Eric Clapton's Classic Album Finally Hits No. 1, Nearly Half A Century Late

Forbes

07-04-2025

Eric Clapton's Slowhand returns to the Blues Albums chart, reaching No. 1 for the first time—nearly ... More five decades after its release. Musician Eric Clapton poses for a portrait in 2003 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by)
Eric Clapton returns to one of Billboard's genre-specific rankings this week, and he's not just charting, he's leading. Decades after it was released, one of the legendary guitarist's most beloved projects reappears on the blues-only tally, and climbs higher than ever before. With this latest win, the Grammy favorite proves that his back catalog is still incredibly popular – not that anybody would question such a statement – and that fans both old and new are keeping it alive.
Slowhand reappears on the Blues Albums chart this frame. The Billboard list ranks the most-consumed full-lengths and EPs that fall under the blues genre in the U.S., using a blend of sales and streaming data. Simply appearing on the tally is impressive for any legacy release, but Clapton doesn't just show up, he conquers the tally.
Slowhand re-enters the Blues Albums chart at No. 1. This week marks the first time the project has led this particular ranking, and it's been a long journey to the summit.
As Slowhand breaks back in at No. 1 on the Blues Albums chart, Clapton now claims an even dozen chart-toppers on the roster. Over the years, 14 of his efforts have broken into the top 10 on the ranking, and 15 in total have found their way onto the blues-only list. That track record means nearly every collection Clapton has released in the style has performed exceptionally well commercially – at least when compared to other blues projects in America.
Despite being released nearly fifty years ago, Slowhand is still relatively new to the Blues Albums chart. The project didn't debut on the genre-specific list until January of this year. Since then, it has popped on and off the roster, managing just three appearances total so far.
Slowhand may be new to the highest rung on the Blues Albums chart, but some of Clapton's past successes have proved to be the kind that run the show for months. His collaborative set with B.B. King, Riding with the King, ranks as his longest-charting and longest-running leader, having spent an impressive 48 weeks in the top spot.
Several of his other titles have also maintained a grip on the throne for extended periods. I Still Do held on for 17 frames in charge. Me and Mr. Johnson racked up 13 weeks at No. 1, while From the Cradle and Blues both ruled for 10 frames each.
Released in 1977, Slowhand quickly became one of Clapton's most important and bestselling albums. The project features some of his most recognizable hits, including 'Lay Down Sally,' 'Cocaine,' and the enduring ballad 'Wonderful Tonight.' It helped further solidify the musician as a solo superstar after years of work in bands like Cream and Derek and the Dominos.