Disraeli Gears Songs Ranked
Disraeli Gears is the second studio album by the British rock band Cream. It was released in November 1967[1] and went on to reach No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart. and No. 1 on the 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. Here are all of Disraeli Gears songs ranked.
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11. Mother’s Lament
“A short song, but still a pretty okay song. It’s really just meant to be an album closer, but the three can actually harmonize pretty well in a bluesy three-drunk-friends-at-the-bar-doing-karaoke sort of way.”
10. World of Pain
“I feel like musically this song is somewhat weaker than other tracks. The vocals are somewhat basic and the only member that really shines is Baker. However, the lyrics are outstanding in the usual masterful Cream fashion. Felix Pappalardi and his wife Gail Collins did some amazing writing on this that goes perfectly with the song style.”
9. Blue Condition
“The chill vibes this song gives off are just outstanding. Not to mention that the opening few seconds with the sliding feel sort of hypnotic. The lyrics are just fantastic once again. I also quite like Ginger Baker’s nearly lazy yet emotional sounding vocal style. My only qualm is that musically it doesn’t seem quite as good as the song that comes before it nor after it. “
See more: Cream Albums Ranked
8. Dance the Night Away
“The psychedelic majesty of this song is just magical. From the distant guitar solo of Clapton to the subtle yet pounding bass work of Jack Bruce, this song works perfectly. I actually think this song would’ve been better as the opening track instead of “Strange Brew.””
7. We’re Going Wrong
“I find this one to be somewhat disappointing compared to the last two songs. It’s more of a slow-burn psychedelic tune. That isn’t a bad thing, and it works quite well. However, it just doesn’t stack up to SWLABR musically nor does it match Tales of Brave Ulysses lyrically”
6. Outside Woman Blues
“A song that leans more towards straight blues that doesn’t disappoint in the slightest. It absolutely does justice to the original Blind Joe Reynolds 1929 song. Clapton does some great vocal work on this track in particular. “
5. Take It Back
“This one is just decent, but that’s just it. There isn’t much to say about this other than it’s the blues track that isn’t as good as Outside Women Blues. The harmonic work is solid, though. By the time it gets to the level of Outside Woman Blues, it’s over.”
See more: Cream Songs Ranked
4. Strange Brew
“This decent song kicks off this fantastic album well enough. It was an amazing bass line, as expected from Jack Bruce, and some great work from Clapton and Baker as well. Though, Clapton’s high notes mildly annoy me to some extent due to their shrillness. I much prefer Bruce fronting Cream. However, outside of that, this is a solid song.”
3. SWLABR
“This may be one of the most musically epic yet lyrically ridiculous songs I’ve ever heard. Ridiculous in a very, very good way though. It matches perfectly with the intense mind-bending style of the song. It’s the perfect follow up to Tales of Brave Ulysses and both probably should’ve been A sides.”
2. Tales of Brave Ulysses
“I would dare say this is one of the greatest songs of all time. This is psychedelic rock at it’s best. From the mythological poetic lyrics to Bruce’s powerful vocals and Baker’s pounding drumming or Clapton’s ahead of it’s time wah wah pedal jamming; this song is perfect. The issue I have is really small and stupid: Ulysses was a Roman character, while they mention Aphrodite who was a Greek character instead of using her Roman name Venus.”
1. Sunshine of Your Love
“I feel like Ginger Baker’s drumming in this song isn’t talked about enough; which is odd considering this is easily Cream’s most known song. It’s a great song with fantastic lyrics. Not to mention that Clapton’s total guitar solo breakdown within the third quarter of the song is just fantastic. I actually kind of wish that this track was longer.”