Eric Clapton has announced the forthcoming release of a new album, Meanwhile, expected from Bushbranch/Surfdog Records on October 4, 2024. The 14-track collection includes six new tracks and eight previously released singles, including today’s initial preview, which doubles as a first-time release, “One Woman.” Today’s drop flirts with Clapton’s affinity for rock reggae, kicking up a similar genre-bending approach to historic passes at past classics. 

Limited information on Meanwhile was granted via a press release, apart from a fully-fledged tracklist that lists Clapton’s LP contributors: the late Jeff Beck (“Moon River”), Van Morrison (“The Rebels,” “This Has Gotta Stop,” “Stand and Deliver”), Bradley Walker (“Always On My Mind”), and Judith Hill, Simon Climie, and Daniel Santiago (“How Could We Know”). 

 Meanwhile will arrive after Clapton’s 2018 holiday release, Happy Xmas, a predominantly blues-leaning set that came two years after I Still Do, the musician’s 2016 release via the independent Bushbranch Records/Surfdog Records, which climbed the charts and earned critical reception, in part due to recycled classics; J. J. Cale’s “Can’t Let You Do IT” and “Somebody’s Knockin,” Bob Dylan’s “I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine,” traditional “I’ll Be Alright” and others. 

News of the forthcoming LP coincides with Clapton’s return to South America, touring the region for the first time in 13 years. The limited run of concerts picks up today at Estadio Velez Sasfieled in Buenos Aires, and will be followed by four shows in Brazil, followed by a gig in Mexico City. After, the artist will pick up a trio of U.S. appearances. The aforementioned dates are support roles for  Gary Clark Jr. and Jimmie Vaughan. Tickets

Pre-order Meanwhile. Vinyl and CD varieties will be available on January 24, 2025.

Meanwhile Tracklisting:
1. Pompous Fool
2. Heart of a Child
3. Moon River with Jeff Beck
4. Sam Hall*
5. Smile*
6. Always On My Mind with Bradley Walker
7. One Woman*
8. The Rebels with Van Morrison
9. The Call*
10. How Could We Know with Judith Hill, Simon Climie, Daniel Santiago
11. This Has Gotta Stop with Van Morrison
12. Stand and Deliver with Van Morrison
13. You’ve Changed*
14. Misfortune*

*New song