Creedence Clearwater Revival – Green River (1969)
Release Date: August 7, 1969
Label: Fantasy Records
Type: Studio Album
Genre: Swamp Rock / Roots Rock / Blues Rock
Length: 32:15
Producer: John Fogerty
Overview
Green River is Creedence Clearwater Revival’s third studio album, marking the band’s continued ascent as one of the definitive American rock acts of the late 1960s. The album blends rootsy blues, swamp rock, and catchy rock ’n’ roll hooks with vivid storytelling and southern-inspired imagery.
This record produced some of CCR’s most enduring hits, including “Green River,” “Bad Moon Rising,” and “Lodi”, all written by John Fogerty, whose songwriting combines memorable melodies, evocative lyrics, and tight arrangements. The album’s concise length and focused sound reflect Fogerty’s vision for direct, no-frills rock with broad appeal.
Green River cemented CCR’s reputation for consistency, musicianship, and swampy charm, while continuing to push the band toward mainstream success. Its mix of upbeat rockers and introspective ballads demonstrates CCR’s versatility and sets a high bar for roots-based rock albums of the era.
Tracklist
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Green River – 2:32
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Commotion – 2:43
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Tombstone Shadow – 3:23
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Wrote a Song for Everyone – 2:59
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Bad Moon Rising – 2:21
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Lodi – 3:09
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Cross Tie Walker – 2:32
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Sinister Purpose – 2:39
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The Night Time Is the Right Time – 2:36
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Bootleg – 2:05
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Proud Mary – 3:07
Fun Facts, Trivia & Did You Know?
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Did You Know? “Bad Moon Rising” became one of CCR’s biggest hits, reaching the top of the charts worldwide.
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Southern Imagery: The album continues CCR’s signature use of bayou, river, and small-town Americana themes, despite the band being from California.
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Quick Production: The band recorded the album in just a few weeks, maintaining their signature tight, energetic sound.
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Influential Tracks: “Lodi” has become a classic narrative song about musicians struggling to make it big.
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Hit Singles: “Green River” and “Bad Moon Rising” remain staples of classic rock radio.
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John Fogerty Control: Fogerty handled writing, lead vocals, lead guitar, and production, shaping CCR’s unmistakable sound.
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Chart Success: The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 and is considered one of CCR’s most commercially successful records.
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Legacy: Influenced later Southern rock and swamp rock acts, and cemented CCR’s role in roots rock history.
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
Green River is a masterclass in swamp rock, combining chart-topping hits with deep-rooted Americana storytelling. From the infectious grooves of “Green River” to the prophetic tension of “Bad Moon Rising” and the reflective “Lodi,” CCR delivers tight musicianship, memorable hooks, and timeless lyrics. Concise, energetic, and perfectly produced by John Fogerty, Green River solidifies CCR as one of the most influential American rock bands of the 1960s.
