Creedence Clearwater Revival: Ranking Their 15 Greatest Songs

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) remains one of the most iconic and influential American rock bands of all time. Known for their swamp rock sound, driven by John Fogerty’s distinctive vocals and songwriting, CCR delivered a string of hits in the late 1960s and early 1970s that continue to resonate today. In a significant turn of events for fans and for Fogerty himself, 2023 marked a pivotal moment as he reacquired a majority stake in the publishing rights to his CCR song catalog. As Fogerty announced, “I own my own songs again,” celebrating a long-awaited reunion with his musical creations after fifty years. To commemorate this milestone, we delve into the heart of CCR’s musical legacy by ranking their 15 greatest songs, exploring what makes each track a standout in their remarkable discography.

1. I Put A Spell On You

   Screamin' Jay Hawkins performing I Put A Spell On You, covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival

   Unique within this list of largely John Fogerty penned classics, ‘I Put A Spell On You’ stands out as a cover, originally by the eccentric “Screamin’ Jay” Hawkins. CCR’s rendition, featured on their 1968 self-titled debut album, transformed Hawkins’ raw, theatrical blues into a psychedelic rock anthem, perfectly capturing the band’s signature sound. This song showcases CCR’s ability to take existing material and infuse it with their own energy and innovation. Its enduring appeal is evident in the vast array of artists who have since covered it, ranging from Nina Simone and Bryan Ferry to Marilyn Manson and Jeff Beck, highlighting the song’s versatility and CCR’s impactful interpretation. Their live performances of ‘I Put A Spell On You’, notably at Woodstock, further cemented its place in rock history, demonstrating the band’s prowess in electrifying audiences with their psychedelic-tinged swamp rock.

2. Sweet Hitch-Hiker

   Creedence Clearwater Revival performing Sweet Hitch-Hiker in an official music video

   Released as their penultimate single, ‘Sweet Hitch-Hiker’ offers a glimpse into the evolving, and somewhat turbulent, dynamics within Creedence Clearwater Revival. This track, which also appears on their Mardi Gras album – the only album released post Tom Fogerty’s departure – is a quintessential CCR rocker with a driving rhythm and suggestive lyrics. Recorded in the spring of 1971, alongside ‘Door To Door’, ‘Sweet Hitch-Hiker’ exemplifies the band’s consistent ability to produce catchy, guitar-driven songs even amidst internal changes. Its suggestive lyrics (“Sweet hitch-a-hiker / Won’t you ride on my fast machine?”) added a layer of edginess, typical of the rock and roll spirit of the era, and contributed to its status as a memorable track in CCR’s later catalog.

3. Run Through The Jungle

   John Fogerty playing guitar and singing Run Through The Jungle with Creedence Clearwater Revival

   ‘Run Through The Jungle’ is not just a powerful song musically, but also carries a potent message. John Fogerty revealed to Rolling Stone that the song is a commentary on gun control. Inspired by alarming statistics about gun ownership in America, Fogerty used vivid imagery and a driving, almost frantic rhythm to convey the urgency of the issue. The song’s jungle soundscape, created with reverse echo on guitar and drums, adds to its intense and unsettling atmosphere, mirroring the chaos and danger of unchecked gun proliferation. Released as a double-A-side with ‘Up Around The Bend’, ‘Run Through The Jungle’ showcased CCR’s ability to blend social commentary with their signature swamp rock sound, creating music that was both thought-provoking and viscerally engaging.

4. Lookin’ Out My Back Door

   Creedence Clearwater Revival in the official music video for Lookin' Out My Back Door

   In contrast to the serious themes of some of their other hits, ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’ is a burst of whimsical joy. This song, famously part of a double-A-side platinum single with ‘Long as I Can See the Light’ in 1970, was inspired by Dr. Seuss. Fogerty, writing for his young son Josh, channeled the imaginative world of books like And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street to create a playful and surreal narrative. The upbeat tempo and fantastical lyrics, filled with colorful characters and absurd scenarios, make ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’ a delightful and enduring classic. Despite being kept from the number one spot by Diana Ross’s ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, the song’s enduring popularity speaks to its universal appeal and its ability to bring a smile to listeners of all ages.

