Fans Name Cream's 7 Greatest Hits Of All Time -

Cream, the iconic British rock band formed in 1966, has left an indelible mark on the music industry with its unique blend of blues, rock, and psychedelic sound. With Eric Clapton on guitar, Jack Bruce on bass, and Ginger Baker on drums, Cream produced some of the most influential and timeless songs in rock history. So much so that we at StudyFinds have decided to delve deeper into the best Cream songs of all time, exploring the band’s groundbreaking music and enduring legacy.

Whether you are just discovering them or have been a long-time fan, the songs on our list are certainly worth listening to! As always we at StudyFinds have researched across eight expert sources to bring you today’s ranking of the top seven best Cream songs of all time. Don’t agree with our ranking? We would love to hear from you in the comments below. Now, onto the tracks!

The List: Best Cream Songs, Recommended By Fans

1. “White Room” (1968)

“White Room,” the perfect example of Cream’s top-tier lyrics and melody, is the first song we will be discussing today. This iconic track showcases Jack Bruce’s soulful vocals and Eric Clapton’s impeccable guitar skills, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The lyrics, written by poet Pete Brown, paint a vivid picture of loneliness and longing, perfectly complementing the melancholic melody. “White Room” can only truly be described as a “masterpiece” among classic rock songs, capturing the essence of the late 1960s music scene.

Bull Murph describes “White Room” as perfectly encapsulating the “sounds, colors, and feelings” of the era and making it into something beautiful. The song’s haunting intro sets the tone for the rest of the track, drawing listeners in with its mysterious and ethereal quality. Clapton’s emotive guitar solo towards the end of the song is particularly memorable, showcasing his technical prowess and emotional depth.

Pop Matters notes the song’s inability to get stale even during a time of constant radio play. With Baker on drums, Clapton on strings, and Bruce on vocals and bass lines, “White Room” has truly stood the test of time. The lyrics, filled with vivid imagery and poetic language, add another layer of depth to the song, allowing listeners to interpret its meaning in their own unique way. Overall, “White Room” remains a classic rock staple that continues to captivate audiences with its sheer brilliance and timeless appeal.

2. “Sunshine Of Your Love” (1967)

The track “Sunshine of Your Love” is next, and according to Ultimate Classic Rock, it was the Cream’s “biggest hit.” Prior to this song’s release, the band barely was able to put a dent into the charts with their previous singles. However, once “Sunshine of Your Love” hit the airwaves, it quickly became a fan favorite and catapulted Cream into the spotlight. The infectious guitar riff and powerful vocals of the song struck a chord with listeners that not only changed the band’s trajectory but also cemented their status as one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s.

Singer’s Room notes “Sunshine of Your Love’s” “bluesy rhythm” as a key element in defining the band’s signature sound. With Eric Clapton’s masterful guitar skills, Jack Bruce’s memorable vocals, and Ginger Baker’s dynamic drumming, Cream had finally found their winning formula with “Sunshine of Your Love.” As they continued to perform and record, Cream’s legacy only grew stronger, with this hit remaining a timeless classic that continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.

Described by Far Out as having heavy Hendrix influences, “Jack Bruce created the iconic riff the night after watching Jimi Hendrix play,” showcasing the band’s ability to draw inspiration from their contemporaries while still maintaining their own unique sound. “Sunshine of Your Love” not only solidified Cream’s place in music history but also paved the way for future generations of musicians to explore and experiment with different genres and sounds.

3. “Badge” (1969)

The song “Badge,” according to Ultimate Classic Rock, was Cream’s “last charting single” and was co-written by Eric Clapton’s friend George Harrison of The Beatles. The song features a catchy guitar riff and powerful vocals from Clapton. Its lyrics are introspective and melancholic, reflecting the emotional depth of the songwriting. “Badge” remains a fan favorite and a staple in Clapton’s live performances, showcasing the enduring legacy of both Cream and Eric Clapton in the rock music scene.

It features a smoother “poetic” style of lyricism by Clapton, as noted by Blues Rock Review, which reads more like his later solo material than the screaming “psychedelic” sound we were used to from Cream. The emotional resonance of the song, combined with Clapton’s masterful guitar work, makes it a standout track in the band’s discography.

This song is said to be a “pinnacle of sorts” and a “tease” of what could have been if Cream had not disbanded, writes Pop Matters. “Badge” is a testament to the talent and chemistry of Clapton, Bruce, and Baker. Even decades after its release, “Badge” remains a powerfully moving and unforgettable piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners of all generations. Cream may have parted ways, but their legacy lives on through timeless tracks like “Badge.”

