Reptile - a word that conjures up immediate images of sun-baked rocks and slithering tongues. It's not a moniker that most people would accept willingly, even from such a famed guitarist as Eric Clapton.
But in Clapton's written opening to the album, he specifically defines "reptile" as a term of endearment, a compliment used rarely and only under circumstances of the greatest recognition.
The title may at first seem to be a misnomer for the work of such a widely respected artist, but Clapton's newest album lives up to his own definition of this dubious name by embodying a symbol of high esteem and affection.
Fans are given an exact picture of precisely what Clapton means by titling this album "Reptile." In fact, it's all spelled out in the written opening of the album as he dedicates the work to his beloved uncle Adrian. The label is, above all else, a word of affection and sincere esteem.
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Clapton's love for his uncle is most palpable in the final song, "Son and Sylvia." The showcase of Clapton's talents is spare and poignant in this song; very little in the music world is more imbued with emotion than these strums of crisp fingering.
There's more - after years of finding personal success, Clapton is compelled to thank other music giants along the way, so he labels them reptiles as well. Much of the album is what Clapton calls "a rogue's gallery," a compilation of songs from the men who have influenced him through the years.
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Borrowing the rhythms of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and James Taylor, Clapton purveys his brand of bluesy tunes. A new rendition of Wonder's "I Ain't Gonna Stand For It" gives Clapton a chance to showcase both vocal and guitar-strumming talents. "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight," a James Taylor cover, is gut-wrenching as Clapton strains his talents into the upper register.
With the music accompanying his soul into the sublimity of love, one doubts that Clapton could ever be truly lonely when blessed with such forms of expression.
Although "Reptile" contains more cover songs that any of his albums in recent memory, no question of Clapton's own artistry is raised. He must deem himself a "reptile" as well, and the album is an excellent showcase of Clapton's diverse and varied talents.
"Got You on My Mind" is New Orleans blues at its peak - a vast talent taking on what seems to be the intimate setting of a small café. The gutsy vocals find Clapton in perfect form; listeners want to sit back, close their eyes and simply soak it in. Another cover from Ray Charles, "Come Back Baby" is a stripped down blues rendition, becoming a dirge chilling to the soul.
Characteristic of an artist who embodies as many stylistic twists as Clapton, the album continues to surprise. "Superman Inside," the first single to receive airplay, sounds like a new rock release should.
The lyrics are catchy, and as Clapton calls on listeners to "look in the mirror," he seems to reflect on his own past musical exploits. The album expresses an intense desire to reveal and receive credit for Clapton's wide spectrum of talent.
Clapton's own "Believe in Life" captures each of the talents he wants to broadcast. Opening with an inspiring guitar solo, the song leads into the soulful vocals that listeners worldwide expect. The resulting combination is nothing short of transcendent; the reason for Clapton's fame in both these areas lies here.
Although overshadowed by Clapton's aptitude, Texas bluesman Doyle Bramhall II once again lends his guitar expertise to the album. "Reptile" also showcases the talents of the world-renowned Impressions, here singing backup for most of the tracks. Clapton's newest album certainly owes its thanks to the abilities of these musicians, but listeners find it difficult to remove any of the glory from Clapton himself.
"Reptile" is literally Clapton's attempt to credit the men who have influenced his life and walked along the same roads. Certainly the two instrumental tracks, "Reptile" and "Son and Sylvia," serve to emphasize the beauty of a lasting loyalty. In the end, however, once we have figured out the intended definition of the word, it is Clapton who becomes the reptile. It is upon him that listeners bestow the sincerest of admiration; once again, Clapton demands a place in the sun.
As an artist whose career has traversed paths ranging from straight rock with the band Cream to collaborations with blues legends like B.B. King, Clapton has proved to be a proper legend himself, and "Reptile" continues his illustrius canon of music.
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