Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) remains one of the most iconic American rock bands, known for their swamp rock sound and John Fogerty’s distinctive songwriting. In a significant move in January 2023, Fogerty regained control of his song publishing rights, marking a new chapter in the legacy of these timeless tracks. To celebrate, we delve into their impressive catalog and rank the 15 best Cc Revival Songs that continue to resonate with audiences today.
1. I Put A Spell On You
Screamin' Jay Hawkins original version, later covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival, showcasing the song's versatility and appeal in cc revival songs
Uniquely in this list of primarily John Fogerty compositions, “I Put A Spell On You” was originally written and performed by “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins. This fact highlights the band’s eclectic influences and ability to transform songs into their own signature style, a key element in the enduring appeal of CC revival songs. CCR’s psychedelic rock rendition, featured on their self-titled debut album, became a staple of their live performances, including their memorable set at Woodstock. The song’s powerful melody and Fogerty’s raw vocals allowed it to transcend its original genre, becoming a much-covered classic by artists ranging from Nina Simone to Marilyn Manson, demonstrating its lasting impact within cc revival songs and beyond.
2. Sweet Hitch-Hiker
Creedence Clearwater Revival Sweet Hitch-Hiker official music video still, capturing the band's energetic performance and the song's catchy rhythm in cc revival songs
“Sweet Hitch-Hiker” was among the band’s final singles, preceding “Someday Never Comes.” This track, with its driving rhythm and suggestive lyrics (“Sweet hitch-a-hiker / Won’t you ride on my fast machine?”), offered a glimpse into the Mardi Gras album era, their only release after Tom Fogerty’s departure. Recorded in 1971, alongside “Door To Door,” “Sweet Hitch-Hiker” exemplifies the band’s consistent ability to produce catchy and impactful rock anthems, solidifying its place within the collection of CC revival songs fans cherish.
3. Run Through The Jungle
Creedence Clearwater Revival Run Through The Jungle official video image, evoking the song's jungle atmosphere and its underlying message about gun control in cc revival songs
John Fogerty revealed “Run Through The Jungle” was a direct commentary on gun control issues in America. He expressed his shock at the prevalence of firearms, stating, “I remember reading around that time that there was one gun for every man, woman and child in America.” The song’s evocative jungle soundscape, created with studio effects, ironically contrasts with its serious message, making it a powerful and thought-provoking entry in the CC revival songs catalog. Released as a double-A-side with “Up Around The Bend,” it further showcases CCR’s knack for pairing contrasting yet equally strong tracks.
4. Lookin’ Out My Back Door
Creedence Clearwater Revival Lookin' Out My Back Door official video scene, showcasing the whimsical and imaginative imagery of the song, a classic example of cc revival songs
“Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” a platinum-selling double-A-side single with “Long as I Can See the Light,” reached number two on the charts in 1970. Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, Fogerty wrote this upbeat and whimsical song for his young son. Its playful lyrics and joyful melody make it a standout track amongst CC revival songs, demonstrating the band’s versatility beyond their harder rock anthems. Despite being kept from the top spot by Diana Ross, the song remains a beloved classic.
5. Travelin’ Band
Creedence Clearwater Revival Travelin' Band official music video still, highlighting the song's high-energy rock and roll spirit and its inspiration from Little Richard, a key track in cc revival songs
“Travelin’ Band,” another double-A-side hit with “Who’ll Stop The Rain,” reached number two in the US charts, blocked from the top by Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” This high-octane track was explicitly inspired by Little Richard’s 1950s rock and roll classics, so much so that it led to a lawsuit regarding publishing rights similarities to “Good Golly, Miss Molly.” Covered by artists from Bruce Springsteen to Elton John, and even recorded by Fogerty with Jerry Lee Lewis, “Travelin’ Band” is a testament to CCR’s rock and roll roots and a popular choice in any collection of CC revival songs.
6. Up Around The Bend
Creedence Clearwater Revival Up Around The Bend official video image, capturing the band's live performance energy and the song's infectious guitar riff, a staple of cc revival songs
“Up Around The Bend,” from the Cosmo’s Factory album, reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970 and was a significant hit in the UK as well. Known for its catchy guitar riff and driving tempo, the song is a quintessential example of CCR’s energetic rock sound, making it a consistent favorite amongst CC revival songs. Covered by Elton John early in his career and later by Hanoi Rocks, its enduring appeal speaks to its classic rock status.
7. Down on the Corner
Creedence Clearwater Revival Down On The Corner official lyric video image, depicting the Willy and the Poor Boys band concept and the song's feel-good, street-performance vibe in cc revival songs
Inspired by a Disney advertisement featuring Winnie the Pooh, “Down on the Corner” evolved from Fogerty’s whimsical idea of “Winnie the Pooh and the Pooh Boys.” This double-A-side single with “Fortunate Son” portrays a band of street musicians, capturing a feel-good, rootsy vibe. Reaching number three in the US charts and achieving double platinum status, “Down on the Corner” is a beloved track from the Willy and the Poor Boys album and a frequently revisited song within CC revival songs selections.
