Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs Review: Clapton's Love-Torn Blues Rock
9/10 — Derek and the Dominos - Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs (1970)
Pros
- 'Layla'
- Clapton and Allman's guitar duets
- Raw emotion
Cons
- Overlong
- Some forgettable covers
Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs was written during Clapton’s unrequited love for Pattie Boyd, then married to George Harrison. Duane Allman of the Allman Brothers guested on guitar.
What works
The title track is a rock classic with Allman’s soaring slide guitar, ‘Bell Bottom Blues’ and ‘Little Wing’ are lovely, and the playing throughout is passionate. The raw emotion is real.
Where it falters
It’s overlong, and some of the blues covers are less memorable.
Verdict
A heartfelt, guitar-driven classic.
