Another greatest hits set rounding up Slowhand's past, from back when 'Clapton Is God' was scrawled on walls around London to the end of the 70s and the beginning of his slow creative decline.
Kicking off with those distinctive acapella harmonies at the start of 'I Feel Free', the album wends a chronological path through the hits, thereby allowing Clapton's stylistic changes to be easily followed.
The blues rock of Cream, with Clapton sounding particularly spectral on the live rendition of 'Crossroads', is represented by five choice cuts. Clapton's own 'Badge' is another highlight, with his and George Harrison's guitar playing still sounding timeless.
Then it's on to supergroup Blind Faith for the masterful 'Presence Of The Lord', easily the highlight of their sole album. Three selections from his 1970 debut solo album show the blues slowly being eschewed in favour of a more straightahead rock sound, which led to the all-time classic 'Layla' the following year.
The latter half of the album consists of his mid- to late-70s solo work, mixing the covers ('I Shot The Sheriff', 'Knockin On Heaven's Door', 'Cocaine') with his originals, the most famous of which remains the schmaltzy ballad 'Wonderful Tonight'.
The success of that track overshadows the likes of 'Promises' and 'I Can't Stand It', although the compilers have wisely restricted the albums from '461 Ocean Boulevard' onwards to a track or two each. Despite that, the omission of big hit 'Lay Down Sally' is surprising.
A gradually more inconsistent performer on record, this is a safe introduction to the genius - that originally came naturally then came sporadically - Clapton is capable of.
