Now available on streaming platforms, with a release on physical media January 24, 2025, Eric Clapton’s new record, Meanwhile compiles six new recordings, and 8 previously released singles. The record spotlights collaborations with Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, Judith Hillend, Bradley Walker, Daniel Santiago and longtime collaborator Simon Climie. “It will consist of all the songs we’ve already put out like “Heart of a Child,” and “Pompus Fool,” and all these sort of political comments mixed up with songs that are just songs,” said Clapton to The Real Music Observer.

During the pandemic Clapton made his feelings known about some of the restrictions imposed in the UK, as well as his personal negative experience with the vaccine through song commentary. Obviously, in today’s age of social media and hypersensitivity, there were some negative responses to Clapton as well as his collaborator on some of these songs, Van Morrison. The rock room feels that musicians are entitled to their opinions and the choice is left to the listener to either pay attention or move on.

Meanwhile finds Clapton comfortable in his place in the pantheon of rock and rollers. He stays true to himself and to his artistic intent. While not a thematically connected record, it’s a worthwhile representation of Clapton enjoying the twilight of his musical career. Often, he lets others carry the musical weight in the record’s collaborations, knowing he has nothing left to prove. The one missing piece of the record is the instrumental cut, “Blue Dust,” which Clapton played at several of his concerts last year. For some reason the excellent song didn’t make this record.

The album gets off with the rolling Band-esque funk of the July 2022 single, “Pompus Fool.” Clapton plays over the bounding groove with a salty slightly overdriven guitar lick supported by big backing vocals.

“Heart of a Child,” was released as a single in 2021 and ruffled the feathers of folks who are invested in the opinions of rock stars. It’s breezy calypso deckled beat is full of delicate timbral contrasts. Lyrically the song is about not giving up and not giving in and culminates in a sweetly constructed electric/acoustic call and response with Daniel Santiago.

Played by two Yardbirds of the same feather, the gravitational pull of “Moon River,” ‘was recorded in January of 2022 with Jeff Beck and is one of his final recordings. The song originated from the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and the duo of Clapton and Beck had previously played the song on stage together in 2010. Done in a weightless R and B styling, Beck’s lead shines like a spoon for the first minute and a half, before Clapton’s lullaby verses begin. Beck then continues his silvery string explorations for the duration.

“Sam Hall,” is a rustic recording of a far traveled English folk song. Clapton played it during the acoustic set on his Spring 2023 tour of Japan and the tune stuck. Featuring a fiddle, slide guitar and perfectly patinated Clapton vocals, it’s the perfect song for his current wheelhouse.

A tune that Clapton has been preforming for decades follows in a re-rerecording. “Smile,” a song composed by Charlie Chaplin for his 1936 film Modern Times is given a contemporary reading. Clapton opened most of his shows on the 1974 tour with “Smile,” and in 2023 it returned to his live sets. A reassuring song, E.C. obviously has a soft spot for it.

Released in September 2023 as a tribute to Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday, “You Were Always on My Mind,” is a beautiful duet with country singer Bradley Walker. A spectacular cover version, done in the styling of past Clapton ballads, like “Let It Grow,” and “Wonderful Tonight,” the Clapton/Walker vocal blend is a close as kin.Clapton pals, Jerry Douglass (Dobro) and Ronnie Wood (Guitar) also lend their ample talents to the recording.

“One Woman,” comes next, a song cowritten with Simon Climie and veteran songwriter John Bettis it’s also the lead single from the record. Involving a dollop of the one drop groove, an ineffable Clapton lick, and a sandy singable melody, the rhythmic cut is one of Clapton’s finest later day creations.

“The Rebels,” (previously reviewed by the rock room here) is the first of three rock and roll collabs with Van Morrison.

Bobby Neuworth’s “The Call” is a poignant ballad that reflects on the history of a friendship. The narrative is set through a phone call, and Clapton pulls the strength of the melody of the song to surface. His guitar work is muted emotion and placed impeccably. On “How Could We Know,” Clapton plays the willing sideman with Judith Hill, Simon Climie & Daniel Santiago. Released as a double ‘A’ side b/w “Moon River,” the engaging song gets two airy acoustic solos from Clapton.

“This Has Got to Stop,” is a rocker that features Slowhand and Van collaborating on lead vocals and demanding an end to the political “BS”. The song is highlighted by two swinging Morrison and Clapton saxophone and guitar duets. “Stand and Deliver,” is a gritty honky tonk blues that gives ya all the swamp you’d expect from the duos collaboration.

The late-night stroll of “You’ve Changed,” is one of the album’s new recordings and a smoldering cover of a 1958 Chuck Berry single. Clapton plays it is a mid-tempo blues replete with some plucky guitar segments and indigo turnarounds. The collection then closes with “Misfortune,” a song co-written surprisingly enough with comedian Richard Lewis. The results are good, and the song is a soft acoustic number with two Clapton solos and provides a gentle conclusion to the album.

While comprised of disparate elements collected from 2020-2024, Meanwhile is a cohesive album and an enjoyable listen. In hangs together well and if you are a fan of Clapton’s post 2000 discography this record will be a welcome addition to your collection. There is a diverse choice of musical protests, blues, and well-chosen covers. As he has illustrated throughout his career Clapton is adapt at interpreting any genre. On this record he touches them all lightly, expressing an affinity for all his influences and exhibiting a current day comfortability.