Cream--Sunshine of Your Love (1968)

     The word "supergroup" in the music world was coined for Cream. All of these years later, we have understood that more than just ability goes into a group working together. Things like personal chemistry...which was a problem from the beginning with this group.
     Cream was formed from Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, both who were feeling stifled in the groups they were with. Jack Bruce had been in the Graham Bond Organization with Baker, and man were well aware that the two really didn't get along, but Clapton and Baker both admired his talent and so he was asked to join the group.
     The debut album, "Fresh Cream" was released to favorable reviews and good sales, which lead to "Disraeli Gears", produced by Felix Pappalardi in 1967. The first single off of that album, "Sunshine of Your Love" reached number 5 on the charts, and was their only gold single. The opening riff is one of those that has endured over the last 40 years and has considered one of the greats of all time. Baker's drumming is a driving force that counterbalances the guitar perfectly.  The song was written by Bruce, Clapton, and Pete Brown, who was a poet who later wrote their other big hit, "White Room"
     Within that year however, it would all be over after a clutch of great albums, a few classic singles, and a warning to future "supergroups" that musical prowess alone might sound good in the short term, but a lot more goes into a group that lasts over the long haul. In that short two years however they created some enduring music.