Cream – I Feel Free - Ultimate Cream

Cream – I Feel Free - Ultimate Cream (CD)

I Feel Free - Ultimate Cream brings together 23 tracks from one of the most influential groups in British rock history. Formed in 1966, Cream united the talents of guitarist Eric Clapton, bassist and vocalist Jack Bruce, and drummer Ginger Baker, creating a powerful sound that fused blues, psychedelia, hard rock and extended instrumental improvisation. Their relatively short career helped establish the blueprint for the power trio, with all three musicians contributing distinctive playing and musical ideas.

Cream’s appeal lies in the chemistry between its members: Clapton’s expressive, blues-rooted guitar, Bruce’s commanding vocals and adventurous bass playing, and Baker’s dynamic, jazz-influenced drumming. The band could move from concise, melodic pop-rock to heavy blues workouts, psychedelic explorations and live performances that gave the musicians room to stretch out.

This 23-track collection includes some of Cream’s best-known recordings, beginning with “Wrapping Paper” and the defining early single “I Feel Free”. “N.S.U.”, “Sweet Wine” and “I'm So Glad” showcase the group’s blues foundations, while “Strange Brew”, “Sunshine Of Your Love” and “Tales Of Brave Ulysses” capture the heavier, more psychedelic direction that helped distinguish Cream from their contemporaries. “World Of Pain”, “Swlabr” and “We're Going Wrong” add further depth to the band’s adventurous studio work.

The selection continues with the monumental riff of “White Room”, alongside “Sitting On Top Of The World”, “Passing The Time” and “Politician”. “Born Under A Bad Sign” highlights the group’s enduring connection to electric blues, while “Deserted Cities Of The Heart” demonstrates their ability to combine intricate arrangements with forceful rock dynamics. The live version of “Crossroads” is a particularly important inclusion, capturing Cream’s celebrated interpretation of Robert Johnson’s blues classic and the instrumental interplay that made their concerts legendary.

The later tracks “Anyone For Tennis”, “Badge”, “Doing That Scrapyard Thing” and “What A Bringdown” round out the collection, offering further insight into the group’s varied songwriting and final period together. For classic-rock listeners, blues-rock fans and collectors exploring the roots of psychedelic and hard rock, this CD provides a strong overview of Cream’s musical legacy.

Tracklist

1. Wrapping Paper – 2:22
2. I Feel Free – 2:54
3. N.S.U. – 2:43
4. Sweet Wine – 3:19
5. I'm So Glad – 4:01
6. Strange Brew – 2:49
7. Sunshine Of Your Love – 4:12
8. World Of Pain – 3:05
9. Tales Of Brave Ulysses – 2:49
10. Swlabr – 2:34
11. We're Going Wrong – 3:29
12. White Room – 4:58
13. Sitting On Top Of The World – 4:59
14. Passing The Time – 4:32
15. Politician – 4:12
16. Those Were The Days – 2:56
17. Born Under A Bad Sign – 3:12
18. Deserted Cities Of The Heart – 3:41
19. Crossroads (Live) – 4:14
20. Anyone For Tennis – 2:38
21. Badge – 2:46
22. Doing That Scrapyard Thing – 3:16
23. What A Bringdown – 3:57