461 Ocean Boulevard Songs Ranked
461 Ocean Boulevard is the second studio album by English musician Eric Clapton. The album was released in late July 1974 for RSO Records, shortly after the record company released the hit single “I Shot the Sheriff” in early July the same year. The album topped various international charts and sold more than two million copies. The album was Clapton’s return to the recording studio after a three-year hiatus due to his heroin addiction. The title refers to the address on Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach, Florida, where Clapton lived while recording the album. Upon completing the album, Clapton and RSO head Robert Stigwood recommended the house and Miami’s Criteria Studios to fellow RSO artists, the Bee Gees, who then moved in to write and record Main Course. The street address of the house was changed after the album’s release due to fans flocking to the property. The house has since been rebuilt and the street address restored. Here are all of 461 Ocean Boulevard songs ranked.
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10. I Shot the Sheriff
“He really takes the fire out of I Shot the Sheriff. He sounds like someone talking about what he did that afternoon, like it was no big deal and he really didn’t have a good reason for doing it.”
9. Mainline Florida
“The finale is a perfect choice. “Mainline Florida” has the memorable riff and the exact energy to be four minutes without a single flaw.”
8. Get Ready
“Get Ready” which Clapton wrote with Yvonne Elliman solidifies how his ego was in check here. These were not hired hands but a band to him. Elliman and Marcy Levy offered strong vocals to the mix, Jamie Oldaker picks his spots well as a drummer, Carl Radle’s bass-lines are respected through the continents, Dick Sims may not be known to the masses but he is no stranger to the professional, and George Terry was not specifically second guitarist.”
See more: Eric Clapton Albums Ranked
7. Steady Rollin’ Man
“Steady Rollin’ Man” gives us a dose of the blues in upbeat fashion. Eric Clapton’s solo albums since 1970 have been of variable quality, but the common consensus is that ‘461 Ocean Boulevard’ (the address of Eric’s house near Miami at the time) released late in 1974 is the best of the bunch.”
6. Willie and the Hand Jive
“Willie And The Hand Jive” saw excessive airplay on the Album Rock and progressive stations after the record hit the shelves. With the mix of reggae and funk there is something magical the way Clapton took on something out of the realm and made it such a terrific creation.”
5. Let It Grow
“Let It Grow” is majestic in its splendor. A timeless tune that will never age. The album features Yvonne Elliman (best known for her Saturday night fever hit, If I can’t have you) on backing vocals. She provides great support for Eric on this album, especially on Let it grow, my favorite song here after I shot the sheriff (on which Yvonne also sings). Eric and Yvonne co-wrote Get ready and sing it as a duet.”
See more: Eric Clapton Songs Ranked
4. Give Me Strength
“Give Me Strength” slows the tempo a bit and has blues stamped all over. Interestingly enough is Eric penned this song. It could pass for a cover but this is Clapton 74.”
3. Please Be With Me
“Please be with me” dominate this mellow and resonant album. Mr. Clapton has always wanted to be a singer/songwriter of sorts, even with his considerable guitar work.”
2. Motherless Children
“Motherless Children” may be listed as a traditional song but the first time the slide was put to the six string Clapton took possession. The vocals and the instrumentation create a natural sound that engulfs your ears from the first listen.”
1. I Can’t Hold Out
“I Can’t Hold Out” is sometimes criticized for being too laid back as Eric puts the blues to work. This is one of those collections of music that just grows on you. I bought this WAY back when, in the days of vinyl and would listen to it on and off, eventually replacing it with the CD version, and now I’ve got it in both my portable music players.”
