John Fogerty - Revival

Every reason to be a Proud Johnny

Confession: this writer never really ‘got’ Creedence Clearwater Revival. Proud Mary had a certain effect on first hearing, but on the whole, their music seemed hokey, chugalong stuff a few steps up from Status Quo. But John Fogerty’s new album seems so fresh and uncluttered it makes his back catalogue seem worth revisiting. Fogerty has said, “It just seemed like all the records I have made since [CCR] have all been sort of pushed off centre… With this album, I really wanted to stay on the mark,” and it certainly sounds as though he and his excellent musicians enjoyed themselves. Sure, you won’t get anything you’re not expecting, but there’s a variety in the songwriting that ranges from George Thorogood territory (Long Dark Night) through contemplative country-rock (Broken Down Cowboy) to trad CCR (Creedence Song). He even parodies Hendrix and Cream on Summer Of Love; as on many of the songs this allows his clear and precise guitar playing to shine through. Not all of the 12 tracks are keepers (we doubt you’ll be listening to the latter song in a year’s time) but there is more than enough here to help pass a very pleasant 40 minutes and send you back for repeat helpings.

Fantasy | FCD30001

Reviewed by Tim Holmes
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