Willy and the Poor Boys Songs Ranked
Willy and the Poor Boys is the fourth studio album by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, released by Fantasy Records in November 1969. It was the last of three studio albums the band released that year, arriving just three months after Green River. The album features the songs “Down on the Corner”, from which the album got its name, and “Fortunate Son”, which is a well-known protest song. Creedence also released its own version of “Cotton Fields” on this album, which reached the #1 position in Mexico. The album was planned to be formed around a concept introduced in “Down on the Corner”, with Creedence taking on the identity of an old-time jug band called “Willy and The Poor Boys”. However, this was dropped rather quickly, except for the cover, where the band remains in character. Here are all of Willy and the Poor Boy’s songs ranked.
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10. Poorboy Shuffle
“Poorboy Shuffle is competent little ditty that is really just a precursor to what I believe to be Creedence Clearwater’s best track ever to never be released as a single.”
9. Side o’ the Road
“Side o’ the Road” is completely groovy with the splendid rhythm section and the great guitar soloing. This is definitely a great mood song. “Effigy” has a vocal melody that nearly makes me cry, seriously. It’s THAT good.”
8. Don’t Look Now
“Much like Bob Dylan, CCR blends Folk and Rock on “Don’t Look Now”, although it seems a little generic along with the other tracks. Not bad, just average.”
See more: Creedence Clearwater Revival Albums Ranked
7. Feelin’ Blue
“Feelin’ Blue” has a rhythm that might remind someone of CCR’s version of “I Heart It Through the Grapevine”. I love the guitar playing and the vocals about equally here.”
6. Midnight Special
“The Midnight Special- Much slower and considerably quiter than most of CCR’s music, “The Midnight Special” is still an energetic Blues-Rock song fulled to the brim with catchy vocals and guitarwork. A good song, just a little slower than most of CCR’s stuff, although I wouldn’t call this a “ballad”.
5. Cotton Fields
“This song is truly spectacular in every single way. “Poorboy Shuffle” has great harmonica playing, and that’s about the only thing the song has going for it, but honestly, that’s all it *needs*. It’s hard to believe these guys were from California! CCR blends an interesting mix of Country, Folk, and down-home Southern Rock to create a catchy little number.”
See more: Creedence Clearwater Revival Songs Ranked
4. It Came Out of the Sky
A song that *definitely* leaves a lasting impression is “It Came Out of the Sky”. Talk about a song that packs an incredible amount of energy and totally rocks in the same way as, say, what the Rolling Stones were doing at the time. WOW!”
3. Effigy
“Willy And The Poor Boy’s longest track, “Effigy” is almost twice as long as every track. Much like the Doors or Iron Butterfly, “Effigy” is a casual mix of Psychadelic Folk Rock, mixed with Progressive elements and excellent musicianship. Fogerty + guitar = bliss!”
2. Down On the Corner
“A big hit, “Down On The Corner” is a fun rocker that blends a catchy bassline with a Country/Rock beat. It’s unlikely you won’t be humming this to yourself! Down On The Corner is probably the most recognizable track and opens the album. John has commented about how he to defend Down On The Corner’s upbeat poppy vibe.”
1. Fortunate Son
“As if this album could not get any better, Fortunate Son comes pounding through the speakers. Cliffords steady drum beat, Cooks chunky bass rumble and Fogertys Twangy guitar hook and suddenly an absolute hurricane of sheer Rock and Roll that is not only amazing to jam to but also has to be the most scathing indictment on the war that has ever been recorded.”
