Creedence Clearwater Revival – Pendulum (1970): The Band’s Psychedelic Rock Experiment
While CCR is often remembered for their swampy rock and timeless hits like Proud Mary and Bad Moon Rising, Pendulum, released in 1970, represents one of the band’s most ambitious albums. It captures a period of experimentation, blending rock, blues, psychedelia, and orchestral arrangements, all while showcasing John Fogerty’s increasingly intricate songwriting and production.
History and Background
Pendulum is the fifth studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in December 1970. Unlike their previous albums, which leaned heavily on stripped-down, rootsy rock, Pendulum explores broader musical textures. The album features John Fogerty not only as lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter but also performing keyboards and even saxophone on select tracks.
Recorded at Wally Heider Studios in San Francisco, Pendulum was produced entirely by John Fogerty, further solidifying his control over the band’s sound. While the album achieved commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200, some fans were initially surprised by its more experimental sound, which included horn sections, multi-layered vocals, and touches of psychedelia.
Credits & Lineup
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John Fogerty – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards, saxophone, producer
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Tom Fogerty – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
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Stu Cook – bass
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Doug Clifford – drums
Track Highlights
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“Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” – One of CCR’s most enduring classics, inspired by the tensions within the band; a melodic rock ballad that contrasts the album’s experimental moments.
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“Pendulum” – The title track features orchestral touches and showcases John Fogerty’s skill in blending psychedelic sounds with CCR’s signature rock foundation.
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“Sailor’s Lament” – A bluesy, soulful number with rich arrangements and haunting melodies.
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“Chameleon” – Funky and upbeat, highlighting CCR’s willingness to branch out into more groove-oriented territory.
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“Payin’ Careful Attention” – Features horn arrangements and layered vocals, a departure from the band’s earlier straightforward rock approach.
The album overall balances CCR’s classic swamp-rock identity with new explorations in sound, demonstrating their evolution as musicians.
Fun Facts & Trivia
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John Fogerty played multiple instruments on the album, including piano, organ, and saxophone, making Pendulum one of the most musically diverse CCR albums.
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The song Have You Ever Seen the Rain? is rumored to reflect John Fogerty’s feelings about Tom Fogerty leaving the band.
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Pendulum was the first CCR album not to feature any cover songs; all tracks were original compositions.
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Despite its experimentation, the album produced two hit singles: Have You Ever Seen the Rain? and Hey Tonight.
Did You Know?
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Pendulum was recorded in San Francisco while the band was on tour, adding to the energy and intensity of the sessions.
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The orchestral arrangements and horns were unusual for CCR, a band known for its stripped-down, roots-rock sound.
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Although some critics initially considered it a “departure” from CCR’s trademark style, fans now regard it as an underrated gem.
Legacy
Pendulum showcases Creedence Clearwater Revival at a crossroads, experimenting with new sounds while still maintaining the essence of what made them a rock powerhouse. The album reinforced John Fogerty’s reputation as a meticulous producer and visionary songwriter. While it may not have the immediate fame of Cosmo’s Factory or Bayou Country, Pendulum remains a critical piece of CCR’s catalog and a testament to their versatility and creativity in the early 70s.
