"Wheels of Fire" marks the third album by the British rock band Cream, making its debut in the US in June 1968 as a two-disc vinyl LP. This unique album featured one disc recorded in the studio and the other captured live, showcasing Cream's prowess in both settings. Following its US release, "Wheels of Fire" hit the shelves in the UK on August 9.
The album soared to number three in the United Kingdom and clinched the number one spot in the United States, Canada, and Australia, making history as the world's first platinum-selling double album. Its monumental success cemented Cream's status as one of the most influential bands of the era.
"Wheels of Fire" earned widespread acclaim, with Rolling Stone magazine ranking it at number 205 on its prestigious list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Additionally, it secured a notable spot in Colin Larkin's All Time Top 1000 Albums, coming in at number 757 in the third edition.
The album's release was not without its unique packaging. It was also issued as two single LPs: "Wheels of Fire (In the Studio)" and "Wheels of Fire (Live at the Fillmore)," each adorned with similar cover art. Notably, the studio album art featured black print on aluminum foil, while the live album art sported a negative image of the studio cover. In various regions such as Japan and Australia, the covers underwent further modifications, showcasing Cream's global impact and the album's enduring legacy.