5. Travelin’ Band

   Creedence Clearwater Revival performing Travelin' Band in an official music video

   ‘Travelin’ Band’ is pure, unadulterated rock and roll energy. This double-A-side hit with ‘Who’ll Stop The Rain’ from Cosmo’s Factory is a high-octane tribute to the pioneers of rock and roll, particularly Little Richard. Its driving beat, saxophone riffs, and Fogerty’s energetic vocals evoke the excitement and frenzy of early rock and roll performances. The song’s close resemblance to Little Richard’s ‘Good Golly, Miss Molly’ even led to a lawsuit, which was later settled out of court, underscoring its deliberate emulation of the 1950s rock and roll style. ‘Travelin’ Band’ has become a staple for artists covering CCR, from Bruce Springsteen and Elton John to Def Leppard, proving its lasting impact as a quintessential rock anthem that captures the spirit of life on the road.

6. Up Around The Bend

   Creedence Clearwater Revival performing Up Around The Bend in an official music video

   ‘Up Around The Bend’, from the Cosmo’s Factory album, is another example of CCR’s knack for crafting instantly catchy and timeless rock songs. Reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a UK hit, this track is propelled by a driving, infectious rhythm and Fogerty’s compelling vocals. The song’s energetic vibe and adventurous lyrics about exploring what’s “up around the bend” resonate with a sense of youthful exuberance and wanderlust. Covered by artists like Elton John and Hanoi Rocks, ‘Up Around The Bend’ continues to be celebrated for its upbeat tempo and classic rock feel, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a testament to CCR’s consistent hit-making ability.

7. Down on the Corner

   Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official lyric video for Down On The Corner

   ‘Down on the Corner’ is a charming and heartwarming song inspired by a whimsical idea. Fogerty, as he told Best Classic Bands, was inspired by a Disney advertisement featuring Winnie the Pooh, which sparked the idea for “Willy and the Poor Boys.” This double-A-side single with ‘Fortunate Son’ paints a picture of a joyful street band bringing music to the neighborhood. With its catchy chorus and feel-good lyrics about simple pleasures and the power of music to unite people, ‘Down on the Corner’ became a double platinum hit and helped propel the Willy and the Poor Boys album to success. The song’s nostalgic and celebratory tone, combined with its infectious melody, makes it a beloved classic that embodies the communal spirit of music.

8. Green River

   Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official lyric video for Green River

   ‘Green River’ evokes a sense of nostalgia for simpler times and places. Despite its title seemingly suggesting a swampy bayou setting, Fogerty revealed to Rolling Stone that the name actually came from a soda pop syrup label. The song is a blend of real and imagined memories of a place called Putah Creek near Winters, California, which Fogerty reimagined as “Green River.” Released as a single from the album of the same name, ‘Green River’ captures a romanticized vision of childhood summers and idyllic landscapes. Its gentle, flowing melody and evocative lyrics about nature and youthful adventures contributed to its success as a top 20 hit in the UK and another number two hit in the US, showcasing CCR’s ability to create songs that are both personal and universally relatable.

9. Born On The Bayou

   Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official lyric video for Born On The Bayou

   ‘Born On The Bayou’, the opening track of Bayou Country, is the quintessential CCR swamp rock anthem. Despite Fogerty’s California upbringing, he masterfully created an authentic-sounding tribute to the Louisiana bayou. As he explained to Pop Chronicles, the song was born from his imagination, visualizing swamp imagery inspired by blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters. The song’s slow, simmering groove, punctuated by Fogerty’s gritty vocals and swampy guitar riffs, perfectly encapsulates the mystique and atmosphere of the bayou. ‘Born On The Bayou’ is a definitive example of CCR’s signature sound, blending blues, rock, and country influences to create a unique and captivating musical landscape.