8. Green River
Creedence Clearwater Revival Green River official lyric video image, visualizing the song's imagery of childhood summers and the Green River setting, a key element in cc revival songs
The title “Green River” originated from a soda pop syrup label, as John Fogerty revealed. Despite its name evoking the Bayou sound often associated with CCR, “Green River” is actually based on Putah Creek near Winters, California, which Fogerty reimagined as his “Green River.” This 1969 single, a top 20 hit in the UK and another number two hit in the US, is a nostalgic and evocative song, firmly placed within the collection of essential CC revival songs.
9. Born On The Bayou
Creedence Clearwater Revival Born On The Bayou official lyric video image, emphasizing the swamp rock atmosphere and the mythical bayou setting of this iconic cc revival song
“Born On The Bayou,” the opening track of Bayou Country, perfectly embodies the swamp rock genre. Despite Fogerty’s lack of actual bayou experience, he crafted an authentic-sounding track by drawing inspiration from artists like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters and visualizing the setting. This song’s atmospheric and bluesy feel makes it a cornerstone of CC revival songs, showcasing the band’s ability to create vivid musical landscapes.
10. Fortunate Son
Creedence Clearwater Revival Fortunate Son official music video, visually representing the anti-war sentiment and class critique embedded in this powerful cc revival song
“Fortunate Son,” from Willy and the Poor Boys, became a powerful anti-war anthem during the Vietnam War era. Written in just 20 minutes, Fogerty channeled his frustration with the draft and the perceived inequalities of the war. With its iconic opening riff and potent lyrics (“It ain’t me, it ain’t me, I ain’t no senator’s son!”), “Fortunate Son” remains a relevant and impactful protest song and a crucial inclusion in any list of CC revival songs.
11. Have You Ever Seen The Rain
Creedence Clearwater Revival Have You Ever Seen The Rain official video image, capturing the reflective mood of the song and its metaphorical interpretation of internal band struggles within cc revival songs
Often interpreted as reflecting the end of the 1960s idealism, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” actually addressed the growing tensions within Creedence Clearwater Revival, particularly leading to Tom Fogerty’s departure. This number 8 single, while seemingly about broader societal changes, was deeply personal to the band’s internal dynamics. Its melancholic beauty and introspective lyrics contribute to its lasting appeal and its place among significant CC revival songs.
12. Long As I Can See The Light
Creedence Clearwater Revival Long As I Can See The Light lyric video image, emphasizing the song's hopeful and gospel-infused melody, a comforting presence in cc revival songs
“Long As I Can See The Light,” released alongside “Lookin’ Out My Back Door,” has remained a fan favorite and a staple in John Fogerty’s solo performances. Its enduring popularity is further evidenced by Moby’s sampling of its drums in “The Sky Is Broken” and Fogerty’s re-recording of the track with My Morning Jacket. This song’s soulful and slightly country-tinged sound adds another dimension to CC revival songs, showcasing the band’s range.
13. Who’ll Stop The Rain
Creedence Clearwater Revival Who'll Stop The Rain lyrics and chords video image, linking the song's inspiration to Woodstock and its broader themes of societal turmoil, a relevant cc revival song
“Who’ll Stop The Rain,” released as a double A-side with “Travellin’ Band,” was inspired by John Fogerty’s experience at Woodstock in 1969. While seemingly about the rain-soaked festival, the song also reflects broader anxieties and social unrest of the era. Its folk-rock style and thoughtful lyrics make it a resonant track and a meaningful addition to the collection of CC revival songs, capturing a moment in time and a feeling of a generation.
14. Bad Moon Rising
Creedence Clearwater Revival Bad Moon Rising official lyric video image, highlighting the song's contrasting upbeat tempo with its apocalyptic lyrical themes, a classic example of cc revival songs
Despite numerous hits, Creedence Clearwater Revival never achieved a Billboard Hot 100 number one single in the US, but “Bad Moon Rising” topped the charts in the UK and elsewhere. Inspired by the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster and its hurricane scene, the song ironically pairs its dark, apocalyptic lyrics with an upbeat, catchy melody. This contrast is part of its enduring appeal, making “Bad Moon Rising” a widely covered and instantly recognizable CC revival song.
15. Proud Mary
Creedence Clearwater Revival Proud Mary official lyric video image, showcasing the riverboat imagery and the song's powerful, bluesy rhythm that defines this signature cc revival song
While Ike and Tina Turner’s cover of “Proud Mary” is iconic, the Creedence Clearwater Revival original is equally, if not more, significant. CCR’s version actually outperformed Tina Turner’s on the charts at the time of release. Written in the days following Fogerty’s discharge from the National Guard, “Proud Mary” is a bluesy anthem that embodies the CCR sound. Its timeless quality and powerful rhythm solidify its place as the quintessential CC revival song and a cornerstone of American rock music.
