Green River Songs Ranked
Green River is the third studio album by American rock and roll band Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in August 1969. It was the second of three albums they released in that year, preceded by Bayou Country in January and followed by Willy and the Poor Boys in November. CCR’s third studio album includes two of their biggest hits, “Bad Moon Rising” and “Green River”, both of which peaked on the U.S. chart at No. 2, as well as the highly regarded “Lodi” (No. 52) and “Commotion” (No. 30). “Bad Moon Rising” is notable for its jaunty, happy music juxtaposed with its dark, ominous lyrics. It was inspired by a scene in the 1941 film The Devil and Daniel Webster involving a hurricane, with John Fogerty stating that the words told of “the apocalypse that was going to be visited upon us. It wasn’t until the band was learning the song that I realized the dichotomy. Here are all of Green River’s songs ranked.
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9. The Night Time Is the Right Tim
“The albums’ final track, “The Night Time is the Right Time” is excellent roadhouse R&B. A lot of fun wrapped around good and sometimes meaningful lyrics when you can understand them. This is typical Creedence, and that’s always good.”
8. Sinister Purpose
“I can’t say I enjoy this as much as some of their other albums… That being said, this band kicks some serious ass! Just one rockin’ tune after another. John Fogerty is absolutely incredible”
7. Wrote a Song for Everyone
“Wrote A Song For Everyone” was Fogerty’s first attempt at social commentary. Whereas JCF could get heavy-handed at such things in his solo efforts, this song has a raw simplicity that is a template for every singer-songwriter of the early ’70’s. “
See more: Creedence Clearwater Revival Albums Ranked
6. Cross-Tie Walker
“Cross-Tie Walker” continues the laid-back, rustic, feel-good vibe established on the front-side of the album, making the comparatively heavy “Sinister Purpose” seem all the more out of place.”
5. Tombstone Shadow
“Tombstone Shadow”, is a blast of pure rock and roll energy that tells of Fogerty’s less than ideal meeting with a fortune teller. Although it must have been hilarious when first released, it’s hard not to view it now as anything but eerily prescient.”
4. Lodi
“Lodi” shows that the struggle would be short-lived. Fogerty succeeds in making a very personal sentiment seem universal. All of us have been “stuck in Lodi” in some way, at some point. It’s a sentiment that’s impossible not to relate to.”
See more: Creedence Clearwater Revival Songs Ranked
3. Commotion
“Commotion”, one of my favorite CCR tunes, along with “Born on the Bayou”. John was just brilliant – sewing blues, folk, a dash of country and hard rocking into a mix that was timeless.”
2. Bad Moon Rising
“Bad Moon Risin'” succeeds in spite of itself, again due to its raw simplicity. This tune’s jaunty rhythm puts a smile on your face in spite of the fact that the lyrics might as well have included the line “we’re all gonna f***ing die!”. Had Fogerty written this as an older man, this might be seen as a cleverly utilized songwriting device, though it’s probably due to the exact opposite: a fledgeling songwriter who doesn’t yet possess complete control of his craft.”
1. Green River
“The title cut is a childhood memory of the perfection of the rural ethos. Even if you’ve never seen anything but concrete and skyscrapers, Fogerty makes “Green River” feel like home.”