4. “Tales of Brave Ulysses” (1967)

Featuring lyrics that were written on a hotel napkin by lyricist Martin Sharp, “Tales of Brave Ulysses” is the next track we at StudyFinds will be raving about today! U Discover Music notes that “Clapton was inspired by The Lovin’ Spoonful’s song “Summer in the City” when writing this hit. The song’s psychedelic sound and powerful guitar riffs make it a standout track on Cream’s iconic album, “Disraeli Gears.”

Blues Rock Review describes how Cream’s version of this “Homeric tale of a lost warrior” is one of the earliest examples of poetry being transformed into rock music. “Tales of Brave Ulysses” is a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends genres, paired with its outward emotion, creating a powerful and captivating listening experience. As the song progresses, listeners are taken on a journey through Ulysses’ trials and tribulations, making Cream’s innovative approach to music and storytelling truly stand out in the rock music landscape.

Reported by Far Out as being Clapton’s “first jaunt on a wah-wah pedal,” this song showcases the guitarist’s technical proficiency and creativity. The erratic vocals and psychedelic instrumentals further enhance the overall atmosphere of the song, drawing listeners deeper into the epic narrative. Cream’s ability to capture the essence of a classic tale while infusing it with its own unique style solidifies “Tales of Brave Ulysses” as a timeless classic in the music scene.

5. “Crossroads” (1968)

The track “Crossroads,” originally recorded by Robert Johnson in the ’30s, is the next Cream song on our list. Noted by Singer’s Room as being “known for its high-energy performance” and bluesy guitar riffs, “Crossroads” showcases Cream’s undeniable talent and musical prowess. The band’s electrifying live performances of this song have solidified its place as a classic rock anthem, captivating audiences with its iconic riffs and powerful instrumentation.

Blues Rock Review continues to mention “Clapton’s interpretation of the main riff,” which could be considered “cliche” if it wasn’t so epic. “Crossroads” is a true gem in Cream’s discography, showcasing their ability to take a classic blues song and inject it with their own unique style and energy. Clapton’s guitar work on this track is nothing short of legendary, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Ultimate Classic Rock says “Crossroads” is a genuinely electrifying “reworking” of Robert Johnson’s blues tune. The way Cream was able to breathe new life into a classic blues song like this is a testament to their innovative and groundbreaking approach to rock music. The band’s tight and dynamic performance, combined with Clapton’s masterful guitar solos, transforms the traditional blues song into a rock anthem that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.

6. “I Feel Free” (1966)

Described by Far Out as a “euphoric single,” “I Feel Free” showcases Cream’s ability to mesh together genres while still maintaining a unique sound all their own. Combining psychedelia, rock, and even pop, Cream managed to create a song that appeals to a wide range of music listeners. The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics make it a feel-good anthem that stands the test of time. Cream’s innovative approach to blending different musical styles sets them apart from their peers with this hit.

Noted by Ultimate Classic Rock as being Cream’s first single in their native country to reach the “Top 15,” “I Feel Free” remains a beloved classic to this day. The band’s ability to seamlessly merge genres and create a sound that is both timeless and ahead of its time is truly remarkable. Cream’s legacy lives on through its music, proving that great artistry knows no boundaries. Their influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists who continue to be inspired by their groundbreaking approach to music-making.

Featuring “multi-tracked harmonies, handclaps, and a single pounded piano note sounding like a telegraph dispatching the news,” “I Feel Free” had the makings in it from the beginning to be a hit, raves Pop Matters. Described as “cleaner” and “crisper” than anything anyone had done at the point (yes, including The Beatles), “I Feel Free” was a game-changer in the music industry.

7. “Strange Brew” (1967)

Described by U Discover Music as being a “pop song with a tough groove,” “Strange Brew” is the final Cream song to make our ranking. It was penned by Felix Pappalardi and Gail Collins. That, combined with Eric Clapton’s legendary guitar playing and Jack Bruce’s powerful vocals, captures the essence of the band’s unique sound. The song’s infectious rhythm, provided by Ginger Baker on drums, drives the track forward with a sense of urgency and energy. With its catchy chorus and dynamic instrumentation, this track solidifies Cream’s reputation in the Music Hall of Fame.

Featuring Clapton on vocals, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock, “Strange Brew” was the first single off Cream’s second album and also the first to hit the Top 10. The combination of soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and precise drumming in “Strange Brew” showcases Cream’s unparalleled musicianship and chemistry as a band. The track’s bluesy undertones and psychedelic flourishes make it a standout in the band’s discography.

Return Of Rock concludes that “Strange Brew” was definitely a song of its time, but a legendary one nonetheless. The song’s success further solidified Cream’s status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time, with each member’s talents shining through.

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