Centerfield
John Fogerty · 1985
35 min · 9 tracks · country music
A spirited blend of rock and swampy rhythm, brimming with nostalgic Americana and catchy hooks.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Old Man Down the Road Start here — This track features a driving beat and memorable guitar riff that encapsulate Fogerty's signature swamp rock sound while addressing themes of resilience and struggle.
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Centerfield — This song celebrates baseball culture with infectious energy, making it a quintessential sports anthem that resonates every spring during baseball season.
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Rock and Roll Girls — With its upbeat tempo and playful lyrics, this track exemplifies Fogerty's knack for storytelling through music while blending rock and country influences seamlessly.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends energetic rock with Americana themes, featuring catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and upbeat melodies, establishing a lively tone that persists through the album's early half.
- The title track 'Centerfield' employs a repetitive chorus that enhances its anthemic quality, making it memorable and singable.
- Several songs incorporate elements of swamp rock, characterized by a laid-back groove and prominent use of guitar riffs.
- The album closes with 'Vanz Kant Danz', which shifts to a more reflective tone, providing a contrast to the earlier energetic tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady, consistent energy levels
- infectious hooks and melodies
- short, engaging listening sessions
- uplifting storytelling vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Re-established Fogerty's career after a long hiatus, achieving commercial success.
- Career context
- Released on January 14, 1985, Centerfield marked John Fogerty's comeback after a lengthy legal battle with his former label. This was his first solo album in nearly a decade, following the commercial disappointment of 1975's Hoodoo. The album helped re-establish Fogerty as a significant voice in rock music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Creedence Clearwater Revival· Lynyrd Skynyrd· The Band
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Saw It on T.V.
The narrative shifts from personal reflection to commentary on media influence, capturing a sense of disillusionment with modern life.
This transition highlights Fogerty's skill in weaving social critique into his songwriting, using vivid imagery to illustrate the impact of television on perception.
Tracklist
- 1 The Old Man Down the Road Start here 3:32
- 2 Rock and Roll Girls 3:28
- 3 Big Train (From Memphis) 2:57
- 4 I Saw It on T.V. 4:20
- 5 Mr. Greed 4:08
- 6 Searchlight 4:31
- 7 Centerfield 3:50
- 8 I Can’t Help Myself 3:15
- 9 Vanz Kant Danz 5:29
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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