Chronicle, Vol. 1: The 20 Greatest Hits

Although Chronicle Vol.1 will not cover everything they did, it is comprehensive enough for all but the most hardcore fans. Tracking down the original LPs is not an easy task these days, so it's good to have this single-disc retrospective of CCR's career on hand.

These guys were sincere in what they did and although CCR had many popular singles over their five-year existence that enjoyed heavy airplay, they never really got the recognition they should have. John Fogerty and his band deserve to rank up there with the Rolling Stones and Beatles for crafting superb rock 'n' roll straight with no chaser. Fortunate Son, Up Around The Bend, Travelin' Band, Green River, Run Through The Jungle, and everything else are all timeless. However, if I had to name a favorite, it's probably their take on Heard It Through The Grapevine, which becomes a menacing and focused blues jam that goes for a solid 11 minutes without dragging.

When you become a parent, buy two copies--one for yourself, and one to hand down to your kids. In this age of manufactured pop-punk and tepid nu-metal, parents should show their children how true rock 'n' roll is done. This is the perfect start to their library.


The most authentic, soulful rock n roll   March 3, 2003
 58 out of 61 found this review helpful

I bought this CD half-heartedly, just for old time's sake, apprehensive that the music might have gone stale. Wow! I couldn't have been more wrong! All the old magic is still there, but the sound captivated me more than most contemporary rock. I now realize how unique this band was and that there has been nothing even vaguely similar on the radio for many years now. Their songs are powerful, melodic, soulful and captivating, perfectly delivered by that VOICE (John Fogerty) and the harmony vocals. There's the wistful yearning of Have You Ever Seen The Rain, the spooky unease of Bad Moon Rising and the funky, bluesy rendition of I Heard It Through The Grapevine. There's also the catchy Down On The Corner with its swaying rhythm. Every one of these songs is a winner, but I must point out my other favourites like Proud Mary, Hey Tonight, Up Around The Bend and of course the divine Lodi, a lament of a disillusioned rocker on the road. This collection is as golden as golden can be - brilliant, emotionally captivating songs infused with gritty soul that have not merely survived the decades, but shine as brightly now as in the late 60s and early 70s. This is the most authentic rock 'n roll you'll ever get.


Best American Band of the 1960's   July 3, 1999
 34 out of 37 found this review helpful

With all due respect, there were many great American bands from the 1960's. But none as successful as CCR (who deserved their success, I may add). This features all but one essential hit ("Born on the Bayou" can be found on Chronicle Volume 2). All of the songs are great, but some of the best songs include "Proud Mary", "Fortunate Son", "Green River", "Travelling Band", and the 11 minute "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". John Fogerty is very versatile in his talents, being able to play guitar and sing as well as he could/can and write clever and meaningful songs which are still fun to listen to. Listen to this one for yourself and hear why CCR was as successful as they were!!!


Essential singles and album tracks   September 14, 2002
 31 out of 34 found this review helpful

No anthology can really do justice to CCR. Like The Beatles, Stones, Who or any other band from that era, CCR is best appreciated by a quartet of classic albums; Bayou Country, Green River, Willie & The Poorboys and Cosmos' Factory. Still, this is a great overviw of the band's essential singles and album tracks. What's missing are some important songs (Effigy, the scorching version of Good Golly Miss Molly and It's Just a Thought among many others) but hardly essential for the novice or casual CCR fan.

This fine collection's flaw is the sound quality. The original mastertapes sound like they weren't used on some of these tracks. The entire CCR catalog (with the exception of Live Europe which is available as part of the boxed set)has been remastered with stunning results. The sound quality here is tinny and flat by comparison. The "sound" of any CCR recording is as essential as the song itself and, in that regard, this collection is definitely lacking.

John Fogerty's songs have stood the test of time. Born on The Bayou, Down on the Corner, Who'll Stop The Rain and many of his other songs still retain the freshness they had decades ago. Hopefully Fantasy will remaster this collection. I'd recommend purchasing the quartet of albums mentioned previously. Additionally, Fogerty's first solo album (entitled John Fogerty)and available as an import has a number of moments equal to his best CCR songs. In fact, most of Fogerty's solo recordings although not as essential as CCR, are important and strong albums (the exception is the misguided Eye of the Zombie).


Best anthology album ever?   November 1, 2000
 15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Creedence Clearwater Revival was one of the best singles bands in rock history. That their original studio albums were also first rate was because they were all essentially collections of great singles. "Chronicle" has to be one of the best and most intelligently programed single-disc anthology albums ever. The CD moves in chronological order, starting with the ace covers "Susie Q" and "I Put a Spell on You," recorded when the band was just warming up. Then it roars through the classics starting with "Proud Mary" and ending with another ace cover, "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," that amazingly were all released in about a two year period from 1968-1970. All of these songs are staples of classic rock radio and prove that John Fogerty was a master songwriter who could be mentioned in the same sentence with Lennon/McCartney. The album finishes with a quartet of fine singles that were highlights from the band's final two less successful albums. "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" may not be that distinguishable from the earlier "Who'll Stop the Rain," but its still a top notch rock song.

For the casual fan, "Chronicle" is all you will ever need, though "Chronicle 2" will help satisfy those with additional CCR cravings. If all great bands were as well served with their anthology albums, being a music consumer wouldn't be so frustratingly expensive.