Disraeli Gears
Cream
1967
Album Summary
Disraeli Gears is the second studio album by the British rock band Cream. It was released in November 1967 and went on to reach No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. and No. 1 on the Swedish and Finnish charts. The album was also No. 1 for two weeks on the Australian album chart and was listed as the No. 1 album of 1968 by Cash Box in the year-end album chart in the United States. The album is considered by critics as one of the greatest albums of all time. The album features the singles "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love", as well as their respective B-sides "Tales of Brave Ulysses" and "SWLABR". The original 11-track album was remastered in 1998, and then subsequently released as a two-disc Deluxe Edition in 2004.
WikipediaI was relived that this didn't include racist or anti-vax conspiracy theory themes, despite Eric Clapton's involvement. I don't know if we should separate the art from the artist, but for the purpose of this exercise I will try. Bluesy and psychedelic garage rock. It seems the Beatles weren't the only band doing interesting things in 1967. However, the interesting bits are relatively sparse here and there are several weak tracks, some of which are really quite annoying. The performance and musicianship maybe also disguises fairly nothingy song writing. Overall, about half of the album was enjoyable and it is easy to hear how this would have been influential. Sunshine of your Love the stand out track. 2/5.
THIS ALBUM FUCKS! I actually remember linking this to Giulietti like a year ago, when i was on a 60's kick. this album is so far out there, but in the best way, and just makes you feel like you are drugs on points, lol. there are some weird fucking songs like "Mother's Lament" was fucking morbid, but the rest of the album is fucking genius.
Even in a release year crowded with banger albums (Jimi Hendrix, "Are You Experienced" and Beatles, "Magical Mystery Tour" among them), Cream's "Disraeli Gears" stands out among the very best of the year or even the decade. It's got everything you want form a 60s rock album (self-aware lyrics, social commentary, a bit of psychedelic juju, driving rhythms, the works) but with that extra dose of face-melting blues guitar from the the one and only Eric Clapton. The man's a guitar legend for a reason. Clapton's guitars, Baker's rhythms, and Jack Bruce's vocal performances combine to push out such a great vibe I can't help but love every minute of it.
Tales of Brave Ulysses and SWLBR are underrated gems. Classic album. Mother's Lament is weirdddd. Slightly repetitive at some points but a great listen. 4.5.
I can't believe I hadn't heard this album before. Sunshine of Your Love didn't even sound all that familiar to me. Anyway, this was bluesy and psychedelic in perfect amounts. It worked well. I hate Eric Clapton.
Quintessential psychedelic rock. Clatpon, Bruce, and Baker are all insanely talented, and each track managed to impress me. Lots of blues influence from Clapton's previous work in the Yardbirds. I love how the album goes from full psychedelia to blues near the end. Not a single bad track (ok Mother's Lament is just them having fun), and it becomes an enjoyable listen from start to end you can't get tired of.
What a trip! A grooveless blues rock pissabout with mildly funny jokes. At least the half-arsed Dylan impression was funny, regardless of whether it was intended to be.
This album makes me want to drop acid. Best track: Sunshine Of Your Love.
Big Cream fan right here. I had already heard a lot of the big tracks on here but never the full album. Had a lot of fun jamming to this one. I enjoy a little more heavy, bluesy psych rock as opposed to the more pop/folksy stylings of Love. Wouldn't say Cream is an underrated band because they are very well respected, but I feel like the heavy psych rock discussion of that era is pretty dominated by Led Zeppelin. It was just cool to hear another laudable take on the genre.
Yes, it's possible to separate Clapton's current tendencies to be an A-hole from the genius of CREAM. This album is a good reason. Nevermind the genius of Clapton's playing but listening to one of the greatest drummers Ginger Baker and the masterful bass playing of Jack Bruce makes this album such a sonic explosion that they only needed three members to do it.
Anybody who has read any of my previous reviews knows that I am not a lover of Psychedelia but beware because whilst this nods to then custom of filling yourself with mind-altering substances (and I am sure that at least two of this trio, Ginger & Eric, where stoned for the whole of the sessions) do not be fooled by the cover. this is a Jazz/Blues album of the highest quality. Classics like "Sunshine of Your Love" and "Strange Brew" and the Jack Bruce Composed "Take It Back" with some lovely R & B Mouth Organ from Jack are all classics. Love it as it is still Blues before they got "Heavy"... But probably one album that is the reason we had Led Zep Dominating the 70's. Love it and rightfully on the list. P.S. Mothers Lament is a music Hall classic too!
