Creedence Clearwater Revival - Bayou Country (1969)

Creedence Clearwater Revival (often abbreviated as CCR) were a popular American rock band active from the late 60s to early 70s.

CCR's 1968 debut album had introduced their raw, stripped-down roots-rock style, driven by John Fogerty's distinctive vocals. Their second album continued in this vein - a guitar-driven fusion of rock, blues and country. By this point Fogerty's songwriting had come to dominate their repetoire, as Bayou Country only contained one cover (Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly"). And it was here that he was recognised as a talented and unique songwriter, with his very own vision of Americana, part working class realism and part Southern mythology. Because although the band hailed from California, the sound they were forging was deeply rooted in the South, and in particular Fogerty showed an affinity with the state of Louisiana (which explains the album title). Bayou Country contained two songs which were landmarks in the history of CCR - "Born On The Bayou" and "Proud Mary", which painted a vivid picture of life in the swamps. The former was flavoured with mystical 'hoodoo' imagery, the latter portrayed river life working on the steam boat of the song's title. "Proud Mary" was released as a single, backed with "Born On The Bayou", and reached #2 on the pop charts, whilst the album itself peaked at #7. CCR were going places fast, and with Bayou Country they had carved out their own unique identity.

Creedence Clearwater Revival (1968) <|> Green River (1969)
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