by Brian D. Holland.

Revival has been touted as a return to Creedence Clearwater Revival roots for John Fogerty, the former lead guitarist, lead singer, and core songwriter of the classic rock outfit. CCR no longer exists, so there’s certainly nothing wrong with Fogerty laying claim to a sound that was basically his anyway. From a fan standpoint, it’s great to hear some fresh, new songs done in that evocative fashion. The fact that it was released on the Fantasy label is a "return" of sorts in its own right. The last time Fogerty recorded for them was 34 years ago.

The even flowing rhythm guitar tempo and simple country lyrical content in the opener, "Don’t You Wish It Was True," transports the listener right back to the "Willy and the Poor Boys" days. Taking it back even further, the lead guitar solo is very reminiscent of "Proud Mary" in both melody and tone. To reiterate on that aforementioned rhythm guitar cadence, let’s not forget Fogerty’s older brother, Tom, who passed away from a tuberculosis infection back in 1990. He was very much a palpable factor in the music of CCR. Often underrated, Tom’s rhythm guitar prowess was amazing in its simplicity yet perfect in its rhythmic flow. It’s interesting that John decided to begin the first song on the album with that memorable strumming technique.

Much of the album travels down that CCR road, with simple chord arrangements and catchy lyrical verses and choruses. After all, it is rock ’n’ roll, and I shouldn’t have to remind anyone of the appealing simplicity behind many of those great rock songs, and the fact that John Fogerty and CCR were the kings of simple classic melody. In "Creedence Song," Fogerty even goes as far as to say, "You can’t go wrong if you play a little bit o’ that Creedence song." Anyone from that era who played in a garage band knows the truth in that theory.

Fogerty always had a knack for country-rock melody and straightforward, yet meaningful subject matter in his songs. In fact, he’s often quite soulful and gospel-like. "River Is Waiting" is a fine example of this, as his expressive vocal is outstanding. The song's arrangement is utterly infectious, and the guitar tones are incredible.

"Summer of Love" has an interesting Canned Heat semblance and tonal vibe to it, bringing a 1967 San Francisco likeness to the forefront. Fogerty is right at home in this style. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that Creedence was actually a substantial element of the Woodstock era. His lead guitar work is scorching here. Another Sixties feature often recharged today is the trait to speak out politically. In "I Can’t Take It No More," he jumps all over the current administration, saying he’s "sick and tired of your dirty little war." If some are left wondering if this good ol’ boy still has the ability to rock, give the closing song, "Longshot," a good listen. John is still an incredible lead guitarist, too, with a wonderful aptitude for phrasing and tone.

John Fogerty’s reigning popularity alone is enough to remind us just how good his music really was, and how good his new material is as well. His live shows are sold out and his current stage and studio bands are outstanding. Though he has released a number of quality studio albums since calling it quits with the band that brought him initial fame, most notably The Blue Ridge Rangers in 1973, Centerfield in 1985, Blue Moon Swamp in 1997, and Déjà vu All Over Again in 2004, 2007’s Revival appears to be close to the top of the heap (where Centerfield lies) in musical quality, songs Fogerty and fans can be proud of. These songs are catchy, optimistic, and listenable, and they will be for many years to come.

Revival Track Listing:
1. Don’t You Wish It Was True
2. Gunslinger
3. Creedence Song
4. Broken Down Cowboy
5. River Is Waiting
6. Long Dark Night
7. Summer Of Love
8. Natural Thing
9. It Ain’t Right
10. I Can’t Take It No More
11. Somebody Help Me
12. Longshot

John Fogerty: guitar, vocals, producer
Hunter Perrin: guitar
Kenny Aronoff: drums and percussion
David Santo: bass guitar
Benmont Tench: organ
Julia Waters: background vocals
Maxine Waters: background vocals
Oren Waters: background vocals

Fantasy - 2007

Links:
John Fogerty
Purchase Revival on Amazon