'Money and Cigarettes' is the eighth solo studio album by the English rock and blues guitarist Eric Clapton. It was released on 31 January 1983, recorded in late 1982 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and produced by Clapton and Tom Dowd. The album was Clapton's debut release on his own Duck Records imprint, distributed through Warner Bros.' Reprise Records subsidiary.
Background
The album was recorded after Clapton's first rehabilitation from alcoholism. Clapton stated that he chose the album's name "because that's all I saw myself having left" following his treatment. After completing a North American tour, Clapton initially entered the studio with his touring band, which included Henry Spinetti, Gary Brooker, Chris Stainton, and Dave Markee. However, producer Tom Dowd was dissatisfied with the recordings and the band's sound, and asked Clapton to replace most of the personnel. Clapton subsequently assembled a new backing band of veteran session musicians, retaining only guitarist Albert Lee and bringing in Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass), Roger Hawkins (drums), and guest guitarist Ry Cooder, along with Peter Solley on Hammond organ. Clapton reportedly suffered from multiple collapses during the recording sessions.
Cover Art
The album cover depicts Clapton holding a cigarette while standing next to a melting Fender Stratocaster guitar, an image created by model maker Laurie Savage.
Commercial Performance
The album achieved moderate commercial success. It reached number three on the Norwegian album chart, its highest position, and number five in Sweden. It peaked at number nine in Japan, number 11 in New Zealand, number 13 in the United Kingdom, and number 16 on the US Billboard 200. The album also charted in the top 25 in Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, and the Netherlands.
The single "I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart" reached number 18 on the US charts, becoming a significant hit in the United States, while the follow-up single "The Shape You're In" was released in April 1983.
Critical Reception
Critical response to the album was lukewarm. AllMusic critic William Ruhlmann described the album as "just an average effort from Clapton," despite noting that it marked several turning points in his career, including his debut on his own label and his first album after giving up alcohol. Rolling Stone critic David Fricke gave the album 3.5 out of five stars, writing that it "makes no claim to greatness" but contains "simple, unaffected blues power." Critic Robert Christgau rated the album B+.
Track Listing
Side One:
- "Everybody Oughta Make a Change" (Sleepy John Estes) – 3:16
- "The Shape You're In" (Eric Clapton) – 4:08
- "Ain't Going Down" (Eric Clapton) – 4:01
- "I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart" (Troy Seals, Eddie Setser, Steve Diamond) – 3:13
- "Man Overboard" (Eric Clapton) – 3:45
Side Two: 6. "Pretty Girl" (Eric Clapton) – 5:29 7. "Man In Love" (Eric Clapton) – 2:46 8. "Crosscut Saw" (R.G. Ford) – 3:30 9. "Slow Down Linda" (Eric Clapton) – 4:14 10. "Crazy Country Hop" (Johnny Otis) – 2:46
The album runs approximately 37 minutes.
Personnel
- Eric Clapton – lead vocals, electric guitar, slide guitar
- Albert Lee – acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
- Ry Cooder – electric guitar, slide guitar
- Peter Solley – Hammond organ
- Donald Dunn – bass guitar
- Roger Hawkins – drums
- Chuck Kirkpatrick – backing vocals
- John Sambataro – backing vocals
The album was mastered by Mike Fuller at Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida, with art direction by Graham Hughes and El & Nel Ink.
