# Eric Clapton called Cream “really weak” on record. One 1966 album showed him how it should be done

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/eric-clapton-called-cream-really-weak-on-record-one-1966-album-showed-him-how-it-should-be-done/
- Published: 2026-11-05T20:06:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T20:25:14+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/album-eric-clapton-said-was-better-than-anything-cream-ever-did/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Clapton rated his Bluesbreakers album above Cream’s records.
- He praised the session’s freedom and lack of commercial pressure.
- He felt Cream struggled with direction and leadership.

## Summary

Eric Clapton said John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers album was better than Cream’s records, describing Cream as “really weak” on record. His view highlights how a musician can value the conditions and feel of a recording session as much as a band’s reputation or live power.

The article says the Bluesbreakers session gave Clapton room to play without pressure to produce a single or manage the group’s direction. Producer Mike Vernon recalled that Clapton stood close to his amplifier, forcing the team to work around its volume. Clapton also said Cream lacked settled leadership, with him, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker competing for control before they had worked out what the group should be.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.