"Journeyman" is the eleventh solo studio album by Eric Clapton, released in 1989. The album marked a significant return to form for Clapton, who had struggled with alcohol addiction but had recently found sobriety. The album blends an electronic 1980s sound with the blues that had defined much of Clapton's earlier work. Tracks like "Before You Accuse Me," "Running on Faith," and "Hard Times" are rooted in the blues, while others incorporate the slick, polished production typical of the late '80s.
The album spawned several successful singles, with "Bad Love" standing out as a major hit. It topped the Album Rock Chart in the United States and earned Clapton a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1990. "Pretending," another track from the album, also reached No. 1 on the Album Rock Chart in 1989, staying at the top for five weeks, which was even longer than "Bad Love" (which stayed at No. 1 for three weeks).
Journeyman performed well commercially, reaching No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 16 on the US Billboard 200. The album eventually went double platinum in the United States, solidifying Clapton's return to the upper echelons of the music charts. Clapton has often referred to Journeyman as one of his favorite albums, reflecting on its significance not just in his career, but in his personal journey toward recovery and rediscovery as an artist. The album's combination of commercial success, critical acclaim, and personal meaning makes it a standout in Clapton's vast discography.
