Description
Creedence Clearwater Revival – Chronicle – Blue with Black Smoke Vinyl Record
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits is a compilation album released on January 1976 by Fantasy Records. Often referred to simply as Chronicle, the album gathers the most iconic and beloved songs from CCR’s career, spanning their prolific run between 1968 and 1972. Featuring hits like Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary, and Fortunate Son, the collection serves as both a definitive introduction for new listeners and a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy.
With its timeless blend of swamp rock, blues, and roots music, Chronicle became one of the best-selling greatest hits albums of all time, earning multi-platinum certification and cementing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s place as one of rock’s most influential bands.
Creedence Clearwater Revival, formed in El Cerrito, California, in 1967, consisted of John Fogerty (vocals, guitar), Tom Fogerty (guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug Clifford (drums). Known for their tight arrangements, politically charged lyrics, and infectious melodies, CCR became a defining voice of late-1960s and early-1970s rock. Despite their relatively short career as a band, their output was remarkably prolific, producing seven studio albums in just four years.
By the time Chronicle was released, the band had disbanded (in 1972), but their music remained a staple of classic rock radio. Fantasy Records compiled Chronicle to capitalize on CCR’s enduring popularity, and the album has since become a cornerstone of any rock collection.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s music is rooted in Americana, blending rock and roll with elements of blues, country, and Southern soul. Despite being from California, their sound evokes the swamps and bayous of the American South, a style often referred to as swamp rock. John Fogerty’s raspy, soulful vocals and socially conscious songwriting are key to the band’s identity.
Chronicle showcases CCR’s ability to craft hits that are both radio-friendly and resonant with deeper themes, including war, class struggles, and nostalgia for simpler times.
Track Highlights
Chronicle contains 20 tracks, many of which remain staples of classic rock and pop culture:
Susie Q
A lengthy, bluesy jam that became the band’s breakthrough hit, showcasing their ability to reinterpret rock and roll standards with their own swampy twist.
Proud Mary
One of CCR’s most famous songs, this riverboat anthem features unforgettable guitar riffs and vivid imagery. It became a cultural touchstone, famously covered by Ike & Tina Turner.
Bad Moon Rising
A fast-paced rock track with an ominous message about impending disaster, delivered with an upbeat melody.
Born on the Bayou
A quintessential swamp rock song that sets the tone for CCR’s Southern-inspired sound, with Fogerty’s guitar work shining.
Fortunate Son
A fiery protest anthem against the Vietnam War and privilege, it remains one of the most politically charged rock songs of all time.
Green River
A nostalgic track with a driving rhythm and lyrics that paint vivid pictures of John Fogerty’s childhood.
Down on the Corner
A playful, feel-good song with a sing-along chorus and a story about a fictional street band called Willy and the Poor Boys.
Have You Ever Seen the Rain?
A melancholic yet hopeful ballad reflecting the band’s internal tensions and universal themes of change.
Who’ll Stop the Rain
A timeless folk-rock anthem with poetic lyrics about resilience and perseverance.
Up Around the Bend
A jubilant, upbeat rocker with a killer opening riff, it’s one of CCR’s most optimistic tracks.
Run Through the Jungle
A dark, bluesy song with a hypnotic groove, often interpreted as a critique of America’s gun culture and the Vietnam War.
Lookin’ Out My Back Door
A whimsical, country-inspired tune that balances lighthearted imagery with subtle nods to nostalgia.
Travelin’ Band
A high-energy rock and roll number celebrating life on the road.
Lodi
A poignant tale of a struggling musician stuck in a small town, resonating with themes of dashed dreams and perseverance.
I Heard It Through the Grapevine
A nearly 11-minute rendition of the Marvin Gaye classic, transforming the soulful original into an epic jam session.
Chronicle was an immediate success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Pop Catalog Albums chart and remaining one of the best-selling albums in history. It has been certified 10× Platinum in the United States and has sold over 28 million copies worldwide.
Critics praised the album as an essential collection of hits that captures CCR’s genius in distilling raw emotion, storytelling, and musical simplicity into unforgettable tracks. The album has introduced countless listeners to Creedence Clearwater Revival, making it a staple of classic rock collections.
Creedence Clearwater Revival’s songs, many of which are featured on Chronicle, have permeated pop culture, appearing in films, TV shows, and commercials. Tracks like Fortunate Son and Bad Moon Rising have become anthems for social and political movements, while others like Proud Mary and Have You Ever Seen the Rain? remain timeless crowd-pleasers.
The album’s enduring popularity underscores CCR’s influence on rock music and their ability to connect with listeners across generations. Their straightforward yet profound songwriting continues to resonate, proving that great music transcends time.
Chronicle: The 20 Greatest Hits is a definitive compilation that showcases the brilliance of Creedence Clearwater Revival. With its timeless songs, diverse styles, and universal appeal, it serves as both a celebration of the band’s legacy and a testament to their lasting impact on rock music. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering CCR for the first time, Chronicle is an essential listening experience that captures the heart and soul of one of rock’s greatest bands.
The 20 Greatest Hits
Newbury Comics Exclusive
Transparent Blue With Black Smoke
Limited to 5000 Copies
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Susie Q
I Put A Spell On You
Proud Mary
Bad Moon Rising
Lodi
Green River
Commotion
Down On The Corner
Fortunate Son
Travelin’ Band
Who’ll Stop The Rain
Up Around The Bend
Run Through The Jungle
Lookin’ Out My Back Door
Long As I Can See The Light
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Have You Ever Seen The Rain?
Hey Tonight
Sweet Hitch-Hiker
Someday Never Comes
