Eric Clapton – There's One In Every Crowd

Eric Clapton – There's One In Every Crowd

Released in 1975, There's One In Every Crowd is the third solo studio album by Eric Clapton, following the success of 461 Ocean Boulevard. Recorded between Jamaica's Dynamic Sounds Studios and Criteria Studios in Miami, the album continues Clapton's exploration of reggae, gospel, blues and relaxed, roots-oriented rock. Produced by Tom Dowd, it captures an artist developing a more understated musical identity, combining his expressive guitar playing with warm ensemble arrangements and a reflective vocal style.

The album arrived after Clapton's hugely successful reggae-influenced interpretation of Bob Marley's “I Shot the Sheriff” had introduced his music to a wider audience. Rather than simply repeating that formula, There's One In Every Crowd moves between several musical traditions, drawing on Jamaican rhythms, traditional spirituals, electric blues and melodic singer-songwriter material. The result is a varied and occasionally understated record that offers an interesting snapshot of Clapton's musical direction during the mid-1970s.

“We've Been Told (Jesus Coming Soon)” opens the album with a gospel-rooted performance, establishing the spiritual thread that runs through the collection. This is followed by “Swing Low Sweet Chariot”, Clapton's relaxed interpretation of the traditional spiritual, reworked with a reggae feel that reflects his recent immersion in Jamaican music. “Little Rachel” shifts towards bluesy, roots-rock territory, while “Don't Blame Me” brings a more brooding atmosphere, blending a measured groove with Clapton's characteristically restrained guitar work.

One of the album's highlights is “The Sky Is Crying”, the blues standard written by Elmore James. Clapton approaches the song with a deep appreciation for its blues heritage, allowing the expressive guitar lines and vocal phrasing to carry the performance. It is a natural fit for a musician whose early career was shaped by the electric blues of Chicago and the Mississippi Delta.

The second half of the album balances introspective songwriting with lighter, more melodic material. “Singin' The Blues” maintains the record's blues connection, while “Better Make It Through Today” stands out as a particularly affecting ballad. Its unhurried arrangement and weary, soulful delivery give the song an emotional directness that suits the album's reflective mood. “Pretty Blue Eyes” and “High” explore a softer, more melodic side of Clapton's writing, before “Opposites” closes the collection on an understated note.

The musicianship is central to the album's appeal. Clapton is supported by familiar collaborators including bassist Carl Radle, drummer Jamie Oldaker, guitarist George Terry and keyboard player Dick Sims, whose contributions help create the relaxed, organic sound. Dowd's production allows the arrangements room to breathe, bringing together the different influences without forcing the album into a single stylistic category.

Although There's One In Every Crowd did not achieve the same commercial impact as 461 Ocean Boulevard, it remains a worthwhile chapter in Clapton's solo catalogue. Its mixture of blues-rock, reggae, gospel and soulful songwriting makes it particularly appealing to listeners interested in the broader musical influences behind his work during the 1970s.

For fans of Eric Clapton, classic blues, roots rock and reggae-influenced singer-songwriter music, this album offers a rewarding combination of familiar blues feeling and a more relaxed, exploratory approach. It is an engaging addition to any collection focused on Clapton's solo years and the cross-pollination of blues, rock and Jamaican music during the decade.

Tracklist

Side A

1. We've Been Told (Jesus Coming Soon)

2. Swing Low Sweet Chariot

3. Little Rachel

4. Don't Blame Me

5. The Sky Is Crying

Side B

1. Singin' The Blues

2. Better Make It Through Today

3. Pretty Blue Eyes

4. High

5. Opposites