Cosmo’s Factory

Ah, Cosmo's Factory. Widely regarded as the crowning achievement in the Creedence catalog. For good reason, too. It opens with Ramble Tamble, probably their most progressive piece up to this point, with its shift in pacing from a speed-country number down to a hypnotic swamp-rock masterpiece in the middle, then it's back in fifth gear through the finish line. Truly a magnificent experience on first listen.

Despite my bitterness toward covers, Creedence sure knew how to choose them. For the most part. Ooby Dooby and My Baby Left Me are decent ways to pad the record, but the hitters, Before You Accuse Me is a great rendition of a blues staple, even though I prefer the earlier version on their debut as a bonus track and I Heard It Through the Grapevine is another one Creedence took and made their own, stretching it into a jammy masterpiece.

I fully understand the need to include covers, but to me, the masterpieces are the John Fogerty-penned ones. Ramble Tamble, Run Through the Jungle, and Who'll Stop the Rain are all powerful tracks that showcase John as a very conscious individual, something I applaud him for. But John was no stranger to creating some fun rock n' roll tunes too, evident in Travelin' Band and Up Around the Bend, the latter having a beautiful opening chord that sets the mood right on the start of the B side.

After this album, exhaustion began to set in, and creative differences slowly began to crack the band. Thankfully, the band was still at their creative apex on Cosmo's Factory, so none of the talent went to waste. An example of all the guys being on the same page and simultaneously maturing, something that won't be present on their final two albums.

These guys choogle as usual (ehh), but then they do mix in some actually insane guitar performances that turn this into the best CCR record I've heard. Once again proving my theory that the year 1970 gave every rock band superpowers.

Standouts: Ramble Tamble • Run Through The Jungle • I Heard It Through The Grapevine

I can certainly see why 𝘊𝘰𝘴𝘮𝘰’𝘴 𝘍𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 is so highly regarded. Creedence Clearwater Revival know how to deliver straightforward, no-nonsense rock music, and there’s plenty of charm in their laid-back, bluesy sound. The songs are well played, the grooves are solid, and the whole thing has an effortless quality that’s easy to appreciate.

And yet, for some reason, the album just doesn’t quite do it for me. I keep waiting for that spark that makes a good record turn into something I genuinely love, but it never really comes. I enjoy the music while it’s playing, but I rarely feel particularly drawn into it. It’s more a case of politely nodding along than wanting to crank up the volume.

There’s nothing here that I actively dislike, and I wouldn’t call it a disappointing listen either. It’s simply one of those albums that I respect more than I actually enjoy. Maybe I’m missing something, or maybe Creedence Clearwater Revival just aren’t quite my cup of tea. Either way, a perfectly decent record that somehow never really catches fire for me.

Possibly out of 3 CCR albums on the list this might be the best one, once again at the very least deserving strong 4 stars at the very least. However I miss here that swampy sound of Bayou country, this one is much more rock'n'roll influeneced, at least on side A. Already rated 4.5 on RYM. Maybe even 5 stars rounding up, really not sure.

Great album, feels alike a best of compilation but hangs together like a proper album.

Came into 1001albums having never listened to CCR.

This is the 3rd album I’ve had and the best of the bunch.

Great album. Great band.

I really do like CCR, but this was a little too “dad” for me and not something I’d willingly reach for these days.

Delightful

Eerste liedje was wel cool. Verder klinkt dit exact als het vorige CCR album voor mij. Niet gek, want alle CCR albums zijn binnen een span van een jaar of 4 uitgekomen.

I Heard It Through The Grapevine is, uiteraard, fucking vet. Totaal geen fan van nummers als Travelin Band en Ooby Dooby, veel te domme en zelfs een beetje irritante blues rock naar mijn mening.

Incredibly fun, cool to hear heard it through the grapevine, I was aware this song came from another artist to stevie but I wasn’t sure who

Probably give this another whirl

4

Solid album, though it didn't jump out to me as being amazing.

Didn't know much from Creedence Clearwater Revival, only their name. And this is a surprise as I really liked what I ear now. This bluesy / rockabilly sound is groovy as fuck and it twist just like you need it.

Favorite Songs: Ramble Tamble ; Before You Accuse Me ; Up Around the Bend ; I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Some great songs on here, Up Around The Bend is an almighty BANGER of a track. Their version of Heard It Through The Grapevine might be my favourite interpretation of the song.

I really want to give this five stars but I’m not massively keen on Before You Accuse Me and Ooby Dooby. I’ll be giving this another listen so I might feel differently later on but, as it stands, I could look past one track but I can’t give top marks with two I’m not fussed on.

Top Track - Up Around The Bend

If you’re in the mood for southern rock swamp museum this is a great one. But you have to be ready for it.

Another much beloved classic rock band that I haven't had any contact with before. Similar to my review of "Déjà Vu", I tend to not vibe fully with most dad rock, folk, country etc. It's nothing personal and absolutely nothing wrong with the music itself! I acknowledge my youthful eyes and ears are quite biased in this regard. Anyway, the first song really caught my attention and was filled with some tasty guitar work. The rest of the album is a lovely sunny jaunt (with the exception of the behemoth of a cover that is "I Heard It Through the Grapevine") and I liked it, even if it wasn't something that special to me personally. Again, a high 3 stars!

I had fun but not memorable enough for me

60s music that is not the same as everyone else? Great energy. Yes, I know it's technically from 1970.
Highlights: ramble tamble, up around the bend, heard it through the grapevine

You know what cosmos factory was? A damn hit machine powered by that bicycle. Hit Damn

banger

Bunch of classics on here. Old-fashioned American straightforward rock and roll. Nothing flashy about it but feels honest.