This Week's Forgotten Gem of the '80s - Eric Clapton's "She's Waiting"

Legendary guitarist Eric Clapton has worn many hats during what's approaching - amazingly - a half-century career in rock music. If there's been one constant in his career, spanning the hard rock of Cream to the straight blues of much of his later solo years, Clapton's status as a blues-based lead guitarist of great emotion and distinctiveness just may be it. Still, I've always found myself fascinated by this singer-songwriter's softer, more pop-oriented '80s period, during which he demonstrated a range of abilities that had really always been there, if taken for granted.

1985's "She's Waiting" serves as a fine example not only of this hook-laden sound but also Clapton's uncanny skill at spotlighting ingenious riffs and at the same time leaving room for his interpretive lead work. Though an occasional lead vocalist from the beginning of his career, Clapton seems to have never been given due credit even after so many years as a solo artist for being an expressive singer and layered composer. Songs from this period, particularly this engaging slow burn, reveal those layers in a lucid, straightforward way I've always enjoyed.

• Sample or download "She's Waiting" here.
• Compare prices on Eric Clapton solo CDs here

Album Cover Image Courtesy of Reprise