Nice steady late 60s vibes. And shout out to guitar hero with Sunshine on Your Love, classiccc. Would listen to chill and hang out with some upbeatness. Good high too
I enjoyed this. It was a different take on psych rock than the Love album. That one seemed very very 60s-70s to me. This one I think translates better today without seeming of an era (though it still is). I enjoyed Strange Brew immediately. Clapton was kind of a shitty dude.
Cream is always at their best when they lean harder into their psychedelia than leaning into blues. Also, I am convinced Cream is good in spite of Clapton rather than because of him.
Wow okay so I guess I know a lot more Cream than I thought. I get it now. The fuzz, chunky low sounds, the voice. It’s every movie soundtrack set in the late 60s/early 70s. A couple of weaker tunes, but just a solid rock album.
Sorry Eric Clapton, really not doing anything for me. I can understand the significance of this record, but it was 30 mins long and felt like an hour. Not a winner chicken dinner.
A power trio if there ever was one. Clapton has the coolest guitar tone of all time here, and he shows it off on just about every track. The bass makes some wild moves all throughout the record. And Ginger Baker’s drums thunder on every track.
Really psychedelic of course, I loved it alot! Probably won’t be in my rotation save for a few songs in the back on my mind since It’s not necessarily my genre, but it’a amazing nontheless!
Strange brew Killing what’s inside of you She’s a witch of trouble in Elle tric blue She walks like a bearded rainbow
Some lovely, lovely psychedelic rock. This is the album I think of when I think of Cream. It's just a joy to listen to. Calming at some points, rocking at others, Eric Clapton's guitar work is superb. I don't think there's a bad song on this album. The last song, 'Mother's Lament' is a bit weird and dark, but its an... interesting way to end the album? Nevertheless, a fantastic album that I will be listening to again soon.
"Oh, your baby has gone down the plug hole Oh, your baby has gone down the plug The poor little thing was so skinny and thin He should have been washed in a jug... ............. in a jug"
4.7 - So far this is the only Eric Clapton project I've heard that I wouldn't consider completely overrated. In fact, the intersection of blues, psychedelic and early heavy metal is truly special. "Strange Brew" starts us off with a perfect sample of all the colors within this record's palette - there's fuzzy squealing guitar, evocative lyrics and 12-bar blues. "Sunshine of Your Love" a rock mainstay invokes early elements of heavy metal. "Tales of Brave Ulysses", arguably the record's psychedelic apex, starts side B bringing together all of these elements. "We're Going Wrong" reminds us that in addition to being a world class guitarist, Clapton also has some impressive vocal chops. I also love the drumming on that song. "Mother's Lament" closes out the record with a dark little nursery melody.
Jace Bruce is perhaps one of the most overshadow music of all time. He shines on this album. Some really songs, Strange Brew, Sunshine, Tales of Brave Ulysses, SWLABR, couple stinkers like blue condition.
fuck Clapton. this album is great but I hope its the last Clapton album I have to listen to.
this is a great album, don’t love “we’re going wrong” and “mothers lament” (wtf?) but the rest are electric guitar bliss
My dad had this record in his collection and I spent some serious time working this cream into a foamy lather when I was growing up. From the album art to the primitive distorted riffs that go on and on, to the trippy lyrics (bearded rainbow, anyone?) this transitional album embodies what I had always thought the late 60's to be. Iron Butterfly's album sputtered after In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, but Disraeli Gears continues to crank out great tracks SWLBR, Strange Brew, Sunshine etc., (I can do without Mother's Lament and Dance the Night Away). It's hard to discount this album as it marks the beginning of the most important period of rock ... the early 70's.
If the remainder of Disraeli Gears had been a shambolic shitshow following the colossal one-two punch of Strange Brew and Sunshine of Your Love, it wouldn't be remembered as fondly as it is now. Thankfully the eight songs (nine if you want to count Mother's Lament) that follow Sunshine does more than what's required to uphold its weight and become equally memorable and quality songs that justify its position as the absolute peak of the sweet yet sour, shortlived lather of guitar/bass/drum combo that was Cream.
This is brilliant up there with the best rock from the 60’s cream is by far the best thing Clapton was involved in and this is their best album. 5 stars.
I have not listened to this in a while but it still resonates as a breakthrough album by three rock legends, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Most people have at least heard "Strange Brew" and "Sunshine of Your Love". There are many other great songs on this album that move seamlessly from the band's blues roots to more psychedelic rock. Love "Tales of Brave Ulysses." It was a pleasure listening to this again as it is an all time classic for me.
