What makes CJ Fish by Country Joe and the Fish notable?

CJ Fish reached number 155 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a noticeable decline in commercial popularity compared to earlier albums. The album is significant for its exploration of diverse musical styles and lyrical themes, reflecting the changes in both society and the band's artistic direction during this transitional period. Released on May 1, 1970, CJ Fish was Country Joe and the Fish's final studio album, following their successful 1969 release, Electric Music for the Mind and Body. At this point in their career, the band was navigating a shifting musical landscape marked by the decline of psychedelic rock and increasing fragmentation within the genre.

How many songs are on CJ Fish?

CJ Fish has 11 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

CJ Fish

Country Joe and the Fish · 1970

40 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of whimsical melodies and psychedelic instrumentation that captures the era's experimental spirit.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Sing Sing Sing — Opening with an infectious rhythm, this track sets a lively tone that showcases the band's playful energy and knack for catchy hooks.
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The Love Machine — With its extended jam section, this song exemplifies the band's psychedelic roots while also hinting at shifts towards more progressive rock elements.
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Rockin' Round The World — This track stands out for its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics, encapsulating the carefree spirit of late '60s counterculture.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases diverse styles and structures but lacks the cohesion and impact of earlier works.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt changes in melody and rhythm.
The use of varied instrumentation, including strings and horns, adds layers to the sound, creating a rich auditory experience.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Sing Sing Sing 3:05
2 She's A Bird 4:38
3 Mara 3:01
4 Hang On 4:12
5 The Baby Song 2:55
6 Hey Bobby 2:11
7 Silver And Gold 2:47
8 Rockin' Round The World 4:54
9 The Love Machine 5:48
10 The Return Of Sweet Lorraine 3:50
11 Hand Of Man 2:50

What to play next

Listen next

The Life and Times of Country Joe and the Fish

1971

Go back to

Here We Are Again

1969

Full Country Joe and the Fish discography Artists like Country Joe and the Fish

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata