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Promises (Eric Clapton song)
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Wikipedia article
"'Promises'" is a single released by the British rock musician Eric Clapton in September 1978. It is part of his studio album 'Backless'.
Release
"Promises" was released as a 7-inch vinyl single in the United States, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Australia, France, Spain, the United Kingdom and Italy in September 1978. With the age of digital music, the song is available as a digital music download in nearly every country. Besides being released as a single, the track appears on various compilation albums including 'Timepieces: The Best of Eric Clapton' (1982), 'Backtrackin' (1984), 'The Cream of Eric Clapton' (1987), 'Crossroads' (1988), 'The Cream of Clapton' (1995) and 'Complete Clapton' (2007). In total, the title has been released on over 15 albums.
Chart performance
The release was especially successful in the United States reaching number nine on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 singles chart, as well as peaking at number six on the magazine's Adult Contemporary chart. It also reached position 82 on the Top Country Singles chart. The b-side, "Watch Out for Lucy" was subsequently promoted to radio reaching number 40 on the Hot 100 singles chart. In Canada, the single ranked at seven on the national singles chart and reached #24 on the Canadian Adult Contemporary chart. Additionally, it charted up to position 12 on the 'CHUM' charts in Canada. In New Zealand, a re-entry reached number 35 on the country's official music chart. In the Netherlands, "Promises" reached #40 on the Top 100 singles chart and stayed on the week for seven weeks. It also reached position three on the Dutch Top 40 "tip parade" (songs bubbling under the main Top 40). In France, the album was listed unter the artist name "Eric Clapton & His Band" and peaked at number 71. In Australia the song peaked at number 26, although in the United Kingdom it only made number 37. In Norway, the release peaked at number one on the Country Singles chart, which had been introduced that year and was removed from the VG-lista in 1980.
Composition and critical reception
"Promises" consists of four verses, two choruses and one outro. The song is in the key of G major and backing vocals were performed by Marcy Levy. 'Billboard Magazine' called "Promises" a "swaying, melodic rocker" that sometimes sounds like Clapton's earlier hit "Lay Down Sally." 'AllMusic' critic William Ruhlmann calls the song an "understated pop shuffle" and notes the writing credits of Richard Feldman and Roger Linn. Ruhlmann then goes on to criticize that 'Backless' and the song "Promises" are not "memorable recordings" of Clapton. The German music journalist Steffen Greifswald writes in his review for the 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung': "'Backless' is a good recording for music lovers and of course Eric Clapton fanatics. One recording definitely sticks out the song "Promises" has integrity, soul and passion. The track therefore perfectly sums up Eric Clapton and his work".
Chart history
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
Category:Eric Clapton songs
Category:RSO Records singles
Category:1978 songs
Category:1978 singles
Category:1970s ballads
Category:Rock ballads
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