"There's One in Every Crowd" is the third solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released in 1975. Recorded shortly after 461 Ocean Boulevard, the album features a similar musical style but did not achieve the same level of commercial success as its predecessor. The recording process for There's One in Every Crowd was marked by personal struggles, particularly Clapton's growing alcohol dependency and drug problems, which made the sessions in Jamaica particularly challenging.
Following the success of "I Shot the Sheriff" from 461 Ocean Boulevard, Clapton and his band traveled to Jamaica to record There's One in Every Crowd. The album features several tracks with reggae influences, most notably "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Little Rachel," and "Don't Blame Me." These songs are rooted in the reggae style that was becoming more prominent in the mid-1970s, and they reflect Clapton's interest in the genre, which he had explored during the recording of his previous album. The rest of the album stays within the realm of blues and rock, maintaining a familiar sound to 461 Ocean Boulevard.
Clapton initially wanted the album to be titled World’s Greatest Guitar Player (There’s One in Every Crowd), as a tongue-in-cheek reference to his public persona. However, his record label, RSO, rejected the first part of the title, and the album was released under the shortened title There’s One in Every Crowd.
The recording sessions for the album were difficult due to Clapton’s escalating personal issues. At the time, Clapton was battling alcoholism and drug dependency, and these struggles took a toll on the production of the album. Despite the difficulties, Clapton managed to complete the record, with the help of his backing band, which included bassist Carl Radle, drummer Jamie Oldaker, and keyboardist Dick Sims. The sessions took place at the famous Kingston, Jamaica, studio, which was known for its laid-back atmosphere, but Clapton’s state of mind made it a challenging period for him and the band.
There's One in Every Crowd achieved moderate chart success. It peaked at #15 in the United Kingdom, where it was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry. In the United States, the album reached #21 on the Billboard 200, continuing Clapton’s commercial success following 461 Ocean Boulevard, though it did not match the high sales or impact of its predecessor. The album also performed reasonably well in New Zealand, where it charted at #24.
While There’s One in Every Crowd shares some stylistic similarities with 461 Ocean Boulevard, especially in its blend of blues and rock influences, it ventures more deeply into reggae on certain tracks. The song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is a gospel-inspired tune with a reggae rhythm, while "Little Rachel" and "Don't Blame Me" also incorporate reggae stylings. These tracks represent Clapton’s exploration of different musical genres, influenced by the time he spent in Jamaica.
Other tracks on the album, like "The Sky Is Crying" and "Catch Me If You Can," return to Clapton's blues roots, but the album as a whole has a more varied feel, bouncing between reggae, blues, and rock. The album has often been noted for its inconsistent tone, with some songs leaning towards more commercial pop rock, while others show Clapton's experimentation with new sounds.
Although There's One in Every Crowd was not as commercially successful as 461 Ocean Boulevard, it still holds a special place in Clapton's discography. The reggae-influenced tracks were a departure from Clapton's usual blues-rock style, reflecting the broader influence of Jamaican music on global rock at the time. The album was also notable for its candid look at Clapton's personal struggles, which would continue to be a theme throughout his career.
