Recent Reviews

November 2023

October 2023

September 2023

August 2023

[ More Music Reviews ]


Eric Clapton: Pilgrim (SACD)
Eric Clapton - Pilgrim SACD CD Album Review

Eric Clapton Pilgrim (SACD)

Melodic Blues Rock
No Score

Eric Clapton is one of the greats. He's one of the best guitarists and composers to successfully meld blues and rock guitar in a commercially accessible way. While I like Clapton, I'm merely a marginal fan. Simply, sometimes he just bores the shit out of me. Case in point is 1998's Pilgrim, now available on Super Audio CD (SACD).

Eric Clapton Pilgrim SACD Band Photo

Eric Clapton

Of all the Clapton albums to suggested for the SACD treatment, why this one? It's boring, nearly lifeless. Clapton said in his autobiography he wanted to make the 'saddest album' in his current time. It's sad in the sense that's generally pathetic, a chore to listen to at anytime. This is certainly not to slight Clapton's exceptional guitar skills. You just can't listen to this and not somehow feel some sorrow for Clapton, but not merely for general dullness of this album. It's likely he was still reeling from and dealing with the death of his son a mere seven years earlier.

So the question remains. Why this album for super high fidelity? Beats me. Don't think I need to be both be bored and hear the boredom in higher quality. The guy who suggested this album for SACD treatment should be fired or seek professional psychological help. Why not Eric Clapton, 461 Ocean Boulevard, or Slowhand. Not always my favorites, but they are better albums and generally well-received by fans and critics alike. How about Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs? Now we're talking some sweet tunes. Buy this if you're a major 'Clapton is God' fan.

Eric Clapton - Pilgrim (Video)


CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

In Short

Of all the Clapton albums to suggested for the SACD treatment, why this one? It's boring, nearly lifeless. Buy this if you're a major 'Clapton is God' fan.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
Album of the Week
Read the Angra: Cycles Of Pain Album Review

We haven't had a new studio album from Brazil's Angra since prior to the COVID pandemic, 2018's Omni. But the quintet has been busy. In 2021, they released Omni Live in Japan where they have a huge fan base ... [ Read More ]