Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6 cover

Royal Albert Hall London May 2-3-5-6

Cream

115 min · 19 tracks · hard rock

A vibrant showcase of blues-infused rock that captures the raw energy and improvisational spirit of Cream's live performances.

Top tracks — play these first

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    I’m So Glad Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Crossroads — This track showcases Eric Clapton's virtuosic guitar work and the band's improvisational prowess, making it a standout moment during their live performance.
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    Sunshine of Your Love — With its iconic riff and powerful vocal delivery, this track exemplifies Cream’s unique blend of blues and rock, resonating with long-time fans and newcomers alike.
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    Politician — The politically charged lyrics and dynamic instrumentation reflect the band's roots in blues rock while highlighting their ongoing relevance in contemporary discussions.
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    White Room — This song combines poetic lyrics with a haunting melody, showcasing the band's artistic depth and Clapton's emotive guitar solos.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The live album captures Cream's improvisational spirit and showcases their classic tracks with fresh energy.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks include dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity, with moments of quiet reflection followed by explosive guitar solos.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic live performance energy
  • extended improvisational segments
  • wave-like pacing throughout
  • for late-night listening
  • captivating crowd interaction moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek polished studio sound

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marks Cream's significant reunion and showcases their enduring legacy in live performance.
Career context
Released in 2005, this live album marks Cream's first reunion since their breakup in 1968, capturing the legendary trio performing at London's Royal Albert Hall. It served as a significant moment in their career, revitalizing interest in their music and introducing their iconic sound to a new generation of fans.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Sunshine of Your Love

    The delivery shifts from passionate declarations to a more reflective tone, emphasizing longing amidst a backdrop of powerful instrumentation.

    This contrast enhances the emotional weight of the song, allowing listeners to experience both desire and introspection within a single performance.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 I’m So Glad Start here 6:19
  • 2 Spoonful 7:29
  • 3 Outside Woman Blues 4:33
  • 4 Pressed Rat & Warthog 3:21
  • 5 Sleepy Time Time 6:07
  • 6 N.S.U. 6:02
  • 7 Badge 3:59
  • 8 Politician 5:08
  • 9 Sweet Wine 6:29
  • 10 Rollin’ and Tumblin’ 5:03
  • 11 Stormy Monday 8:09
  • 12 Deserted Cities of the Heart 3:56

Disc 2

  • 1 Born Under a Bad Sign 5:31
  • 2 We’re Going Wrong 8:27
  • 3 Crossroads 4:25
  • 4 White Room 5:38
  • 5 Toad 10:06
  • 6 Sunshine of Your Love 8:47
  • 7 Sleepy Time Time (alternate) 6:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata