Out of the Storm Jack Bruce hit in November 1974, right after the collapse of West, Bruce and Laing.
Jack poured everything into this one: his voice raw from years of fronting Cream, his bass lines still twisting like no one else could play them.
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Background and Context
Cream had exploded years earlier.
Then West, Bruce and Laing burned out fast.
By 1974 Jack needed to stand alone again.
He turned back to Pete Brown for lyrics, the same partner who shaped Cream’s best words.
The result feels personal, almost confessional.
Jack wrestled with addiction during this period.
That tension seeps into every groove.
Check the official site for more on his solo path: https://jackbruce.com/solo/out-of-the-storm.
Out of the Storm Jack Bruce Recording Sessions and Challenges
Sessions ran from late 1973 into 1974.
They happened at Record Plant studios in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Andy Johns produced alongside Jack.
American players brought a tighter, punchier feel than Jack’s earlier British sessions.
Drug use complicated things.
One wild night involved PCP; the band held onto each other to stay grounded.
Despite the chaos, the music holds fierce focus.
Key Tracks and Sound
The album opens strong with “Pieces of Mind.”
Jack’s bass drives hard, his voice soars over shifting rhythms.
“Golden Days” brings a warmer glow, nostalgic yet urgent.
“Running Through Our Hands” co-written with Janet Godfrey adds emotional depth.
“Keep on Wondering” keeps things introspective.
“Keep It Down” simmers with restraint.
The standout is “Into the Storm,” a rolling, powerful track that captures Jack’s spirit.
Hear it here: Into The Storm on YouTube.
“One” and the closing “Timeslip” stretch out, blending jazz touches with rock fire.
Musicians and Production
Steve Hunter handles guitars with taste and fire.
He shows real restraint, letting Jack’s bass and voice lead.
Jim Keltner drums on most tracks, bringing crisp precision.
Jim Gordon takes the rest, adding his signature swing.
Jack plays bass, vocals, keyboards, harmonica—everything else.
The sound feels alive, dynamic, never overproduced.
Out of the Storm Jack Bruce Critical Reception and Legacy
Reviews praised it at release.
Melody Maker called Jack one of rock’s most important figures.
AllMusic highlights Hunter’s proficiency and the album’s excellence.
It charted low at No. 160 on Billboard.
Sales disappointed, but time has been kinder.
Fans now see it as a bridge from Cream’s fury to Jack’s later explorations.
Details on Wikipedia confirm its place: Out of the Storm Wikipedia.
Influence on Later Work
This album echoes in Jack’s future projects.
His bass work here influenced countless players.
The introspective lyrics set a tone for his 70s and 80s output.
Compare it to earlier gems like Songs for a Tailor.
Or the jazzier Harmony Row.
His Cream legacy looms large; see our deep dive on members of Cream.
Why Listen Today
Out of the Storm Jack Bruce rewards repeated spins.
It captures a master at a turning point.
The playing crackles with energy.
The songs dig deep without losing groove.
Grab it and hear why Jack remains essential.
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