Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Creedence Clearwater Revival's first #1 album contains several well-known and loved songs. The singles "Green River" and "Bad Moon Rising", like "Proud Mary" before them, both stalled at #2 on the US charts (but "BMR" hit #1 in the UK). But CCR was definitely not a "runner-up" band in any sense! This album fully demonstrates Fogerty's knack for writing catchy tunes with powerful lyrics. The rockabilly sound is noticeably toned-down from the first two albums, showing the group's ease into the mainstream. But this is still very evocative music, and despite the length being less than a half-hour, CCR use the time to show off their talent. The cover, with John Fogerty prominently in front of the other three members, perhaps hints at his already obvious dominance of the group, although the other album shots seem to have the band on equal footing. I apologize beforehand if I have nit-picked these songs too much, but I'm just giving my honest opinion.
Green River (2:30) - A very swampy-sounding song, and of all the CCR hit singles, it may have the rawest atmosphere. I don't think any other song I've heard (Creedence or otherwise) sounds much like it. An apt title track to unite the other tunes on the record.
Commotion (2:40) - Simply that - a commotion! The most frantic Creedence song up to this point (perhaps exceeded only by "Travelin' Band"). The rhythm section does an excellent job of backing (and keeping up with) Fogerty's electrifying licks. A superb climactic ending as well.
Tombstone Shadow (3:36) - Another of CCR's blues-oriented tunes. Fogerty does some nice guitar work (except for the 32 straight occurrences of the same note in the middle that I find slightly annoying) amidst his bad luck lyrics. When you next get some good news, watch your back!
Wrote a Song For Everyone (4:52) - CCR's first ballad is Fogerty's protest against conscription. All he wants to do is write songs for truth, so what's wrong with that? I'll admit I'm not terribly fond of slow, unexciting songs, but I think Fogerty's excellent lyrics make it well worth the listen. It also shows his voice is well-suited to all tempos of music.
Bad Moon Rising (2:18) - This ominous portent of disaster is about Fogerty's dislike of Richard Nixon - people should have paid more heed to the Prophet! The music accompanying the foreboding lyrics is surprisingly upbeat and cheerful, but the band just can't help it!
Lodi (3:09) - Another song about someone down on their luck (ill fortune and despair seem to be common themes throughout the album!) I love Stu Cook's bass lines here and Fogerty's pleading voice devoid of hope. I've read that many fans and music critics think this is one of the finest Creedence tunes, but I personally prefer more excitement and guitar (although this is still a great song!)
Cross-Tie Walker (3:14) - This song should be listed beside the definition of "rockabilly" in the dictionary! More powerful bass and catchy guitar highlight the tune. The ending could have had more flare instead of a routine fade-off, but that's just a minor point.
Sinister Purpose (3:17) - Only John Fogerty could make the words "gray" and "hate" rhyme! This is perhaps the rawest Creedence on the album, reminiscent of Bayou Country. Doug Clifford gets more work on the drums than usual. My only minor complaint is the humming near the end.
The Night Time Is the Right Time (3:05) - This is one of my least favorite Creedence covers. I find the high-pitched screeching guitar annoying, and the "way-do-day"'s become tedious. The excellent bass and Fogerty's raspy vocals redeem it though - they are just not capable of a bad song!
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
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