August

Eric Clapton adopted a new, tougher, hard R&B approach on 'August,' employing a stripped-down band featuring keyboard player Greg Phillinganes, bassist Nathan East, and drummer/producer Phil Collins, plus, on several tracks, a horn section. Guest artists appeared on a couple of tracks, including backup vocals by Tina Turner, and performing songs written by old Motown hand Lamont Dozier, among others. The leadoff track 'It's in the Way That You Use It,' was written by Clapton and Robbie Robertson for Robertson's score to the film 'The Color of Money.' Elsewhere, Clapton sang and played fiercely on songs like 'Tearing Us Apart,' 'Run,' and 'Miss You.' 'August' reached gold status in less than six months, Clapton's best commercial showing since 1981's 'Another Ticket.' The title commemorates the birth in August 1986 of Clapton's son Conor.