CREAM (BAND) Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery

CREAM were a 1960s British rock supergroup power trio consisting of bassist/singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker, and guitarist/singer Eric Clapton. Their unique sound was characterised by a hybrid of blues rock, hard rock and psychedelic rock, combining psychedelia themes, Clapton's blues guitar playing, Bruce's powerful, versatile vocals and prominent bass playing, Baker's pulsating, jazz-influenced drumming and Pete Brown's poetry-inspired lyrics. The band is widely regarded as being the world's first successful supergroup.

Large Hires Photo of the CREAM Band

CREAM Band's History:
 

In the world of rock history, few bands captured the raw energy and improvisational brilliance of the late 1960s blues-rock explosion like Cream. Comprised of bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, guitarist Eric Clapton, and drummer Ginger Baker, this trio didn't simply play the blues; they reimagined them, infusing the genre with their own fiery personalities and instrumental virtuosity. Though their existence was meteoric, Cream's impact on the development of heavy rock and psychedelic music still reverberates today.

The Cream of the Crop

Prior to Cream's formation in 1966, Clapton, Baker, and Bruce were already giants within the thriving London blues scene. Clapton, revered as "God" for his groundbreaking work with the Yardbirds and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, cemented his blues-rock maestro status. Bruce, a formidable bassist and vocalist, had played in seminal bands like Manfred Mann, and the Graham Bond Organisation, where he briefly crossed paths with the volatile Ginger Baker, a force of nature behind the drum kit.

Legend has it that the band's name, 'Cream,' reflected their collective status as the absolute "cream of the crop" in the British music world. However, there was also the sense that the band was born of a true collaboration – a blending of styles and talents to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Scorching Sound and Explosive Chemistry

Cream's musical formula was both simple and electrifying. They took the essence of American blues standards, amped them up, and extended them into psychedelic realms through lengthy, free-flowing jams. Bruce's powerful voice and melodic bass lines were the perfect foil to Clapton's searing, soulful guitar solos. Meanwhile, Baker's furious drumming, influenced by his jazz background, pushed the boundaries of what a rock drummer could do.

This dynamic produced classics like "Sunshine of Your Love", "White Room", "Crossroads", and "I Feel Free." Their debut album, 'Fresh Cream,' was an instant success, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with. Subsequent albums, 'Disraeli Gears' and 'Wheels of Fire,' further solidified their reputation.

However, Cream was a volatile cocktail. Their concerts were as unpredictable as they were exciting. Egos clashed frequently, the legendary animosity between Baker and Bruce occasionally spilling over into onstage altercations. There was an underlying sense that this level of creative energy wasn't sustainable.

A Swift Farewell

In 1968, less than three years after their formation, Cream disbanded. The short lifespan was largely driven by the constant personality clashes, with a sold-out farewell tour marking their grand finale. Despite their brief tenure, their impact was monumental. Cream helped establish the supergroup model, paved the way for hard rock and heavy metal, and demonstrated that the blues were a living, breathing organism, ripe for exploration and innovation.

The members went on to successful solo careers and other projects. Clapton became a rock legend in his own right, Bruce delved into avant-garde and jazz-fusion sounds, and Baker became a restless pioneer, even collaborating with Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Though reunion shows have occasionally taken place over the years, Cream's flame, as always, burned out far too soon, leaving fans and music scholars to wonder what might have been.

Eric Clapton: The 1970s saw Eric Clapton battle heroin addiction, yet produce iconic work like "Layla." He resurfaced with successful albums like "461 Ocean Boulevard" and "Slowhand." His music matured, showcasing vulnerability with hits like "Wonderful Tonight." While the 1980s brought sobriety, his output remained commercially popular. Albums like "Behind the Sun" and collaborations with Phil Collins kept Clapton in the spotlight throughout the decade. Learn more about him

CREAM (Band) - Selected Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

CREAM - Best of Cream (1969, Germany) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Best of Cream (1969, Germany)  album front cover vinyl record

 Polydor 184 298 , 1969 , Germany

The 1969 German release of "Best of Cream" on a 12" vinyl LP encapsulates the brilliance of the iconic British rock band. This compilation album features the best tracks from Cream's influential caree

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CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, Polydor Records) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, Polydor Records)  album front cover vinyl record

 Polydor 2383 119 , 1971 , Germany

In 1971, Polydor released "Live Cream II", a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. The album captured the exhilarating live performances of the legendary rock band.

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CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, RSO Records) 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Live Cream Volume II (1972, Germany, RSO Records)  album front cover vinyl record

RSO 2479 153 , 1972 , Germany

In 1972, RSO and German record label RSO released "Live Cream Volume II," a 12" vinyl LP album by CREAM, featuring Eric Clapton. This electrifying album captured the band's live performances

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CREAM - Wheels of Fire 12" Vinyl LP
CREAM - Wheels of Fire  album front cover vinyl record

Polydor Priviege 658 099 , France

The first record, recorded in the studio, presents a display of the band's songwriting prowess and studio expertise. The second record, recorded live at the Fillmore, captures the raw energy and improvisational genius of Cream

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CREAM: Related Rock Bands and Similar Music

Deep Purple

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals. Deep Purple

Jimi Hendrix

A legendary guitarist known for his innovative playing style and use of effects pedals. While not strictly a band, Hendrix's influence on rock guitar is undeniable, and his music shares some elements of blues and psychedelia with Led Zeppelin. >Jimi Hendrix

Led Zeppelin

Pioneered hard rock and heavy metal, with influences from blues and psychedelia. Known for their powerful vocals, driving riffs, and complex instrumentals Led Zeppelin

The Who

Pioneered power pop and mod rock, known for their energetic live performances and Pete Townshend's distinctive guitar work. The Who's music is often heavier and more aggressive than Led Zeppelin's, but both bands share a love for extended jams and powerful vocals. The Who