10. Fortunate Son

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in the official music video for Fortunate Son

    ‘Fortunate Son’ is a blistering protest anthem that remains as relevant today as it was in 1969. From the Willy and the Poor Boys album, this song directly confronts class inequality and the Vietnam War. Fogerty, speaking to The Voice in 2015, described the song’s genesis as a burst of frustration with the draft system and the perceived unfairness of who was sent to war. The song’s raw energy, fueled by its iconic guitar riff and Fogerty’s impassioned vocals, delivers a powerful message about social injustice and the burden of war falling disproportionately on the less privileged. ‘Fortunate Son’ has become an enduring anthem for protest and continues to be used in films and media to represent anti-war sentiment and social commentary.

11. Have You Ever Seen The Rain

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official music video for Have You Ever Seen The Rain

    ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ is a poignant ballad often interpreted as a reflection on the disillusionment of the 1960s. However, the song’s deeper meaning, as revealed, is more personal to CCR’s internal struggles. The lyrics, while seemingly about seeing sunshine and rain at the same time, actually metaphorically address the growing tensions within the band, particularly leading up to Tom Fogerty’s departure. Released as a single, ‘Have You Ever Seen The Rain’ is a beautifully melancholic song with a tender melody and introspective lyrics that resonate with themes of change and loss. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into universal emotions of sadness and the bittersweet nature of endings.

12. Long As I Can See The Light

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in a lyric video for Long As I Can See The Light

    ‘Long As I Can See The Light’ is a soulful and comforting ballad that has become a CCR signature. Released as a double-A-side with ‘Lookin’ Out My Back Door’, this song offers a sense of hope and reassurance. Fogerty’s heartfelt vocals and the song’s gentle, swaying rhythm create a warm and intimate atmosphere. Its themes of longing for home and finding guidance in a metaphorical light have resonated with listeners across generations. The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its sampling in Moby’s ‘The Sky Is Broken’ and Fogerty’s own re-recording with My Morning Jacket, proving its timeless quality and its ability to connect with audiences in diverse musical contexts.

13. Who’ll Stop The Rain

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in a lyrics and chords video for Who'll Stop The Rain

    ‘Who’ll Stop The Rain’, another double-A-side hit with ‘Travelin’ Band’, was inspired by Fogerty’s experience at Woodstock. As he recounted in a 2007 live show, the song emerged from his observations of the rain-soaked festival and the counter-culture movement. While literally about the rain at Woodstock, the song also serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous times of the late 1960s and the ongoing social and political unrest. Its folk-rock melody and reflective lyrics capture a sense of weariness and questioning amidst chaos. ‘Who’ll Stop The Rain’ has become an anthem for those seeking peace and stability in turbulent times, and remains a powerful commentary on societal challenges.

14. Bad Moon Rising

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official lyric video for Bad Moon Rising

    ‘Bad Moon Rising’ is a deceptively upbeat song with ominous undertones. Despite being one of CCR’s most recognizable and covered songs, it never reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, though it did top the UK charts. Inspired by the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster, particularly a scene depicting a destructive hurricane, Fogerty juxtaposed the apocalyptic lyrical imagery with a cheerful, almost jaunty melody. This contrast creates a unique and unsettling effect, making ‘Bad Moon Rising’ a memorable and enduring hit. The song’s catchy tune and dark lyrics have contributed to its widespread appeal and its status as a classic rock staple.

15. Proud Mary

    Creedence Clearwater Revival in an official lyric video for Proud Mary

    ‘Proud Mary’ is arguably Creedence Clearwater Revival’s most iconic song, and for good reason. While Ike and Tina Turner’s electrifying cover is legendary, CCR’s original, released in 1969, is equally magnificent and even achieved higher chart success initially. Written in a burst of creativity after Fogerty’s discharge from the National Guard, ‘Proud Mary’ is a song of liberation and finding joy in simple living. Its iconic riverboat imagery, combined with its driving rhythm and dynamic structure that shifts from a mellow opening to a powerful, anthemic chorus, make it a timeless classic. ‘Proud Mary’ has been covered countless times, but CCR’s original remains the definitive version, embodying the band’s raw energy and Fogerty’s songwriting genius, solidifying its place as their greatest song and a cornerstone of American rock music.