The Core (song)

"The Core" is a long up-tempo song, clocking in at nearly 9 minutes long. Clapton and Levy sing the vocals as a duet. Something Else! critic S. Victor Aaron described the riff as "gritty". Rolling Stone critic John Swenson described the song as having a "boogie rhythm reminiscent of Derek and the Dominoes." Potomac News critic Bren Bailey said that the song "allows Clapton and his band to explore just about every vocal and instrumental blues experience known to man, and then some." The lyrics of "The Core" are about "self-motivation in times of difficulty" and is one of several Clapton songs that convey a message of faith. ==Reception==

Globe and Mail critic Brad Wheeler praised "The Core" as the "freshest thing" on Slowhand and as the album's "biggest, boogiest cut", with "solos (guitar and saxophone) flying crossfire-hurricane wild." Swenson described the song as "powerhouse Clapton caught in a glimpse of white hot frenzy." Robery concluded that "The whole band cooks on this one." Gardner praised the "recognizable" riff. A live version of "The Core" was included on Clapton's live album Crossroads 2: Live in the Seventies. ==Cover versions==

"The Core" was covered by Shannon Curfman (in a duet with Joe Bonamassa) on her 2010 album ''What You're Getting Into''. ==References==