What does Money and Cigarettes sound like?

A laid-back blend of blues and rock, infused with Clapton's signature guitar work and a touch of country swagger. Rooted in hard rock and jazz fusion. Start with "Everybody Oughta Make a Change".

Is Money and Cigarettes a good place to start with Eric Clapton?

Yes, Money and Cigarettes is recommended as a starting point for new Eric Clapton listeners. A laid-back blend of blues and rock, infused with Clapton's signature guitar work and a touch of country swagger. Released on February 1, 1983, Money and Cigarettes marked Eric Clapton's first studio album after his acclaimed 'Another Ticket' in 1981. At this point in his career, Clapton was transitioning from the commercial success of the late 70s into a more personal and stripped-down sound. The album reflects this shift, showcasing a mix of classic rock influences while retaining Clapton's deep blues roots.

Who is Money and Cigarettes for?

Money and Cigarettes works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove throughout, laid-back vibes for relaxation and casual sing-alongs with friends.

How many songs are on Money and Cigarettes?

Money and Cigarettes has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Money and Cigarettes

Eric Clapton · 1983

37 min · 10 tracks · blues

A laid-back blend of blues and rock, infused with Clapton's signature guitar work and a touch of country swagger.

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Top tracks — play these first

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I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart — This track encapsulates the album's spirit with its catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm, reflecting Clapton's love for rock music while blending it with his blues sensibilities.
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Crosscut Saw — A cover that showcases Clapton's ability to reinterpret classic blues with a fresh energy, making it a standout in his catalog.
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Everybody Oughta Make a Change Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album, combining introspective lyrics with an infectious groove that highlights Clapton's lyrical honesty.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Clapton's guitar work within a laid-back blues framework but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
Clapton's guitar solos are prominent throughout, often taking center stage in the arrangement of each track.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove throughout
laid-back vibes for relaxation
casual sing-alongs with friends
short tracks for quick enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy intensity
prefer lengthy, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in Clapton's catalog that doesn't fit other specific roles.
Themes: personal redemption· smoke-filled bars· blues-infused nostalgia
Career context: Released on February 1, 1983, Money and Cigarettes marked Eric Clapton's first studio album after his acclaimed 'Another Ticket' in 1981. At this point in his career, Clapton was transitioning from the commercial success of the late 70s into a more personal and stripped-down sound. The album reflects this shift, showcasing a mix of classic rock influences while retaining Clapton's deep blues roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Gary Moore· Joe Bonamassa· John Mayer