This album "Behind the Sun" is the 1985 album by the English guitarist Eric Clapton. The title of the album comes from a line from Albert King's "Louisiana Blues". It is also Clapton's first collaborative project with Phil Collins. Often referred to as his "comeback album", it was received very well in both the UK and the US. After nearly a decade of Clapton's guitar playing taking a back seat to his singing/songwriting, this album featured some of his best guitar playing since the Cream era of the 1960s.
Picture this: it's 1985, and the airwaves are awash in synthesizers, drum machines, and big hair. MTV rules the roost, and everyone's chasing that elusive Top 40 hit. Even guitar god Eric Clapton isn't immune. "Behind the Sun" is his bid for mainstream success, and boy, does he bring out the big guns.
Phil Collins, the then-ubiquitous drummer-turned-pop-star, takes the producer's chair, bringing his polished, radio-friendly sound to the table. Clapton, known for his bluesy roots and fiery solos, finds himself navigating a landscape of glossy synths and programmed beats. It's a bold move, and one that's bound to ruffle a few feathers among the purists.
But hey, this is the 80s, and Clapton's not afraid to experiment. "Behind the Sun" is a melting pot of genres, from the slick pop-rock of "Forever Man" to the soulful balladry of "She's Waiting." There's even a touch of reggae on "See What Love Can Do," showcasing Clapton's versatility.
The star power doesn't stop with Collins. Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac lends his distinctive guitar work to "She's Waiting," while Toto's Steve Lukather adds his signature licks to several tracks. Even the legendary Donald "Duck" Dunn of Booker T. & the M.G.'s lays down the bass on a few cuts. It's a veritable who's who of '80s pop royalty.
Of course, not everyone was thrilled with Clapton's foray into the mainstream. Some critics lamented the album's polished production and lack of bluesy grit. But hey, even guitar gods gotta pay the bills, right? And let's face it, there's no denying the catchiness of those hooks.
"Behind the Sun" might not be Clapton's most groundbreaking work, but it's a fascinating snapshot of a legendary artist navigating a changing musical landscape. It's a testament to his willingness to evolve and collaborate, even if it means stepping outside his comfort zone.
So whether you're a die-hard Clapton fan or just a curious listener, give "Behind the Sun" a spin. You might be surprised by what you find. It's a glossy, star-studded pop record with undeniable hooks and some truly impressive musicianship. And hey, who knows, you might even find yourself tapping your foot along.
Music Genre: Blues, Rock, Pop |
Album Production Information: The album: "ERIC CLAPTON - Behind the Sun" was produced by: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Ted Templeman, Lenny Waronker Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Nick Launay, Lee Herschberg This album was recorded at: Air Studios, Montserrat, West Indies, Lion Share Recording Studios, Los Angeles, Amigo Studios, North Hollywood, California Album cover photography: Patti Clapton |
Record Label & Catalognr: Duck Records 925 166 |
Album Packaging: Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: ERIC CLAPTON - Behind the Sun |
Band-members, Musicians and PerformersLindsey Buckingham - Guitar Lindsey Buckingham is best known as the guitarist, vocalist, and producer for Fleetwood Mac. His unique fingerpicking guitar style and creative production techniques were crucial in defining the sound of Fleetwood Mac’s most successful albums, including *Rumours* and *Tusk*. Buckingham is also an accomplished solo artist, blending rock, pop, and experimental sounds. Phil Collins - Synthesizer, Percussion, Drums, Background Vocals, Fender Rhodes, Simmons Drums Phil Collins is a legendary drummer, singer, and songwriter, known for his work with Genesis and his successful solo career. He revolutionized drumming in the 1980s, especially with the use of the gated reverb drum sound, notably in the hit “In the Air Tonight.” Collins has won multiple Grammy Awards and is renowned for his contributions to both rock and pop music. James Newton Howard - Synthesizer James Newton Howard is a prolific composer and music producer, known for his work in film scoring. He has composed scores for over 100 films, including *The Dark Knight* (with Hans Zimmer), *The Hunger Games* series, and *Pretty Woman*. Howard is also a skilled synthesizer player, contributing to various albums and projects outside of film. Peter Manning Robinson - Synthesizer Peter Manning Robinson is an Emmy-winning composer and pianist known for his innovative work with synthesizers. He has composed scores for film, television, and theater and has released several albums showcasing his talent for blending electronic and acoustic sounds. Marcy Levy - Background Vocals Marcy Levy, also known as Marcella Detroit, is a singer and songwriter who gained fame as part of Eric Clapton’s backing band in the 1970s. She co-wrote Clapton's hit “Lay Down Sally” and later found success as one-half of the duo Shakespears Sister. Levy has a versatile voice, contributing to numerous recordings across different genres. Jerry Williams - Background Vocals Jerry Williams, also known as Swamp Dogg, is a singer, songwriter, and producer with a career spanning over six decades. His work blends soul, R&B, and funk, and he is known for his satirical and socially conscious lyrics. Williams has also contributed background vocals and produced for various artists. Lenny Castro - Percussion Lenny Castro is a highly sought-after percussionist known for his work with artists like Toto, Stevie Wonder, and The Rolling Stones. His versatility on percussion instruments has made him a key figure