August

Eric Clapton fully embraced the '80s with this Phil Collins–produced LP of soul-infused rock. "It's in the Way That You Use It", cowritten with Robbie Robertson, moves at a steady pace before expanding to a chorus of synth and horns, glimmering against Clapton's gritty vocals. "Tearing Us Apart", a duet with Tina Turner, goes from zero to 60 in only a few seconds as the singers trade verses over subtly stylish guitar playing.