Eric Clapton is recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Influenced by the early blues players like Robert Johnson, the British-born musician grew up playing the six-string like there was nothing else more important in life. Later, as part of bands like Cream or as a solo artist, Clapton released beloved songs that rocketed up the Billboard charts.
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Here below, we wanted to explore six of those tracks. Half-a-dozen tunes that made it all the way up to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. While Clapton released a total of 23 songs that made the Hot 100, it was six songs of his that really made an impact near the top. Indeed, this is the definitive ranking of Clapton’s six Top-10 hit songs.
6. “Promises” from Backless (1978)
This song, which hit No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, is an easy-listening rocker. It obviously displays talent and musical acumen, but there’s just not a lot of reason to be excited about it. Must have been a different time. The guitar hook is catchy and there is nothing wrong with the track. It just doesn’t hit. Nevertheless, on the tune, Clapton sings,
I don’t care if you never come home
I don’t mind if you just keep on rowin’ away on a distant sea
‘Cause I don’t love you and you don’t love me
You cause a commotion when you come to town
Give ’em a smile and they melt
Having lovers and friends is all good and fine
But I don’t like yours and you don’t like mine
5. “Lay Down Sally” from Slowhand (1977)
This song, which hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a fun, catchy track. It’s got a road-trip beat. You can imagine seeing the stars go past as you’re on some train car or in an automobile. It’s one of the most fun songs Clapton has ever written, surprising for such a serious artist. He also displays quite excellent guitar playing. On this tune, he sings,
There is nothing that is wrong
In wanting you to stay here with me
I know you’ve got somewhere to go
But won’t you make yourself at home and stay with me?
And don’t you ever leave
Lay down, Sally, and rest here in my arms
Don’t you think you want someone to talk to?
Lay down, Sally, no need to leave so soon
I’ve been trying all night long just to talk to you
4. “I Shot the Sheriff” from 461 Ocean Boulevard (1974)
This song, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a cover. Originally written by the reggae icon Bob Marley, Clapton covered it and … it was fine. Still, the song hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving that people at the time certainly loved it. On the cover track, Clapton sings,
All around in my home town
They’re trying to track me down
They say they want to bring me in guilty
For the killing of a deputy
For the life of a deputy
3. “I Can’t Stand It” from Another Ticket (1981)
This song, which hit No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, slaps. A hard-hitting blues song where Clapton sings about his love cheating on him. He’s had enough of her fooling around with his heart. Released in the 1980s, it still has some of that 1970s grit. And on it, he sings,
You’ve been told
So maybe it’s time that you learned
You’ve been sold
Maybe it’s time that you earned
I can’t stand it
You’re foolin’ around, I can’t stand it
You’re runnin’ around, I won’t stand it
You’re foolin’ around with my heart
2. “Change the World” from Phenomenon (1996)
This song, which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a cover. Originally recorded by Wynonna Judd in 1995, Clapton made his own version for the Phenomenon soundtrack in 1996. He made a comeback in the 1990s thanks to his acoustic prowess and this tune is perhaps the best example. On it, he sings,
If I could reach the stars
Pull one down for you
Shine it on my heart
So you could see the truth
That this love I have inside
Is everything it seems
But for now I find
It’s only in my dreams
1. “Tears in Heaven” from Rush: Music from the Motion Picture Soundtrack (1993)
This song, which hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, is perhaps the saddest song of all time. It certainly has the most terrible of origin stories. Written by Clapton after the death of his 4-year-old son Conor fell dozens of stories out of an open window, the track is an elegy for the boy but also a reminder of just an unthinkable tragedy. Sings Clapton,
Would you know my name if I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?
I must be strong and carry on
‘Cause I know I don’t belong
Here in heaven
Photo by Phil Dent/Redferns
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