Review of Cream’s Wheels of Fire Super Deluxe Edition in Mojo Magazine

Cream’s iconic third album, Wheels of Fire, has been carefully curated and expanded into a five-CD box set, offering fans a deeper dive into the band’s creative process and evolution. Jack Bruce, reflecting on the band’s early days in 1966, highlighted the experimental nature of their music, driven by a desire to blend various genres and styles in the vibrant London music scene. With Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker by his side, Cream aimed to push boundaries and explore new territories in their songwriting.

Inspired by artists like The Beatles and Otis Redding, Bruce was ambitious in his approach to songwriting, craving a raw and unconventional sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. Their collaboration with The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band and exposure to Pink Floyd’s experimental soundscapes further expanded Cream’s sonic palette, laying the groundwork for their innovative approach to music. The band’s debut US tour in San Francisco exposed them to a blissful, psychedelic audience that embraced their extended improvisations, propelling Cream into uncharted musical territory.

The recording process for Wheels of Fire saw Cream experimenting with a dual approach, capturing both studio and live performances on a double album. The studio sessions, spread across London and New York, showcased a seamless blend of riff-driven rock and psychedelic whimsy, hinting at their potential for mainstream success. However, it was the live disc that truly captured the essence of Cream’s transcendent energy, pushing the boundaries of conventional rock music into a realm of euphoric improvisation and musical exploration.

Tracks like White Room stood out on the studio disc, with Jack Bruce’s poignant lyricism and Pete Brown’s evocative verses creating a sonic landscape rich in emotion and depth. The song, a nod to The Jimi Hendrix Experience, showcased Cream’s versatility and creative prowess, with each member contributing their unique style to the composition. From Ginger Baker’s intricate drum patterns to Eric Clapton’s signature guitar tone, White Room epitomized Cream’s innovative spirit and boundary-pushing sound.

Politician, another standout track on the album, delved into political themes inspired by the scandalous Profumo Affair of 1963. Jack Bruce’s collaboration with Clapton resulted in a gritty, blues-infused track that captured the essence of the era’s social and political upheaval. With Felix Pappalardi’s expert production skills and Clapton’s blazing guitar solos, Politician became a timeless piece of rock history, resonating with audiences far beyond its initial release.

As Cream continued to push the boundaries of traditional rock music, their legacy as pioneers of the genre solidified. Wheels of Fire, in its expanded form, offers fans a comprehensive look into the band’s creative process and sonic evolution, celebrating their innovative spirit and enduring impact on the world of music.