The 15 Greatest Eric Clapton Songs

From blistering blues-rock workouts with his legendary bands to tender ballads that bared his soul, this lineup spans every era of a guitar god. Where do you stand?

1

Layla

The anguished 1970 Derek and the Dominos masterpiece built on its iconic dual-guitar riff and piano coda.

1000pts

2

Tears in Heaven

Clapton's devastating 1992 ballad written after the death of his young son Conor.

719pts

3

I Shot the Sheriff

His chart-topping 1974 reggae cover of the Bob Marley song, his only U.S. number one.

645pts

4

Change the World

His Grammy-winning 1996 ballad from the Phenomenon soundtrack.

645pts

5

Let It Rain

A soulful highlight of Clapton's 1970 self-titled solo debut album.

645pts

6

Badge

The standout from Cream's 1969 Goodbye album, co-written with George Harrison.

599pts

7

Running on Faith

A gospel-tinged ballad famously performed on the Unplugged album.

545pts

8

Old Love

A smoldering blues collaboration from the 1989 album Journeyman.

545pts

9

Wonderful Tonight

A tender 1977 love song from the album Slowhand written for Pattie Boyd.

479pts

10

Sunshine of Your Love

The thunderous 1967 Cream anthem powered by one of rock's most recognizable riffs.

479pts

11

White Room

Cream's dramatic 1968 hit with its wah-wah solo and orchestral build.

479pts

12

After Midnight

His punchy 1970 J.J. Cale cover that launched his solo career.

479pts

13

Promises

A breezy country-tinged single from the 1978 album Backless.

479pts

14

Cocaine

Clapton's hard-driving 1977 cover of the J.J. Cale song, a classic-rock radio staple.

399pts

15

Crossroads

Cream's electrifying live blues reworking of the Robert Johnson standard.

399pts