Creedence Clearwater Revival – Cosmo’s Factory (1970)
Release Date: July 1970
Label: Fantasy Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Swamp Rock / Roots Rock / Blues Rock
Length: 36:03
Producer: John Fogerty
Overview
Cosmo’s Factory is Creedence Clearwater Revival’s fifth studio album and arguably one of their most successful and defining works. Named after Doug Clifford’s nickname “Cosmo” and the band’s rehearsal space in Berkeley, California, the album demonstrates CCR at the height of their creative and commercial powers.
The album is a tight, energetic mix of swamp rock, blues, and rock ’n’ roll, balancing radio hits with deep album tracks. Classic songs such as “Travelin’ Band,” “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” “Run Through the Jungle,” and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” showcase John Fogerty’s signature songwriting, vocals, and guitar work, while Tom Fogerty, Stu Cook, and Doug Clifford provide a solid rhythm foundation.
Cosmo’s Factory topped the Billboard 200, produced multiple hit singles, and is widely regarded as a quintessential American rock album, combining social commentary, catchy hooks, and a tight, driving sound that epitomizes CCR’s style.
Tracklist
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Ramble Tamble – 7:12
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Who’ll Stop the Rain – 2:28
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I Heard It Through the Grapevine – 3:52
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Run Through the Jungle – 3:06
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Up Around the Bend – 2:42
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My Baby Left Me – 2:18
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Lookin’ Out My Back Door – 2:32
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Walk on the Water – 3:06
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Long as I Can See the Light – 3:31
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I Put a Spell on You – 4:29
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It’s Just a Thought – 4:17
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
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Did You Know? The album is named after CCR drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford and their practice space in Berkeley, known as “the factory”.
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Chart-Topping Hits: “Travelin’ Band” and “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” were major singles, both reaching the Billboard Top 10.
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Covers & Homage: The album includes covers of classics like “I Put a Spell on You” (Screamin’ Jay Hawkins) and “My Baby Left Me” (Arthur Crudup).
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Protest Songs: Tracks like “Run Through the Jungle” reflect CCR’s subtle commentary on social and political issues, including the Vietnam War.
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John Fogerty Control: Fogerty wrote, arranged, sang, and produced nearly every track, shaping CCR’s signature sound.
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Critical Acclaim: Often ranked as CCR’s strongest album, blending commercial appeal with artistic depth.
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Legacy: The album influenced Southern rock, blues-rock, and roots rock for decades and remains a classic rock staple.
Album Credits
Creedence Clearwater Revival:
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John Fogerty – Lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards, producer
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Tom Fogerty – Rhythm guitar, backing vocals
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Stu Cook – Bass guitar
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Doug Clifford – Drums
Production Team:
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Producer: John Fogerty
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Engineer: Russ Gary
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Label: Fantasy Records
Mini Review
Cosmo’s Factory is Creedence Clearwater Revival at their peak, blending swampy grooves, melodic hooks, and socially aware songwriting. From the frenetic energy of “Ramble Tamble” to the sing-along charm of “Lookin’ Out My Back Door” and the haunting resonance of “Who’ll Stop the Rain,” the album balances commercial appeal with artistic integrity. Tight, concise, and timeless, it stands as one of the most essential American rock albums of the 1970s.
