Eric Clapton songs represent some of the most influential and emotionally powerful music in rock history, showcasing the legendary guitarist’s unparalleled ability to blend blues, rock, and soul into timeless masterpieces. Known for his soulful guitar solos and heartfelt songwriting, Clapton has created an incredible catalog spanning over five decades, with songs that have touched millions of hearts worldwide. From his groundbreaking work with Cream and Derek and the Dominos to his successful solo career, Eric Clapton has consistently delivered music that resonates across generations. Whether you’re discovering his music for the first time or revisiting classic favorites, this comprehensive list explores the greatest hits that define his legendary career and showcase why he remains one of the most celebrated guitarists in music history.
Tears in Heaven
This heart-wrenching ballad was written after the tragic death of Clapton’s four-year-old son Conor, who fell from a window of a 53rd-floor New York apartment. The song represents one of music’s most poignant expressions of grief and healing, with tender melodies that reflect both profound sadness and hope for reunion. Reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, the track became perhaps the most emotionally devastating song of all time, serving as both an elegy for his son and a reminder of an unthinkable tragedy. Clapton’s vulnerability and raw emotion in this piece demonstrate his ability to transform personal pain into universal art that comforts countless listeners facing their own losses.
Wonderful Tonight
Clapton wrote this timeless love song while waiting for his then-girlfriend and future wife Pattie Boyd to get ready for a night out in 1976. The track perfectly captures the essence of romantic devotion through its beautiful melody and heartfelt expression of admiration. Released on his 1977 album Slowhand, he penned it while waiting for her to get ready to go to Paul and Linda McCartney’s annual Buddy Holly party. The song’s enduring popularity at weddings and romantic occasions demonstrates Clapton’s exceptional ability to craft melodies that speak to universal experiences of love and appreciation.
Layla
“Layla” stands as the centerpiece of Derek and the Dominos’ catalog, an epic love song that culminates in one of the loveliest instrumental pieces ever recorded. The song emerged from Clapton’s turbulent emotional state, inspired by his unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, who was married to his friend George Harrison at the time. This iconic track was inspired by a love story from 7th-century Arabia and later influenced The Story of Layla and Majnun by 12th-century Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. The collaboration with Duane Allman created a guitar masterpiece that showcases both musicians’ incredible talents, making it one of rock’s most enduring anthems.
Cocaine
Originally by JJ Cale, this bluesy rock track was transformed by Clapton into one of the most infectious guitar riffs of the past fifty years, featured on his Slowhand album. The song reflected Clapton’s own struggles with substance abuse, as he chose to cover it because it mirrored his personal experiences with the drug. Despite its subject matter, Clapton explained that the song is actually anti-cocaine, offering something that seems ambiguous but on reflection can be seen as cautionary. The track’s powerful guitar work and driving rhythm make it a staple of classic rock radio and showcase Clapton’s ability to address serious topics through compelling music.
Sunshine of Your Love
This track made the world recognize Clapton as a singular musical talent, with its iconic riff, pounding rhythm, and mind-boggling musicianship paving the way for generations of electric guitar icons. As Cream’s biggest hit, the song helped the trio break America and established Clapton’s reputation as a guitar god. The hefty bassline was directly inspired by Jimi Hendrix after the Cream bassist saw him in concert, and Hendrix would even cover it during his live shows. The song represents the perfect fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences that defined the late 1960s music scene.
White Room
This classic example of Cream’s alchemy as a supergroup features evocative lyrics written by poet Pete Brown, grandiose orchestration, inventive musicianship, and psychedelic rock menace. Featured on their 1968 album Wheels Of Fire, the song has remained a frequent highlight of Clapton’s setlists since its initial release. Clapton famously kicked off his lauded 1985 Live Aid set with the song, with Phil Collins joining him on drums for the occasion. The track showcases the experimental and boundary-pushing nature of Cream’s music, combining rock power with artistic sophistication.
Crossroads
This definitive version of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson’s song showcases Clapton’s dedication to the blues, delivered as a short, fat-free, and powerful testament to his musical roots. The high-energy blues-rock performance highlights Clapton’s incredible guitar skills through electrifying solos that honor the original while making it completely his own. Clapton even named his excellent 1988 career-spanning box set after this song, demonstrating its central importance to his musical identity. The track represents the bridge between traditional Delta blues and modern rock, showcasing how Clapton brought blues legends to wider audiences.