in both studio recordings and live performances across many genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. Donald "Duck" Dunn - Bass Donald “Duck” Dunn was a legendary bassist best known for his work with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the house band for Stax Records. His bass playing was central to the sound of many classic soul and R&B records, including Otis Redding's “Respect” and Sam & Dave's “Soul Man.” Dunn was also a member of the Blues Brothers Band. Nathan East - Bass, Background Vocals Nathan East is one of the most recorded bassists in the history of music, known for his work with artists such as Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Michael Jackson. He is a founding member of the contemporary jazz group Fourplay and has also had a successful solo career. East is known for his smooth, melodic playing and versatility across genres. Lee Herschberg - Engineer Lee Herschberg is a Grammy-winning recording engineer and producer who worked extensively with artists like Frank Sinatra, Neil Young, and Van Halen. He is known for his expertise in both analog and digital recording techniques and has contributed to many classic albums across various genres. Nick Launay - Engineer Nick Launay is a prominent record producer and engineer, known for his work with post-punk and alternative rock bands like Public Image Ltd, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. His engineering style often emphasizes raw, live energy and has been pivotal in shaping the sound of numerous influential albums. Steve Lukather - Guitar Steve Lukather is a renowned guitarist, best known as a member of the band Toto. He is also a prolific session musician, having played on hundreds of albums for artists like Michael Jackson (notably on “Thriller”), Boz Scaggs, and Paul McCartney. Lukather's virtuosic playing, blending rock, pop, and jazz influences, has earned him multiple awards and recognition. Shaun Murphy - Background Vocals Shaun Murphy is a powerful vocalist known for her work with Little Feat, Bob Seger, and Eric Clapton. Her voice has a strong blues and rock influence, and she has released several solo albums showcasing her dynamic range and soulful delivery. Michael Omartian - Synthesizer Michael Omartian is a Grammy-winning producer, composer, and keyboardist. He has worked with artists like Christopher Cross, Donna Summer, and Michael Bolton, and was the first producer to ever have number one records in three consecutive decades. Omartian is also known for his work on synthesizers, contributing to the lush, polished sounds of many pop and soft rock hits. Jamie Oldaker - Drums, Background Vocals Jamie Oldaker was a drummer best known for his work with Eric Clapton and Peter Frampton. He was a key member of Clapton’s band during the 1970s and 1980s, contributing to albums like *461 Ocean Boulevard* and *Slowhand*. Oldaker's drumming was known for its steady groove and subtle complexity. Jeff Porcaro - Drums Jeff Porcaro was one of the most respected drummers in music history, co-founding the band Toto and playing on countless hit records, including Michael Jackson's *Thriller*, Steely Dan's *Aja*, and Boz Scaggs' *Silk Degrees*. Porcaro was renowned for his precise, groove-oriented playing, particularly his signature half-time shuffle on Toto's “Rosanna.” Greg Phillinganes - Synthesizer, Background Vocals Greg Phillinganes is a keyboardist, musical director, and session musician who has worked with artists like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Eric Clapton. His mastery of synthesizers and keyboards has made him a go-to musician for both live performances and studio recordings, contributing to some of the biggest pop and R&B hits of the last few decades. John "J.R." Robinson - Drums John “J.R.” Robinson is a highly regarded session drummer known for his work with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Madonna. He is credited with playing on some of the biggest pop hits of all time, including Jackson's “Rock With You” and Madonna's “Express Yourself.” Robinson’s drumming is characterized by its precision and groove. Peter Robinson - Synthesizer Peter Robinson is a composer and keyboardist who has worked with a variety of artists and in different genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. His work on synthesizers has been featured in numerous recordings, contributing to the electronic soundscapes of the 1980s and beyond. Chris Stainton - Synthesizer, Piano, Hammond Organ, Fender Rhodes Chris Stainton is a British musician known for his work as a keyboardist with Joe Cocker and Eric Clapton. He played on classic songs like “With a Little Help from My Friends” and has been a longtime collaborator with Clapton, contributing to his live performances and recordings with his skilled playing on piano, organ, and synthesizers. Ted Templeman - Percussion Ted Templeman is a record producer and percussionist, best known for his work with Van Halen, the Doobie Brothers, and Van Morrison. He produced many hit albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s, helping to shape the sound of classic rock during that era. As a producer, Templeman is known for his ability to capture energetic performances and create commercially successful records. |
Complete Track-listing of the album "ERIC CLAPTON - Behind the Sun" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "ERIC CLAPTON - Behind the Sun" is:
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"Duck Records" Record Label
This album "Behind the Sun" is the 1985 album by the English guitarist Eric Clapton. The title of the album comes from a line from Albert King's "Louisiana Blues". It is also Clapton's first collaborative project with Phil Collins.
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