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Creedence Clearwater Revival's star continued to rise with the release of their fourth recording, a concept album as a tribute to the working class people in rural America. Willy And The Poor Boys. This album improved on its predecessors in many ways. First, some new found creativity which was missing on Green River was restored here on such tracks as "Effigy" and "Poorboy Shuffle". In addition, each song seems to bring a different rhythm to the table. Finally, the songs on Willy and The Poorboys are more upbeat than on previous recordings. Overall, a very steady album.
Down On The Corner - On this song, Creedence was the first band to incorporate calypso music in a rock n roll song. The rhythm section is right on the money here and I especially like Doug Clifford's percussion. And they only want a nickel for this tune? I'll give them at least a dollar!
It Came Out Of The Sky - Jody makes his debut here! Superb lyrics by John here describing our farmer hero turning into a capitalist overnight. The guitar and piano runs add the right touch. Doug's use of the cymbals on the last verse complete this upbeat rocker.
Cotton Fields - The band blends their instruments very nicely to add just the right dose of rock n roll to this beautiful folk song. The vocal harmonies (not a constant in the CCR repertoire at this point) are delivered with perfection.
Poorboy Shuffle - A style of music that has yet to be duplicated on a contemporary music recording. Its interesting to listen to the primitive instruments specifically the gut bass,work together in this delightful street corner jam. And just before the song fades out, ...
Feeling Blue - ... we hear that great Cosmo backbeat which introduces the next song! Yes this song is slow and yes there's my complaint about one chord songs (Boy, Tom Fogerty must've been happy about playing this one!) but the Cosmo backbeat and John's bluesy vocals and guitar make this a good listen.
Fortunate Son - The hardest rocking song on the album. And for a good reason too. Thank you, John Fogerty for standing up for the hard working people of this country who have to take the bullet for those born into money! The rhythm section just emphasizes my thoughts more.
Don't Look Now - A very basic arrangement that works very nicely. Stu's bass solos are the highlights of the song.
The Midnight Special - It's a tough call here but this is my favorite tune on this disc. The changes in rhythm are masterful and the vocal harmonies add that good time feeling. Another song I like to play on my guitar.
Side O' The Road - An interesting chord progression with three stinging guitar solos. The song would be more complete if there was a bass solo and possibly a drum solo as well. I wonder when this song was played in concert were my suggestions ever adhered to?
Effigy - This song seems to describe what happens to those who cross the working class people for too long. The guitar solos further amplify the violent scene with a flaming fury!
Overall Rating: 9.25 out of 10
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