August (album)

For other uses, see August (disambiguation).

1986 studio album by Eric Clapton

August

Studio album by

Eric Clapton

Released| 24 November 1986[1]
Recorded| April–May 1986
Genre|

* Rock
* R&B

Length| 55:53 (CD)
49:31 (vinyl)
Label| Duck / Warner Bros.
Producer| Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Tom Dowd
Eric Clapton chronology
| Edge of Darkness
(1985)  | August
(1986)  | The Cream of Eric Clapton
(1987)

|
|

Singles from  August

1. "Behind the Mask"
Released: 5 January 1987[2]
2. "It's in the Way That You Use It"
Released: 23 March 1987
3. "Tearing Us Apart"
Released: 8 June 1987
4. "Holy Mother"
Released: 23 November 1987[3]

Professional ratingsReview scores

Source| Rating
AllMusic| [4]
Kerrang!| [5]
Rolling Stone| unfavorable[6]

August is the tenth solo studio album by the English rock musician Eric Clapton, released in 1986 by Duck Records/Warner Bros. Records. Described as a "hard R&B" album, it was primarily produced by Phil Collins, in association with longtime Clapton associate Tom Dowd.[4]

## Composition

[edit]

The album opens with the Dowd-Clapton produced "It's in the Way That You Use It", co-written with Robbie Robertson, late of The Band. It was featured in the Paul Newman-Tom Cruise film The Color of Money in October 1986, a month before the album's release, subsequently reaching No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for one week. Two tracks, "Run" and "Hung Up On Your Love", were written by veteran Motown composer Lamont Dozier while "Tearing Us Apart" was a duet with Tina Turner and "Bad Influence" was a cover of a number by blues musician Robert Cray. "Holy Mother", co-written with Stephen Bishop, was dedicated to the memory of another member of The Band, Richard Manuel, who had taken his own life earlier that year.

The album's only UK top 20 hit, "Behind the Mask", was recorded at the suggestion of Greg Phillinganes. Legend has it that upon hearing Yellow Magic Orchestra's original track, around 1980–82, producer Quincy Jones fell in love with the track, and he and Michael Jackson recorded their own version with new lyrics by Jackson during his Thriller sessions. The track never made the Thriller album but Phillinganes, at the time keyboard player for Jackson, later released his own version of the song on his 1984 Pulse album, which resembles the Clapton version that became August's lead single in the UK. Jackson's version was finally released in 2010 on the posthumous album Michael.

Clapton's studio band for the album included Collins on drums and backing vocals, bassist Nathan East and keyboard player Greg Phillinganes; saxophonist Michael Brecker, trumpeters Randy Brecker and Jon Faddis, and trombone player Dave Bargeron. Collins, East and Phillinganes would recreate their studio roles for Clapton's acclaimed live appearances over the next two years.

Veering between Collins soul/pop and Clapton blues/rock, August cemented Clapton's comeback.

## Track listing

[edit]

No.| Title| Writer(s)| Length

|
|
|

1.| "It's in the Way That You Use It"| Eric Clapton, Robbie Robertson| 4:11
2.| "Run"| Lamont Dozier| 3:39
3.| "Tearing Us Apart" (with Tina Turner)| Clapton, Greg Phillinganes| 4:15
4.| "Bad Influence"| Robert Cray, Michael Vannice| 5:09
5.| "Walk Away"| Richard Feldman, Marcella Detroit| 3:52
6.| "Hung Up on Your Love"| Dozier| 3:53
7.| "Take a Chance"| Clapton, Nathan East, Phillinganes| 4:54
8.| "Hold On"| Clapton, Phil Collins| 4:56
9.| "Miss You"| Clapton, Bobby Colomby, Phillinganes| 5:06
10.| "Holy Mother"| Stephen Bishop, Clapton| 4:55
11.| "Behind the Mask"| Chris Mosdell, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Michael Jackson| 4:47
12.| "Grand Illusion" (CD only)| Bob Farrell, Dave Robbins, Charles Robbins, Van Stephenson| 6:23

Some tracks were recorded for the album, but not included:

1. "Wanna Make Love to You" (released on the "Behind the Mask" single; later included on Crossroads)
2. "Lady From Verona" (unissued)
3. "Walking the White Line" (unissued)

## Personnel

[edit]

