Derek & The Dominos – Layla And Other Love Stories

Easily one of the most famous, successful and must-have records of all-time, this 1971 release really needs very little introduction. If you just moved to this planet, you might like to know that “Derek” of Derek and the Dominos was Eric Clapton. This was the short-lived band that he formed with hopes of laying low and escaping the unrelenting attention that plagued his previous projects in Cream and Blind Faith.

His cover was blown rather quickly. And of all the incredible records Clapton’s put out through his incredible career, this one would probably get the most votes for his best. His supporting cast includes none other than Duane Allman, who lends his unmistakable slide guitar to the title track, which incidentally is an ode to George Harrison’s wife Patti, whom Clapton had fallen desperately in love with. Also onboard are several sidemen from Delaney & Bonnie. There’s simply no disputing this record’s greatness — front to back.