Backless
1978 studio album by Eric Clapton
Backless is the sixth solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released in November 1978. Produced by Glyn Johns, and released by RSO Records, Backless reached no. 8 on the pop charts. While the single "Promises" only reached no. 37 on the UK Singles Chart, it was a much bigger success in the US, reaching no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Watch Out for Lucy", was the B-side of "Promises", but reached no. 40 on the Billboard 100 on its own merit. It was Clapton's last studio album to feature his longtime bassist Carl Radle, who died in 1980.
Critical reception
The Globe and Mail noted that "there is none of the old spectacular playing—the emphasis is definitely on mellow funkiness—but the duet he plays on 'Roll It' with singer Marci Levy has some eloquent licks all the same."
Track listing
Side one
"Walk Out in the Rain" (Bob Dylan, Helena Springs) – 4:16
"Watch Out for Lucy" (Eric Clapton) – 3:26
"I'll Make Love to You Anytime" (J. J. Cale) – 3:23
"Roll It" (Clapton, Marcy Levy) – 3:42
"Tell Me That You Love Me" (Clapton) – 3:31
Side two
"If I Don't Be There by Morning" (Dylan, Springs) – 4:38
"Early in the Morning" (Traditional, arranged by Clapton) – 5:25
"Promises" (Richard Feldman, Roger Linn) – 3:04
"Golden Ring" (Clapton) – 3:32
"Tulsa Time" (Danny Flowers) – 3:28
Note: "Early in the Morning" is extended to 7:58 on CD editions of the album.
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Attribution, date and provenance are strongest when supported by the original work, a catalogue record and documented transmission. The source revision retrieved here is dated Jun 9, 2026. The linked authority identifier is Q2570090. 1 of 1 selected statements include explicit references; 0 carry qualifiers and 0 use preferred rank. The first chronological checks are 1978 and 1980.
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