This album literally saved my life 2 years ago when I was going through a painful & depressing divorce. It was one of the few things that brought me any joy (REM's then-new "Reveal" was the other). Every day I would put it on & it would lift me up from the depths of my despair. It was the soundtrack to my life during the Spring of 2001.
Thankfully those days are over now but I still never get tired of listening to this album, despite the bad memories it conjures up. I believe it to be a work of genius. This is by far the best album Clapton had released in many years (my own personal favorite since "Money & Cigarettes" - a very underrated album itself)- an instant classic. Every note on this album is sheer perfection - from the wonderful opening instrumental title track, to the sound of Clapton's guitar & voice. Check out his soulful version of James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" (which is modeled on The Isley Brothers' own classic version), to the background singing of the immortal Impressions (Curtis Mayfield's old group). There is alot of variety on this album - every song having its own sound & style - yet every song works perfectly. It all flows together very well. There is not a wasted note anywhere to be found.
It has been my pleasure turning other people onto this album - friends & family alike. Everyone I have played it for has loved it. It has blown them away, as it did me.
I have loved Clapton throughout his career but I didn't realize he still had it in him in such a big way. I was pleasantly surprised. Never count out a genius though.
I can relate to alot of the songs on this album as well. They certainly reflected the feelings I had over those few months that I was going through my divorce. I feel like I could have written some of these words myself. Especially, "Find Myself" & "Got You on My Mind."
I don't look back at that time with much fondness but I will always cherish "Reptile." I recommend it to anyone out there who enjoys great songs & terrific singing & playing. This is what real soulful singing is all about - unlike most of what passes for "soul" music these days. This album is a masterpiece.
And for those who dismiss this album as the work of a has-been, simply because Clapton the Guitar God is absent, then that's a shame. Clapton proves once again that he is so much more than simply a guitar-slinger. He's a great songwriter, a marvelous singer and someone who still has so much to offer the world. Take a listen and see yourself.

Jay Mucci

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