This is probably Cream’s best album. Half of it can be found on a greatest hits compilation. This album is primarily blues rock tinged with psychedelia. Unlike a lot of bands of the time, Cream does not let the psychedelic overrun the album and those elements are used tastefully and never at the expense of the blues core. The musicianship is of course top notch. With Ginger Baker and Jack Bruce having jazz backgrounds and Eric Clapton having a deep blues background, the quality of the music and arrangement takes priority. Luckily, both Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton have great voices which blend well. It’s almost unfair how good this band is. This album suffers only from the fact that it does contain some filler, though the short length of the album makes even that much more palatable.
Sometimes I thought I heard some licks from Layla, then I found out Eric Clapton was in this band
Excellent album - shame about the last track. I guess they were trying to demonstrate a sense of humour!
Super group comprised of Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, and Eric Clapton. This is a fantastic album. If I recall correctly, Tales of Brave Ullyses was one of the first song to feature a wah-wha pedal.
Well that album was a trip, I'd expect deliberately so. Bit odd that it opens referencing "Strange fruit" as it's a British Rock album. However felt like a true global album pushing boundaries for the time (and still now considering the blandness which permeates now)
This album was one of my undisputed favorites in high school, and it continues to be captivating. The lyrics come through crystal clear, and the guitar has some of the best riffs of all time. Despite the guitarist being a bit of dick, I thoroughly enjoy his work from the sixties. Of course the drums and bass are fantastic as well, but it's clear who they thought the stars of the show were in the mix. "Strange Brew," "Sunshine of Your Love," and "Tales of Brave Ulysses" are some of my favorite songs of all time, so I feel obliged to give this one a five. Bruce's voice is incredibly elegant, especially for other contemporary psychedelic rock (love Syd, and his voice, but Bruce definitely takes the cake). It's unfortunate that they only had a few albums, but they were all really solid. Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, and 11.
this album is such a great example of the british psych rock genre. in my opinion such a classic - it definitely deserves to be on this list. my favourites: sunshine (obviously but its a classic for a reason), outside woman blues, strange brew
I don’t know how many of Cream’s albums are on this list considering they only have four, at least one or two more of them should be here anyway, this album is an easy 10/10, no complaints whatsoever my favorite album is Wheels of Fire, but their entire (depressingly short) discography is awesome
Classic. Some familiar songs and new ones too. I enjoyed it. 33 minutes was shirt and sweet.
I've been waiting to get this one. It's a record I couldn't possibly give a "first reaction" to. It's one of my dad's favorites and I've listened to it so much on my own, it's kind of become one of mine as well (though I admittedly think the follow-up "Wheels of Fire" is the stronger record). The vocal trade-offs are great, the playing is tight (especially the drums, beware Mr. Baker indeed). I don't know what someone hearing it for the first time might think but damnit, it's my list. Favorite tracks: "Outside Woman Blues", "Tales of Brave Ulysses", "She Walks Like A Bearded Rainbow"
I love me some Cream. All four of their albums are fantastic and this is no exception. Some brilliant late 60s British blues rock. Can't get any better than this.
Despite a few songs not aging so well, too many classics not to give 5 stars.
Psych rock and blues rock with Clapton on the guitar, it doens't get much better. Strangeeee brewww. Kill what's inside of youu.
This is one of the seminal blues-rock albums of all time. It''s slightly dated but stands the test of time.
One of the best albums ever. not CREAMS strongest, but an all time classic, has influences probably every Rock musician since...
A classic Cream album with two of their most famous tracks "Sunshone Of Your Love" and "Tales of Brave Ulysses", but also with the totally weird "Mother's Lament".
Starting the record off with “Strange Brew”, ignoring the sleep inducing “Blue Condition”, and ending the streak of perfect songs on “We’re Going Wrong”. This album is almost pure perfection. I really enjoy “Take It Back” as well and the runtime is remarkably short. Had it been 2-3 tracks longer the more purebred blues songs would’ve annoyed me a bit. But this still stands out as one of my favorite 60’s releases. And that’s saying something.
This is not a perfect record, but it's a goddamn great one. What a group of musicians. Jack Bruce's vocals are legendary. 'Strange Brew', 'Sunshine of Your Love', 'World of Pain', 'Tales of Brave Ulysses', 'SWLABR' and 'We're Going Wrong' are all perfect tracks. And that's more than half the album! I generally prefer the psychedelic and heavy tracks to the more pure bluesy ones, so the end of side 1 is a bit of a slump after an incredible start. But who cares, it's still a collection of some of the best songs from the 60's.
