At 68, Eric Clapton has long since left the dreaded ‘second stage’ of his career behind, and by now is sitting comfortably in his latest reinvention.
While many artists would be content, even overjoyed, with a decade of prominence, Clapton has been a musical star for some 50 and stands as an icon of blues and rock.
Clapton’s output both live and in the studio remains prodigious, and although a spate of collaborations in recent years suggests he’s more comfortable out of the spotlight these days, his skills remain undiminished, albeit barely strained on this latest offering.
Fans can have few complaints, however. Given his long spell at the top, it was inevitable that he would slow down at some point.
Old Sock has the breezy, tropical feel of a beachside retirement, and is fleshed out with the sort of pop tones that characterized some of his mid to late career releases.
Full of covers and guest appearances, the album offers little sense of Clapton himself, but his signature guitar floats along underneath the other elements, giving shape and substance to tracks that would otherwise be unremarkable.
It’s the release of an artist far from his peak, but Old Sock is cheerful and relaxed, proving that Clapton is still one of the smoothest bluesmen around.