I Shot the Sheriff
Eric Clapton brought reggae to mainstream rock audiences with this cover of Bob Marley’s song, which became his only No. 1 hit on the US Billboard charts in 1974. Ironically, the song didn’t feature one of his trademark guitar solos, instead focusing on the groove and Clapton’s vocal interpretation. Clapton’s version is more laid-back funk than reggae, but he adapts to the groove with a casual vocal wave that occasionally echoes Marley’s lilting drawl. The success of this track demonstrated Clapton’s versatility and his ability to respectfully interpret music from different cultural traditions while making it accessible to rock audiences.
Bell Bottom Blues
Though Duane Allman hadn’t yet joined Derek and the Dominos when they recorded this song, Clapton makes up for Allman’s absence by delivering one of his most eloquent guitar solos. The track showcases Clapton in fine vocal form throughout the entire album, demonstrating his growth as both a guitarist and singer. While the song doesn’t reach the same epic heights as some others from the Derek and the Dominos catalog, it stands as a testament to Clapton’s ability to carry a song through sheer musical virtuosity. The emotional depth and technical prowess displayed in this track highlight why the Layla album is considered one of rock’s greatest achievements.
Badge
Co-written with George Harrison, this song features intricate guitar work and a mesmerizing melody, displaying Clapton’s collaborative genius during his time with Cream. The track represents one of the last great songs from Cream, showcasing the band’s ability to create complex, memorable compositions. The guitar parts, especially the bridge, recall Harrison’s style at the time, but the ripping solo is 100 percent pure Clapton. The song demonstrates how Clapton’s friendships with other legendary musicians often resulted in remarkable musical collaborations that pushed creative boundaries.
Change the World
Originally recorded by Wynonna Judd in 1995, Clapton’s rock-tinged cover version became an even bigger hit than the original when he released it in 1996. Hitting No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, this song showcased Clapton’s comeback in the 1990s thanks to his acoustic prowess. Eric composed this song for the soundtrack of the Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer movie The Story of Us, creating both a dance-pop version as a single and an acoustic version for the film. The track’s success demonstrated Clapton’s ability to adapt contemporary songs and make them distinctly his own while appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences.
My Father’s Eyes
Though officially released in 1998, Clapton previewed this song during various performances, with each version taking a different form than the record version, which became a top ten hit in the US. Inspired by the death of Clapton’s father in 1985, the guitarist admitted that he’d never actually met him, having been raised by his grandparents. The song expresses his deep sadness at never meeting or knowing his own father, showcasing Clapton’s ability to transform personal pain into universally relatable music. This track demonstrates how Clapton continued to evolve as a songwriter, addressing complex family relationships and personal history through his art.
Let It Rain
This bluesy rock track is known for its memorable guitar licks, capturing the essence of Clapton’s early solo career. The song showcases his transition from his work with supergroups to establishing his individual artistic voice as a solo performer. Featured on his second solo album, the track demonstrates Clapton’s ability to turbocharge traditional arrangements and soar through them with feisty slide solos. The powerful guitar work and emotional delivery make this track a perfect example of how Clapton successfully balanced his blues roots with more accessible rock arrangements.
Forever Man
This ’80s rock gem showcases Clapton’s adaptation to the changing music landscape while retaining his signature guitar style. The song represents his successful navigation of the decade’s evolving sound, incorporating contemporary production techniques without sacrificing his musical identity. Hitting No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the track proved that Clapton could create songs that were both commercially successful and artistically satisfying. The infectious energy and memorable hooks demonstrate his versatility as both a guitarist and songwriter during a period of significant musical change.
Lay Down Sally
This song represents one of the most fun tracks Clapton has ever written, surprising for such a typically serious artist while displaying excellent guitar playing. The upbeat, country-influenced rhythm showcases a lighter side of Clapton’s musical personality, proving his ability to create joyful, celebratory music. Reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song demonstrates his versatility in crafting songs that could appeal to both rock and country audiences. The track’s infectious groove and playful spirit make it a perfect example of Clapton’s range as a songwriter and performer.