This is a slapper album, and the album that completely changed the way people play lead guitar. Fuzz pedals, wahs, classic style. Clapton's finest work. I've listened to this album a lot over the years and I think all songs are quite good
Absolutely banging album. My favourite Cream song is White Room, on their next album, but I think this album is better overall, with Strange Brew, Sunshine of Your Love, and Tales of Brave Ulysses being obvious highlights. What makes this album stand out for me is that it knows what it wants to achieve and achieves it. Incredibly competent psychedelic rock, laser-focussed songwriting, and fun melodies. It naturally gets the +1 bad boy boost for Clapton's controversial comments, but would have given it 5 stars anyway.
Pumped to see this pop up! Obviously a legendary classic album, but I had never actually listened to the whole thing, only a few songs. I was not disappointed! Listen again: Yes, for sure! Purchase for my collection: Yep, especially if I can find an original vinyl! Favourite Song: Strange Brew Worst Song: Mothers Lament (what in the eff???)
I really enjoyed listening to this album. Including the strange brew, sunshine of your love, tales of brave ulysses. No overall theme, but contains good lyrics and great guitar playing.
Great riffage and poppier overall than I expected. Will revisit with more time.
Good album. A few standouts and a bunch of kind of “generic” psych-rock songs (that were probably no generic at all at the time).
They 're good moments are very good, but feel there's too much filler in their work.
Iconic 60s psychodelic rock.. Several very recognizable tracks like Sunshine Of Your Love.
Sue says her baby-sitter used to play this record for her. It's hard to just listen to it, without factoring in who the band members were, what they went on to become, and the influence this music had on the stuff that followed. It's at the crossroads of blues rock, psychedelic rock and hard rock. Letting Ginger Baker sing wasn't the greatest idea the ever had.
Great album! Wish there was a .5 option, because I would rate it 4.5, but I'm rounding down here. Also -i rated Springsteens "Born to Run" album a three before I figured out "comments first, stars second". That album probably a 3.5+, but my college roomate played it about 2042 times, so...
I thought this was an incredibly fun album and I want to go back and listen to it again (so a 4 star by my scale). Good music, good messages, good album.
Lots of 5s on this album. It feels like I’m waking with wine/drug hangover in a plush-paisley covered British mansion converted into an artists commune. The music songs to me like the bong smoking caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland, self assured, ironic and a little fucked up. Clapton kills it with the crazy wawa psych distorted killer riffs. Ginger baker is just banging around on the drums, getting ginger-tribal, heroine making him a stiff armed and a bit loose with the beat. Pretty great album, really nailed down psych and set the stage for garage and metal. But some of the songs feel a bit loose, one sounds like the proto version of white room. I’m so close to a 5, but I’m giving it a 4.
not as good as when i was 15. felt very dated, but i remembered why i loved Cream. loads of wah, heavy drumming, and jack bruces psychadelic lyrics. it's got to be one of the best examples of mid/late 60 hard rock
Het album klinkt minder chaotisch dan de hoes, en dat is een goed ding! Heb van dit album genoten, en zou het wel nog eens willen beluisteren.
Brilliant Album! Very tasteful elements in the songs and timbre of the instruments/vocals. Everything is quite balanced and it feels really pleasant for me.
Solid rock album with a handful of great tunes (barring the album closer). Best track: Sunshine of Your Love
Great example of 60s British blues explosion meets late 60s psychedelia. Great musicians. Half the album is Must Hear. A few fillers!
Oh wow. I thought Cream only had one album that was called Cream. It turns out that was "Best of Cream." Anyways, this album has a lot of songs from that best of, which suggests it is one of their best albums. The best of really picked the best songs off this album. The classics like sunshine, brave ulysses, and SWLABR make this album a legend. There are a few songs that keep this one from being 5 stars. Blue condition, written by the drummer, is just bad. They must have given this to the drummer to make him happy. Jeesh it is a stinker. we're going wrong is also terrible. It should have just been a drum solo. Oversinging is what it sounds like. The drums are the only standout on that song. Definitely give the whole album a listen, then get the best of.
One of the original "super groups" that really flexes their musicianship across this album. Everything is on point, and it is easy to see why they made such an impact.
Sunshine of your love é a melhor. Strange Brew e Take it back são boas também