On August 9 (US) and August 22 (UK), 1969 "Blind Faith" released their self-titled album "Blind Faith".
This is a one-off masterpiece album by the "Blind Faith" supergroup, leaving a remarkable yet brief chapter in rock history. Released in 1969, it represents the culmination of immense talent, ambition, and, ultimately, the pressures that led to the band's short-lived existence. Despite the group's rapid dissolution, the album remains a classic, a snapshot of four musicians at the peak of their powers.
Formation of the Band
The origins of "Blind Faith" lie in the dissolution of "Cream" in late 1968. "Cream" was a groundbreaking trio that achieved massive commercial success and brought international fame to its members: Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Jack Bruce. However, the band was plagued by internal tensions, primarily between Baker and Bruce, which Clapton struggled to mediate. Frustrated with the escalating animosity and tired of the commercially driven blues, Clapton sought a fresh, experimental approach to music.
Meanwhile, Steve Winwood, facing similar creative constraints after 3 years with the "Spencer Davis Group", formed "Traffic" in 1967. By late 1968, "Traffic" was on hiatus for Christmas, and Winwood began jamming with Clapton at Clapton's basement in Surrey, England. These sessions were promising, they immediately discovered they had incredible chemistry, but Clapton was hesitant to commit to another group, especially one that might fall into the "supergroup" mold that the press and music industry were eagerly anticipating.
The big turning point came when one evening, Ginger Baker unexpectedly appeared at a jam session with Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood. While Winwood was delighted, Clapton felt uneasy, as the casual, agenda-free sessions were now becoming something more serious. Despite Clapton’s reservations—particularly about reuniting with Baker so soon after "Cream’s" breakup—Winwood convinced him that Baker’s drumming was essential to their sound. Ric Grech, then a bassist with "Family", was later recruited to complete the lineup, leaving his former band in the middle of a U.S. tour.
The band was officially announced in February 1969, and the name "Blind Faith" was chosen by Clapton to reflect what the fans had as they came out to see them without hearing any of their music first.
The Album
Immediately upon it's release, "Blind Faith" became an instant hit, topping the charts in both the UK and the US. Despite its brief runtime of just six tracks, the album is a testament to the band’s collective prowess and musical synergy.
The album opens up with "Had to Cry Today" - A blues-infused track written by Winwood that kicks off the album with powerful riffs and exceptional interplay between Clapton’s guitar and Winwood’s vocals.
Then come the classic "Can’t Find My Way Home". An acoustic ballad, featuring Winwood’s ethereal vocals, and one of the album’s standout tracks that remains a staple of classic rock radio. Winwood wrote this song when he was only 21 and Clapton played acoustic guitar on this track, which is something he rarely did.
The only track on the album not written by a band member is "Well All Right". A high-energy cover of Buddy Holly’s song, this track showcases the band’s ability to reinvent rock and roll standards with fresh vigor. Although the reason for selecting this particular Buddy Holly song is unclear, its excellent arrangement on the album likely justifies its inclusion.
Then comes the masterpiece "Presence of the Lord" - Clapton’s spiritual anthem, this track evolves from a quiet ballad into a full-blown rock epic, featuring one of his most memorable solos. Eric Clapton wrote it as a personal testimony of faith, marking the first time he wrote all the lyrics for a song. Though deeply personal, Clapton chose not to sing it himself, opting instead for Steve Winwood’s lead vocals, as he believed Winwood was a superior singer. The song reflects Clapton's growing comfort with his life after leaving "Cream", but also his struggles with drug addiction and his feelings for George Harrison's wife, whom he later married. Clapton described the track as a "song of gratitude," expressing thanks to a higher power for whatever happens, a theme he would revisit in his solo work during the 1970s.
The fifth track - "Sea of Joy" - was written by Winwood, and it blends rock, folk, and psychedelia, enhanced by Ric Grech’s violin work.
The album closes with the extended jam of "Do What You Like" , allowing each member to shine in their respective solos, but also highlighting the band’s internal dynamics. Written by Ginger Baker this 15-minute track dominates the album’s second side, with Afro-funk vibe which foreshadows the creative direction Baker would later explore with his band "Ginger Baker's Air Force" and in his collaborations with African music legend Fela Kuti.
Album Cover Controversy
The album cover in the UK, designed by Bob Seidemann, was controversial from the start. Featuring an 11-year-old girl named Mariora Goschen, topless, holding a silver airplane hood ornament. Many found it disturbing, leading to alternative covers being used in some regions. This controversy only added to the mystique of the album.
The Short-Lived Legacy
The first "Blind Faith" concert was on 7 June 1969ת before the album was released, in front of an estimated 100,000 fans in Hyde Park, London, but they felt that they had not rehearsed enough and were unprepared. "Blind Faith" disbanded just weeks after the album release, largely due to the pressures of expectations and the internal conflicts that arose. Just weeks later of the album release, "Blind Faith" played their final show in Hawaii, on 24 August.
To Clapton, the band felt too much like another version of "Cream", which he wanted to move beyond. He was disillusioned with the “supergroup” concept and the fame it brought. When Delaney and Bonnie invited him to join their group, he eagerly accepted, forming the more low-key "Delaney & Bonnie and Friends" and leading to the breakup of "Blind Faith". Winwood eventually returned to "Traffic", while Baker formed "Ginger Baker’s Air Force". Ric Grech also went on to various other projects.
Despite its short existence, "Blind Faith’s" sole album remains a landmark in rock music. It captures the spirit of late-1960s experimentation and the extraordinary musicianship of its members. "Blind Faith" is a testament to what could have been if the band would have continued together, and a reminder that even fleeting collaborations can produce timeless art.
For Listening: Spotify, Apple Music
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