Song Review: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Yeah, you were probably expecting Aerosmith again, right? I wasn't feeling Aerosmith today, so I'll take a break on that and hit one of my favorites. CCR's music is not nearly as heavy as Aerosmith or Springsteen, but their music has such a good feeling to it. They didn't emerge until the late 60's, so their music kind of helped to begin the rock movement. So let's get into it:

1. Bad Moon Rising (1969)

Bad Moon Rising is my favorite of Creedence Clearwater Revival's songs, off of Green River. It begins with a clean, bluesy guitar playing the basis of the melody, then the rest of the guitars, bass, and drums kick in. And then, the secret ingredient: John Fogerty's voice. Fogerty was the frontman of CCR, and he also put together an extensive solo career, with long-lasting hits like Centerfield. His voice is as unique as they come (which was a staple of bands to come; a unique voice), and his frontmanship led Creedence through the late 60's and 70's. Bad Moon Rising was inspired by a film that gave the members of the band a feeling of apocalypse. The song is all about how he feels that the world is about to end, with lyrics like "Don't go around tonight, it's bound to take your life, there's a bad moon on the rise," in the chorus. Fogerty describes the world around them, and the terrible things that are happening.

Rating

Guitar: 9

The clean classic guitar was a staple of the 70's rock movement, up until bands like Guns N' Roses took over with raging power rock. I feel that Creedence was the epitome of the clean guitar, as they used it to such an extent. They strummed chords for the background, played single notes for solos, and everything in between to make a complete sound. On Bad Moon Rising, the guitar plays a major role in a song without many instruments, and the sound is impossible to replicate; unless you're CCR, in which case you use it on all of your songs.

Aux. Percussion: N/A

Doesn't appear. Doesn't really appear in any of CCR's songs. From here on out, I won't give it a category if it isn't in the song.

Bass-line: 8

Nice bass sound, nothing fancy. Lifts the band up.

Vocals: 10

Fogerty is what made Creedence special. His voice echoes throughout the whole record, mixing perfectly with the guitar sound that CCR made popular.

Drums: 8

Steady beat, nothing special. Well done.

Overall Impact: 10

I didn't think it was possible to convey impending doom happily, but despite the ominous lyrics, this song makes me happy. While each instrument is nothing special, it all comes together to tell a wonderful tale.

2. Down On The Corner (1969)

Down On The Corner, off of Willy and the Poor Boys, is about a street band called "Willy and the Poor Boys" trying to earn money by playing "down on the corner." It begins with cymbal quarter notes, then cowbell and maracas join in. Then the bass, which is crucial to the song, plays the melody. Next the guitar joins in, playing chords above it all. Fogerty starts in, sings the verse, then sings the chorus. All the while, the bass continues on, the drums play the simple rhythm, and guitar plays the chords. Cowbell and maracas keep on going. It doesn't really change; it is all about the story behind Fogerty's lyrics, and how well it all works together.

Rating

Guitar: 8

Not as important here, their chords are mostly background. The guitars don't solo in this song, but their sound is still strong and present.

Aux. Percussion: 8

It does appear in Down on the Corner. Maracas and cowbell help cement the beat with the drums.

Bass-line: 10

The bass, shockingly, has the melody through the whole song. At one point, multiple basses play the same thing in different keys; the sound produced is remarkable.

Vocals: 10

It's Fogerty, and he does what he does best: tells a story.

Drums: 8

A very simple beat as in most of CCR's songs, but executed well. CCR is not one for flashy drums, and it fits well with their repertoire.

Overall Impact: 10

This song gives me a vivid picture of the scene every time I listen to it. It lists people and instruments, and you can see exactly what they're talking about. It's simplistic but beautiful.

3. Fortunate Son (1969)

Probably CCR's most popular song, Fortunate Son is their stand against the Vietnam War. The whole song details how they aren't lucky enough to be "fortunate", and sons of high-ranking people, so they can't get out of the draft they don't want to partake in. It's more guitar heavy than most of their songs, with a little grittier guitar, but still that distinctive clean sound and Fogerty's voice. The bass and drums start off a steady beat, then the main guitar jumps in with the melody. Next Fogerty and the rhythm guitar play the verse, with the main guitar playing riffs in between verses. This continues with occasional breakdown sections where the guitar plays the main part, with bass and cymbal backing it.

Rating

Guitar: 9

As crucial as ever to CCR's music, guitar plays a major role in Fortunate Son. Many different guitars play different parts, and sound good doing it.

Bass-line: 8

Actually more present than you realize, the bass is very important in this song. He doesn't play very flashy here, but it does play a significant part.

Vocals: 10

Clearly.

Drums: 9

I think the drums were a little more sophisticated here than other songs by Creedence. They have some little fills and riffs here and there, and I think they stick out a little more (in a good way.)

Overall Impact: 9

This song, for me personally, gets a little repetitive. However, it does provide an excellent view into Vietnam War-era America, and the tension between the government and the people.

4. Have You Ever Seen The Rain (1970)

Have You Ever Seen The Rain is about divides that began to form between members of the band. Band members told Fogerty that they wanted an equal say in the band. This song is about how finally the rain has caught up to them. It starts with guitar chords, then the bass kicks in with the melody underneath. Fogerty sings, then piano and organ help while he sings the chorus.

Rating

Guitar: 8

Guitar isn't massively important in a CCR song that features more instruments than usual. It's mostly in the background.

Aux (Organ!): 9

Organ isn't something you see often in CCR's music, but it is featured throughout this song.

Bass-line (Bass + Piano): 10

Bass and piano share the bass line, which is extremely prominent throughout the song. It has a sort of counter melody to Fogerty's singing that works well.

Vocals: 10

Fogerty showing off.

Drums: 9

Again, drums are more prominent than usual in Have You Ever Seen The Rain, and it works to their advantage.

Overall Impact: 10

Have You Ever Seen The Rain is a very contemplative, pensive song, and I suspect that is because that is how John Fogerty was feeling when he wrote it. It's not for a happy romp, but this song is very strong in its own right.

Hope you guys enjoyed! In all likelihood, my next article will be a break from Song Review, and then I will finish off Aerosmith and jump into something else. Thanks for checking my blog out, and feel free to leave a like, comment, and subscribe. Stay healthy, and until next time!