Journeyman - Clapton, Eric (CD 1989)

"Journeyman" is possibly Clapton's best studio album besides "From the Cradle", which doesn't really count, because it was all performed live in the studio without overdubs. There really are some great songs on the album, like "Pretending", "Old Love", "Bad Love", "Running on Faith", and "Hard Times". Of course all of these songs are much better when they are performed live on "24 Nights". Clapton is just not allowed to reach his full potential in the studio setting. The reason Clapton was called a god back in the 60's is the fact that he can solo on the guitar like no one else on the planet. In the studio he has to make his songs shorter so they get radio play. This record is actually a little bit of an exception though. There is more soloing on "Journeyman" than any other studio album of his that I can think of. It's still not enough, but at least there some moments of true greatness. I can't really say that about "August", or "Pilgrim". This album is a great introduction to Clapton. I was introduced to Clapton with these songs. Of course it's true that I was introduced to Clapton with the live versions of the songs, but the album versions are still really good. I recommend "Journeyman" to anyone who already likes Clapton, or anyone who is interested in his music.