Although Chronicle Vol.1 will not cover everything they did, it is comprehensive enough for all but the most hardcore fans. Tracking down the original LPs is not an easy task these days, so it's good to have this single-disc retrospective of CCR's career on hand.

These guys were sincere in what they did and although CCR had many popular singles over their five-year existence that enjoyed heavy airplay, they never really got the recognition they should have. John Fogerty and his band deserve to rank up there with the Rolling Stones and Beatles for crafting superb rock 'n' roll straight with no chaser. Fortunate Son, Up Around The Bend, Travelin' Band, Green River, Run Through The Jungle, and everything else are all timeless. However, if I had to name a favorite, it's probably their take on Heard It Through The Grapevine, which becomes a menacing and focused blues jam that goes for a solid 11 minutes without dragging.

When you become a parent, buy two copies--one for yourself, and one to hand down to your kids. In this age of manufactured pop-punk and tepid nu-metal, parents should show their children how true rock 'n' roll is done. This is the perfect start to their library.


The most authentic, soulful rock yn roll   March 3, 2003
 57 out of 60 found this review helpful

I bought this CD half-heartedly, just for old time's sake, apprehensive that the music might have gone stale. Wow! I couldn't have been more wrong! All the old magic is still there, but the sound captivated me more than most contemporary rock. I now realize how unique this band was and that there has been nothing even vaguely similar on the radio for many years now. Their songs are powerful, melodic, soulful and captivating, perfectly delivered by that VOICE (John Fogerty) and the harmony vocals. There's the wistful yearning of Have You Ever Seen The Rain, the spooky unease of Bad Moon Rising and the funky, bluesy rendition of I Heard It Through The Grapevine. There's also the catchy Down On The Corner with its swaying rhythm. Every one of these songs is a winner, but I must point out my other favourites like Proud Mary, Hey Tonight, Up Around The Bend and of course the divine Lodi, a lament of a disillusioned rocker on the road. This collection is as golden as golden can be - brilliant, emotionally captivating songs infused with gritty soul that have not merely survived the decades, but shine as brightly now as in the late 60s and early 70s. This is the most authentic rock 'n roll you'll ever get.


Potent Social Commentary   October 7, 2000
 38 out of 45 found this review helpful

I'll be honest with you. I was originally planning on writing a semi-frivolous and lightweight, yet politically correct, review of this CD that would receive a lot of helpful votes. I figured that I could talk about how many times I've played this on vacations with my friends and about the good times that we had. But, after thinking about it, I have too much respect for John Fogerty to do that. So, I'm planning on speaking my mind--just like he would-- and if some of you don't like it, then you can go down there and click on unhelpful, and I'll just have to take my lumps.

If you are looking for Mickey Mouse Club lyrics, then I regret to inform you that you are in the wrong spot. I suggest that you go and type "Christina Aguilera" or "Britney Spears" in the search box, instead. Furthermore, Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) is not a band that will cater to your sensuality, like a Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Jennifer Lopez, or the two teen pop sensations already mentioned. CCR is just a group of guys who sell records based on the strength of their music and lyrics--not on crass commercialism.

The United States was a lot different place in the late sixties and early seventies when CCR was writing music. The US was engaged in an unpopular war in Vietnam. Every night on the news, there were gruesome pictures of the fighting. A lot of our nation's young men were coming home dead in a box. One of the most disgusting parts of the war, was that some of the people in our government responsible for the war were pulling strings in order to shield their sons. These privileged sons would get cushy assignments flying jets in the Texas National Guard, rather than having to fly a Huey over in Vietnam. They would become Army field reporters, and--somehow--never once see any of the conflict. Sound familiar? John Fogerty was one person who found this distasteful, and he had the courage to speak out about it in his song "Fortunate Son":

"Some folks are born made to wave the flag, Ooh, they're red, white and blue. And when the band plays 'Hail to the Chief,' Ooh, they point the cannon at you, y'all.

"It ain't me,it ain't me, I ain't no senator's son, Y'all It ain't me, it ain't me, I ain't no fortunate one, no."

How do you think these "fortunate sons" that Fogerty sang about are doing today? Quite well, thank you for asking. As if to add insult to injury, both major political parties have nominated one of these "fortunate sons" as a candidate for the President of the United States in 2000. Would it offend your critical sensibilities to have a "fortunate son" as President? Why not buy this album, and listen to John Fogerty sing a song from 30 years ago that still has relevance today?


Best American Band of the 1960's   July 4, 1999
 33 out of 36 found this review helpful

With all due respect, there were many great American bands from the 1960's. But none as successful as CCR (who deserved their success, I may add). This features all but one essential hit ("Born on the Bayou" can be found on Chronicle Volume 2). All of the songs are great, but some of the best songs include "Proud Mary", "Fortunate Son", "Green River", "Travelling Band", and the 11 minute "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". John Fogerty is very versatile in his talents, being able to play guitar and sing as well as he could/can and write clever and meaningful songs which are still fun to listen to. Listen to this one for yourself and hear why CCR was as successful as they were!!!


Essential singles and album tracks   September 14, 2002
 30 out of 33 found this review helpful

No anthology can really do justice to CCR. Like The Beatles, Stones, Who or any other band from that era, CCR is best appreciated by a quartet of classic albums; Bayou Country, Green River, Willie & The Poorboys and Cosmos' Factory. Still, this is a great overviw of the band's essential singles and album tracks. What's missing are some important songs (Effigy, the scorching version of Good Golly Miss Molly and It's Just a Thought among many others) but hardly essential for the novice or casual CCR fan.

This fine collection's flaw is the sound quality. The original mastertapes sound like they weren't used on some of these tracks. The entire CCR catalog (with the exception of Live Europe which is available as part of the boxed set)has been remastered with stunning results. The sound quality here is tinny and flat by comparison. The "sound" of any CCR recording is as essential as the song itself and, in that regard, this collection is definitely lacking.

John Fogerty's songs have stood the test of time. Born on The Bayou, Down on the Corner, Who'll Stop The Rain and many of his other songs still retain the freshness they had decades ago. Hopefully Fantasy will remaster this collection. I'd recommend purchasing the quartet of albums mentioned previously. Additionally, Fogerty's first solo album (entitled John Fogerty)and available as an import has a number of moments equal to his best CCR songs. In fact, most of Fogerty's solo recordings although not as essential as CCR, are important and strong albums (the exception is the misguided Eye of the Zombie).