"Another Ticket" is the seventh solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released in 1981. It marks the end of Clapton’s tenure with RSO Records, as the label was absorbed by Polydor Records in 1983. Produced by Tom Dowd, the album was recorded at the Compass Point Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, and features the renowned guitarist Albert Lee, known for his work in country music and rock.
Another Ticket was Clapton's final album for RSO Records before the label's closure. It was recorded in the tropical setting of Compass Point Studios, with Clapton working alongside his band, which included Albert Lee on guitar. Lee’s influence is particularly felt throughout the album, with his distinctive country and rock guitar style adding a unique flavor to Clapton's sound. The album was originally released on vinyl and cassette formats, with a CD release following in 1990. It was also made available for digital download in 1996.
Musically, Another Ticket blends Clapton's blues-rock roots with elements of country, pop, and rock. While it retains a more polished, radio-friendly production compared to some of his previous work, it also features Clapton’s signature guitar playing. Songs like "I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart" and "Rita Mae" are upbeat, pop-tinged rock tracks, while "The Shape You're In" has a more mellow, soulful vibe. The album also includes some more introspective moments, with Clapton continuing to explore themes of love, loss, and self-reflection.
Albert Lee’s contribution is especially evident on tracks like "She's Waiting" and "Knock on Wood," where his nimble, country-inflected guitar work complements Clapton’s style, creating a distinctive sonic texture. Despite its lighter, more commercial approach, Another Ticket still showcases Clapton’s bluesy edge, particularly in his guitar solos.
Another Ticket enjoyed moderate commercial success, charting in several countries. The album reached the Top 40 in seven countries, with notable performances in the United States, Norway, and New Zealand. In the United Kingdom, it reached number 18, in New Zealand it peaked at number 3, in Norway it reached number 5, and in the United States it climbed to number 7. In Germany and Sweden, the album charted at number 26, and in the Netherlands, it peaked at number 38. While it didn’t match the commercial success of some of his earlier albums like 461 Ocean Boulevard, Another Ticket still demonstrated Clapton’s ability to produce consistent, high-quality music and connect with audiences around the world. In particular, the album’s success in New Zealand and Norway highlighted its appeal in certain markets.
The album received mixed to positive reviews. While critics generally appreciated Clapton’s guitar work and the inclusion of Albert Lee, some felt that the album was too commercially oriented compared to his earlier, more emotionally raw albums. Nevertheless, Another Ticket holds a place in Clapton’s discography for its contribution to his musical evolution during the 1980s, marking a period of greater accessibility and a shift toward a more polished sound. It was also Clapton’s last project with RSO before the label shut down, bringing an end to his association with the label. Although Another Ticket did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as some of Clapton's other works, it remains a notable release in his catalog, with standout tracks that showcase his adaptability as an artist and his ability to blend multiple genres into a cohesive sound.
