Eric Clapton: 461 Ocean Boulevard

Eric Clapton – 461 Ocean Boulevard is one of the most fitting classic rock albums for any beach-focused music collection. Released in July 1974, this was Clapton’s second solo studio album and marked his highly anticipated return to recording following a three-year hiatus. Recorded between April and May 1974, the album arrived shortly after the release of the hit single “I Shot the Sheriff,” which helped reintroduce Clapton to a global audience.

The album reached #1 on multiple international charts and has sold more than two million copies worldwide. Its title references 461 Ocean Boulevard in Golden Beach, Florida — the barrier island home where Clapton lived during the recording sessions. So many fans flocked to the address after the album’s success that the street number was eventually changed. The house has since been rebuilt and the original address restored.

While the record contains three original compositions — “Get Ready,” “Give Me Strength,” and “Let It Grow” — much of the album features carefully selected covers, including Bob Marley’s “I Shot the Sheriff,” Robert Johnson’s “Steady Rollin’ Man,” Johnny Otis’ “Willie and the Hand Jive,” and George Terry’s “Mainline Florida.” Widely regarded as a strong comeback, 461 Ocean Boulevard was ranked #411 on Rolling Stone’s 2012 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. A must-have classic rock CD with unmistakable ocean ties.