* Eric Clapton – guitars, lead vocals
* Gary Brooker – keyboards (1), backing vocals (1)
* Richard Cottle – synthesizers (1)
* Greg Phillinganes – keyboards (2–12), backing vocals (2–12)
* Richard Feldman – additional keyboards (5)
* Larry Williams – synthesizer programming (where employed) (2–12)
* Laurence Cottle – bass (1)
* Nathan East – bass (2–12)
* Henry Spinetti – drums (1)
* Phil Collins – drums (2–12), percussion (2–12), backing vocals (2–12)
* Michael Brecker – saxophones (2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
* Dave Bargeron – trombone (2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
* Randy Brecker – trumpet (2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
* Jon Faddis – trumpet (2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
* Leon Pendarvis – horn arrangements (2, 4, 6, 7, 9)
* Tina Turner – lead vocals (3), backing vocals (8)
* Katie Kissoon – backing vocals (7, 10, 11)
* Magic Moreno – backing vocals (7)
* Tessa Niles – backing vocals (7, 10, 11)

## Production

[edit]

* Producers – Eric Clapton (Track 1); Tom Dowd (Tracks 1–12); Phil Collins (Tracks 2–12).
* Engineers – Steve Chase and John Jacobs (Track 1); Paul Gommersall, Peter Hefter and Magic Moreno (Tracks 2–12).
* Photography – Terry O'Neill
* Photography Assistant – Tony Burdett
* Artwork – Zarkowski Designs, Ltd.
* Management – Roger Forrester

## Charts

[edit]

### Weekly charts

[edit]

| Chart (1986–1987)  | Peak
position

|

Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)[7] | 34
Canada Top Albums/CDs (RPM)[8] | 40
European Albums (IFPI)[9] | 10
Finnish Albums (Suomen virallinen lista)[10] | 15
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)[11] | 32
Italian Albums (Musica e Dischi)[12] | 19
Japanese Albums (Oricon)[13] | 28
New Zealand Albums (RMNZ)[14] | 38
Norwegian Albums (VG-lista)[15] | 12
Swedish Albums (Sverigetopplistan)[16] | 7
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)[17] | 23
UK Albums (OCC)[18] | 3
US Billboard 200[19] | 37

### Year-end charts

[edit]

| Chart (1987)  | Position

|

US Billboard 200[20] | 70

## Certifications

[edit]

Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

United Kingdom (BPI)[21] | Platinum  | 300,000^
United States (RIAA)[22] | Gold  | 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

## Singles

[edit]

Year  | Single  | Chart  | Position[23]

|
|
|

1986  | "It's in the Way That You Use It"  | Mainstream Rock Tracks  | 1
1986  | "Tearing Us Apart"  | Mainstream Rock Tracks  | 5
1987  | "Miss You"  | Mainstream Rock Tracks  | 9
1987  | "Run"  | Mainstream Rock Tracks  | 21

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Music Week" (PDF). p. 60.
2. ^ "Music Week" (PDF). p. 5.
3. ^ "Music Week" (PDF). p. 49.
4. ^ a b Ruhlmann, William. "Eric Clapton August review". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
5. ^ Putterford, Mark (11 December 1986). "Eric Clapton 'August'". Kerrang!. Vol. 135\. London, UK: United Magazines ltd. p. 18.
6. ^ DeCurtis, Anthony (12 February 1987). "Eric Clapton August". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 15 August 2011.
7. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
8. ^ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 0780". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
9. ^ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard Magazine. 7 March 1987. p. 72\. ISSN 0006-2510. Retrieved 22 November 2015.
10. ^ Pennanen, Timo (2021). "Eric Clapton". Sisältää hitin - 2. laitos Levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla 1.1.1960–30.6.2021 (PDF) (in Finnish). Helsinki: Kustannusosakeyhtiö Otava. p. 48.
11. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Eric Clapton – August" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
12. ^ "Classifiche". Musica e Dischi (in Italian). Retrieved 20 June 2024. Set "Tipo" on "Album". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Eric Clapton".
13. ^ Oricon Album Chart Book: Complete Edition 1970–2005 (in Japanese). Roppongi, Tokyo: Oricon Entertainment. 2006. ISBN 4-87131-077-9.
14. ^ "Charts.nz – Eric Clapton – August". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
15. ^ "Norwegiancharts.com – Eric Clapton – August". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
16. ^ "Swedishcharts.com – Eric Clapton – August". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
17. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Eric Clapton – August". Hung Medien. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
18. ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
19. ^ "Eric Clapton Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
20. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 1987". Billboard. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
21. ^ "British album certifications – Eric Clapton – August". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
22. ^ "American album certifications – Eric Clapton – August". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
23. ^ "August – Eric Clapton : Awards : AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 October 2012.