Key to the Highway
This blues standard was given new life by Clapton and Derek and the Dominos, showcasing his mastery of traditional blues forms. The song demonstrates how Clapton could take classic blues compositions and revitalize them for contemporary audiences without losing their essential character. The performance highlights the tight musical chemistry between Clapton and his bandmates, creating a version that honors the original while establishing its own identity. This track exemplifies Clapton’s role as a bridge between traditional blues and modern rock, bringing timeless songs to new generations of listeners.
Running on Faith
Featured on 1989’s Journeyman album, which Clapton released shortly after he found sobriety, this song represents a pivotal moment in his personal and artistic journey. The track showcases his growth as both a person and musician, with lyrics that reflect his newfound clarity and commitment to recovery. During acoustic portions of his live shows, Clapton delivers fine renditions of this song, demonstrating its enduring place in his repertoire. The emotional honesty and musical maturity displayed in this track highlight how personal transformation can lead to artistic evolution.
Old Love
This bluesy ballad is filled with longing, exemplifying Clapton’s ability to convey complex emotions through his music. The song showcases his mature approach to relationships and love, reflecting on past experiences with wisdom and emotional depth. The guitar work perfectly complements the introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive artistic statement that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar emotional journeys. This track demonstrates how Clapton’s life experiences continued to inform his songwriting, resulting in increasingly sophisticated and emotionally nuanced compositions.
One Woman (from Meanwhile)
Featured on Clapton’s 2024 album Meanwhile, “One Woman” represents his continued artistic evolution and demonstrates that he remains creatively vital at age 79. The song showcases his enduring ability to craft compelling melodies and meaningful lyrics that speak to contemporary audiences. The track features his long-running concert band, including Nathan East on bass, Chris Stainton on keyboards, and Doyle Bramhall II on guitar. This recent addition to his catalog proves that Clapton continues to create relevant music that maintains his artistic standards while exploring new creative territories.
Moon River (with Jeff Beck)
This poignant collaboration with the late Jeff Beck, featured on the Meanwhile album, represents one of the last recordings the two guitar legends made together before Beck’s passing. The song demonstrates the deep musical friendship between two of rock’s greatest guitarists, creating a tender interpretation of the Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer standard. Recorded just ten days before the Jeff Beck tribute concerts held on May 22-23, 2023, at London’s Royal Albert Hall, the track serves as a beautiful tribute to their musical partnership. For those interested in experiencing this level of musical craftsmanship, quality audio equipment can help listeners appreciate the subtle interplay between these two master musicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eric Clapton’s most famous song?
“Layla” is widely considered Eric Clapton’s most famous and iconic song. Originally recorded with Derek and the Dominos in 1970, the song features one of rock’s most recognizable guitar riffs and tells the story of unrequited love. The track’s enduring popularity has made it a classic rock staple and remains Clapton’s most requested song at live performances.
How many number one hits did Eric Clapton have?
Eric Clapton achieved one number one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “I Shot the Sheriff” in 1974. This reggae-influenced cover of Bob Marley’s song marked Clapton’s peak commercial success as a solo artist, demonstrating his ability to adapt different musical styles while maintaining his distinctive sound.
What was Eric Clapton’s latest album?
Eric Clapton’s latest studio album is “Meanwhile,” released digitally in October 2024 and on physical formats in January 2025. The album features collaborations with Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, and other artists, combining six new tracks with eight previously released singles from recent years.
Which bands was Eric Clapton a member of?
Eric Clapton was a member of several influential bands throughout his career, including The Yardbirds, John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominos. Each group showcased different aspects of his musical evolution, from his early blues work to his pioneering role in developing heavy rock and blues-rock fusion.
What makes Eric Clapton’s guitar playing unique?
Eric Clapton’s guitar playing is characterized by his emotional expressiveness, blues-based phrasing, and ability to serve the song rather than just showcase technical prowess. His tone, particularly his use of vintage Stratocaster guitars and Marshall amplifiers, became legendary. For music enthusiasts looking to appreciate these subtle tonal qualities, investing in quality listening equipment can enhance the experience of his nuanced playing style.
Did Eric Clapton write all his hit songs?
While Eric Clapton wrote many of his hit songs, he also gained fame through his interpretations of covers, including “I Shot the Sheriff” (Bob Marley), “Cocaine” (JJ Cale), and “Crossroads” (Robert Johnson). His ability to reinterpret existing songs and make them distinctly his own became a hallmark of his artistic approach.