Well, here we go again, trying to justify and equate the dynamic blues guitarist, the Artist Formally Known as God, with the songwriter, softer side of Slowhand.

After the loose interpretations and arrangements of "Unplugged," and the return to the roots of the blues dominated "From the Cradle," Clapton returns with "Pilgrim," his first offering of (I cringe as I write this) pop songs since 1989’s "Journeyman."

Whether you like it or not depends, quite honestly, on whether you like "Layla" from 1970 or "Layla" from "Unplugged" in 1992. That is, whether you appreciate Clapton the guitar wizard or Clapton with quiet songs backed by minimal, albeit strong, guitar work and a string section.

11 of the 14 songs on this record have no drummer, rather a drum programmer. There is no true guitar solo until several tracks in. The album, helped along by Babyface and Simon Climie, seems focused on the adult contemporary side, offering slickness instead of quickness, passionless string backing instead of soul.

Again, if you liked "Change the World" from last year, you’ll like this. Me, I’ll take a pass until Clapton comes roaring out again.