* v
* t
* e

Eric Clapton

* Albums discography
* Singles discography
* Videography

Studio albums|

* Eric Clapton
* 461 Ocean Boulevard
* There's One in Every Crowd
* No Reason to Cry
* Slowhand
* Backless
* Another Ticket
* Money and Cigarettes
* Behind the Sun
* August
* Journeyman
* From the Cradle
* Pilgrim
* Reptile
* Me and Mr. Johnson / Sessions for Robert J
* Back Home
* Clapton
* Old Sock
* I Still Do
* Happy Xmas
* Meanwhile

Live albums|

* Eric Clapton's Rainbow Concert
* E. C. Was Here
* Just One Night
* Time Pieces Vol.II Live in the Seventies
* 24 Nights
* Unplugged
* Crossroads 2: Live in the Seventies
* One More Car, One More Rider
* Live in San Diego
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019
* To Save a Child: An Intimate Live Concert

Compilations|

* The History of Eric Clapton
* Eric Clapton at His Best
* Clapton
* Steppin' Out
* Timepieces: The Best of Eric Clapton
* Backtrackin'
* The Cream of Eric Clapton
* Crossroads
* Story
* The Cream of Clapton
* Blues
* Clapton Chronicles: The Best of Eric Clapton
* 20th Century Masters – The Millennium Collection: The Best of Eric Clapton
* Complete Clapton
* Forever Man

Singles|

* "After Midnight" / "Easy Now"
* "Blues Power" / "Bottle of Red Wine"
* "Let It Rain"
* "I Shot the Sheriff" / "Give Me Strength"
* "Willie and the Hand Jive"
* "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot"
* "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"
* "Hello Old Friend"
* "Carnival"
* "Lay Down Sally" / "Cocaine"
* "Wonderful Tonight"
* "Tulsa Time"
* "Promises" / "Watch Out for Lucy"
* "Early in the Morning (Live)"
* "I Can't Stand It"
* "I've Got a Rock 'n' Roll Heart"
* "Crosscut Saw"
* "Forever Man"
* "See What Love Can Do"
* "It's in the Way That You Use It"
* "Behind the Mask"
* "Tearing Us Apart"
* "Pretending" / "Before You Accuse Me"
* "Hound Dog"
* "Bad Love"
* "Tears in Heaven" / "White Room (Live)"
* "Layla (Acoustic)"
* "Down & Out"
* "Motherless Child" / "Driftin'"
* "Change the World"
* "Born in Time"
* "Circus"
* "My Father's Eyes"
* "Pilgrim"
* "Blue Eyes Blue"
* "(I) Get Lost"
* "Come Rain or Come Shine" / "Ten Long Years"
* "3 O'Clock Blues"
* "Key to the Highway"
* "Worried Life Blues"
* "I Ain't Gonna Stand for It"
* "Every Little Thing" / "No Sympathy"

Soundtracks|

* Edge of Darkness
* Homeboy
* Rush

Concert films|

* Live 1986
* The Cream of Eric Clapton
* Live in Hyde Park
* In Concert: A Benefit for the Crossroads Centre at Antigua
* Sessions for Robert J
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2004
* Live at Montreux 1986
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013
* Planes, Trains and Eric
* Slowhand at 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019

Collaborations|

* Riding with the King
* The Road to Escondido
* Live from Madison Square Garden
* Play the Blues: Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center
* Crossroads Guitar Festival 2013
* The Breeze: An Appreciation of JJ Cale
* "I Wish It Would Rain Down"
* "It's Probably Me"
* "Runaway Train"
* "Love Can Build a Bridge"

Tours|

* Journeyman World Tour
* George Harrison–Eric Clapton 1991 Japanese Tour
* Reptile World Tour
* 2019 Eric Clapton World Tour

Bands|

* The Yardbirds
* John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers
* The All-Stars
* Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse
* Cream
* Blind Faith
* Delaney & Bonnie
* Derek and the Dominos

Related|

* Blackie
* Brownie
* The Fool
* Marshall Bluesbreaker
* Signature Stratocaster
* Crossroads Centre
* Crossroads Guitar Festival
* Pattie Boyd
* George Harrison
* Ferrari SP12 EC
* Va Bene
* Wonderful Today
* "Clapton is God"
* On Tour with Eric Clapton
* Nothing but the Blues
* Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars

Authority control databases |

* MusicBrainz release group

|

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