yet another solid album. It feels more comfortable than your favorite sweater, and it's rather catchy too. Even if Eric Clapton isn't a real god, Clapton has proved he has the staying power of one.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com