18 Years of Cream Anthems

Clubbing institution Cream turns 18 next week, so we thought we'd celebrate by taking a look at the biggest Cream anthems of the past 18 years. 

 For this landmark ‘coming of age’ birthday celebration, Cream returns to its spiritual home Nation, with an all star line up of Cream legends and breakthrough artistes - including Paul Van Dyk and Laidback Luke.

There are few who can equal the unparalleled success that Cream has achieved over the last 18 years. Beginning life in October 1992 as a 400 capacity club night located in a Liverpool backstreet, none of those who were there at the beginning could have envisaged Cream would be where it is today.

Its success is down to many things, not least its ability to evolve with the ever changing music scene. But Cream’s fierce loyalty to its fans, its continuing dedication to deliver cutting edge line ups, production and that ‘unique’ Cream atmosphere is why Cream remains at the top of its game.    

So turn your volume up, relive those Cream memories, and enjoy! 

Year: 1992

Track: Bump ‘I’m Rushing’

Known for the relentless ‘I’m Rushing’ vocal hook, this was one of Creams biggest anthems in the launch year of 1992.

Year: 1993

Track: Robin S ‘Show Me Love’

The first of many US divas to appear on the chart, this is literally one of the biggest dance tracks of all time. Classic status had been achieved by the end of 1993 – but this song has been remixed, rereleased and sampled practically every year up to now...with no sign of going anywhere anytime soon! Most recently a remix from Steve Angello and Laidback Luke made the UK top 10 last year, an immediate Ibiza anthem, with Cheryl Cole sampling the song for her 2010 performance at the Brit Awards.

Year: 1994

Track: Strike ‘U Sure Do’

Although it was 1995 when this track became the monster club smash we know it as today, Strike released ‘U Sure Do’ in 1994 and began a massive promotional tour of Europe. Their biggest hit to date and successfully crossing over from the pop charts to the underground dance scene, it was taken from the critically acclaimed album I Saw The Future.

Year: 1995

Track: Nightcrawlers ‘Push The Feeling On’

Originally released in 1992, it was the 1995 remixed version featuring vocals from John Reid which propelled this single into the commercial stratosphere. Peaking at #3 on the UK singles chart (and charting high around the globe), the Nightcrawlers have really milked this dance classic for all its worth, re-releasing the track in 2003 and 2007. Relentless melodies and old-skool house beats; expect this Cream anthem to be on rotation for many, many years to come.

Year: 1996

Track: Sandy B ‘Make The World Go Round’

Production from Deep Dish gave this 1996 track the edge needed to become a legendary Cream anthem.

Year: 1997

Track: Ultra Nate ‘Free’

Easily the biggest crossover dance track of 1997, US diva Ultra Nate scored the biggest hit of her career with ‘Free’; a euphoric, empowering house tune with enough pop flavour to guarantee its place in playlists across the globe year after year.

Year: 1998

Track: David Morales Presents The Face Feat. Juliet Rogers ‘Needin’ You’

A definitive house anthem, ‘Needin’ U’ came out on Manifesto Records in 1998. Immediately becoming a true club classic, this was Morales’s biggest hit to date – the perfect soundtrack to a hot summers night at Cream Ibiza.

Year: 1999

Track: Chicane ‘Saltwater’

This haunting trance flavoured tune became a monster dance hit across Europe in 1999. The definition of summer anthem, a guaranteed hand raiser!

Year: 2000

Track: Bob Sinclar ‘Feel For You’

Perhaps more widely known for his mid naughties dance hits, ‘Feel For You’ was the track which firmly put Bob Sinclar on the global DJ radar. A perfect example of European house at its best and a firm Cream favourite.

Year: 2001

Track: iiO ‘Rapture’

The debut single from New York based dance duo iiO, ‘Rapture’ was a surprise chart smash in 2001 peaking at #2 on the UK singles chart. The act has thus far failed to repeat anywhere this song's success, but are well and truly cemented in the Cream anthems hall of fame thanks to this super-catchy euro-dance tune.

Year: 2002

Track: Basement Jaxx ‘Where’s Your Head At?’

Eight years into their career and following a period of big chart success, this became a massive international hit in 2002 for the eclectic Brixton dance act.

Year: 2003

Track: Oakenfold ‘Starry Eyed Surprise’

A collaboration with US rap band Crazy Town, this track sees Oakenfold move away from the more electronic sound favoured on his many Perfecto label releases. A chilled, hook laden sunset anthem, this was the soundtrack to many early morning clubbing experiences.

Year: 2004

Track: Shapeshifters ‘Lola's Theme’

London based DJ duo Shapeshifters exploded onto the UK music scene with this massive number 1 chart smash in 2004. The launch pad for a string of hit singles, an album, and leading to some impressive residency deals – this UK house anthem truly set the lads up for a long and successful music career.

Year: 2005

Track: Mylo VS Miami Sound Machine ‘Doctor Pressure’

A mash up of Mylos track ‘Drop The Pressure’ and Miami Sound Machines ‘Doctor Beat’ , this huge Summer tune charted all over the Europe and remains a staple track in many Cream sets.

Year: 2006

Track: David Guetta VS The Egg ‘Love Don’t Let Me Go (Walking Away)’

Starting life in the underground as a naughty bootleg at the end of '05, David's 'Love Don't Let Me Go' disappeared on a smutty three day bender with The Egg classic, 'Walking Away' and somehow re-emerged as a body-popping b-line laced with cheeky electro reverb and staccato synths. Without doubt the biggest anthem of 2006.

Year: 2007

Track: Axwell Feat. Max C ‘I Found U’

With techno and electro really grabbing the mainstreams charts and radio stations by the balls, Axwell unleashed this stomping techno-house monster in 2007. A peak of #6 on the UK singles chart certified it a massive success, heralding a whole new era of electronica penetrating a wider audience than ever before.

Year: 2008

Track: Utah Saints ‘Something Good 08’

Originally released in 1992, this 2008 remix released through Ministry of Sound peaked at #8 on the UK singles chart, giving the band their first top 20 hit in 15 years. Dubbed an ‘aggressive dance/house track’, the video went on to win Best Dance Video at the UK Video Music Awards 2008.

Year: 2009

Track: Deadmau5 – ‘I Remember’

Despite being on the international dance music scene for 4 years, it was the release of ‘I Remember’, a collaboration with Kaskade, which thrust Deadmau5 into the public conscience. A melodic, sweeping trance number, Radio lapped it up and the song was everywhere, elevating Deadmau5 officially to superstar DJ status.

Year: 2010

Track: Swedish House Mafia Feat. Pharrell ‘One (Your Name)’

Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso, AKA Swedish House Mafia, dominated the airwaves and club sound systems with their first official collaborative single ‘One (Your Name)’, featuring US hip hop superstar Pharrell. A huge commercial hit, and arguably the biggest dance tune of year...

Compiled by: Chris White

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