Crossroads (Eric Clapton)

While I don't think Clapton is aging as well as his fans like to think, this is one great box set that has some amazing classic tracks.  Heroin-era Clapton is just great guitar rock. . .

One of the best box sets in existence.

Eric Clapton is brilliant at everything that he does. While I agree that hendrix had more raw talent, Clapton's style is more refined. This box set shows exactly why Eric is a legend.

Eric Clapton's "Crossroads" (1988) defined the box set as a compilation package. The track list is very inclusive, especially for the casual fan, as it covers Clapton's time with the Yardbirds, Cream, etc. as well as his solo efforts, including the essentials "For Your Love," "Strange Brew," "Sunshine Of Your Love," "Can't Find My Way Home," "After Midnight," "Layla," "I Shot the Sheriff" (though live), "Wonderful Tonight," and "Cocaine." While, there are other less inclusive Clapton compilations available, this is the one to look for. Nevertheless, in my opinion, no greatest hits package should be on this list as a compilation cannot really be compared to regular releases and do not represent the concept of a full-length effort.

It's fairly comprehensive, and if you enjoy his solo stuff you'll like it. The problem for me with this artist is that I feel he has done little that really impresses me since Derek and the Dominos in 1970, his solo material consists largely of AOR friendly middle of the road tunes, straightforward blues, generic rock, and radio friendly, laid back, country rock tunes. I've always felt that he functions better as part of bands than as a solo artist, and his work with the aforementioned band, as well as with the Yardbirds, Bluesbreakers, Cream, and Blind Faith, is far, far superior to his often perfunctory, often unchallenging, 'connect the dots' work of later years.

CRAP-O!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, like we should respect a so-so guitarist who stole all of his hits from black blues musicians. Ever notice how all his old stuff is his best stuff? (well, not his, black blues musicians stuff) Ever notice how his new stuff is all two and half minute, radio friendly crap that have no interesting or challenging guitars riffs in them at all? At least Kenny G admits he makes easy listening music, Eric still clings to the idea that once, a million years ago, he made rock and roll.

Note to Springsteen80sbaby: Eric Clapton could run circles around the boss on guitar and never break a sweat. More to rock and roll music than just the 80's--thank God...

This is what started th whole "box set" boom, butr at least it's the real deal!

Clapton's not bad, but I perfer Bruce Springsteen!

Clapton is a good musician. He has a lot of talent. Has smooth and fast rock beat.

Eric Clapton is soooo overrated, just listen 2 his early stuff, it was pitiful, but he has gotten a little better....

If you already have most of Clapton's best CDs, including his work with Blind Faith, Cream, and Derek & the Dominos, then you can skip his box set. But if you're just getting into Clapton and you don't have CDs like Slowhand, Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs, Blind Faith, 461 Ocean Boulevard, etc., then this box set is a must. Clapton, in my opinion, is the best blues/rock guitarist in history. Jimi Hendrix was wilder and had limitless talent, but he just didn't produce a body of work that compares with Clapton's. And this box set takes you through almost everything - his early days with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, his days as 1/3 of Cream, his experience building the world's first "supergroup" (Blind Faith) with Steve Winwood, his brilliant & emotional work with Derek and the Dominos, and finally his emergence as a superstar solo artist. And, as an added bonus, this box set was released before Clapton started his annoying "Tears in Heaven" adult contemporary phase, so you... Read more

I think of Clapton as a big-time underachiever. He's been playing for more than three decades and put together scarely a dozen decent songs. Granted, I ain't no guitar jock, but other guitar greats have managed to make compelling music for lay-folks too...

Crossroads is an amazing culmination of Claptons early music. It features great songs like I Shot the Sheriff and Layla. It is a great album for people just getting involved with Clapton.