What does Creedence Clearwater Revival sound like?

A gritty blend of swamp rock and bluesy melodies that captures the raw energy of American roots music. Rooted in hard rock and rock & roll. Start with "I Put a Spell on You".

Is Creedence Clearwater Revival a good place to start with Creedence Clearwater Revival?

Yes, Creedence Clearwater Revival is recommended as a starting point for new Creedence Clearwater Revival listeners. A gritty blend of swamp rock and bluesy melodies that captures the raw energy of American roots music. This self-titled debut album from Creedence Clearwater Revival was released in July 1968, shortly after the band's formation. The album introduced their distinctive sound during a time when they were still establishing themselves in the competitive music scene of the late 1960s. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent rise to fame with a series of successful albums.

Who is Creedence Clearwater Revival for?

Creedence Clearwater Revival works well if you're into short, engaging listening sessions, heartfelt storytelling focus and steady rhythmic momentum.

How many songs are on Creedence Clearwater Revival?

Creedence Clearwater Revival has 8 tracks, running approximately 33 minutes.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival · 1968

33 min · 8 tracks · hard rock

A gritty blend of swamp rock and bluesy melodies that captures the raw energy of American roots music.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I Put a Spell on You Start here — This track features a powerful vocal performance that captures a sense of haunting desperation, making it a standout opener that establishes the band's emotional range.
→
Suzie Q — The extended jam showcases the band's ability to blend rock and blues seamlessly, highlighting their improvisational talents and setting a template for future live performances.
→
The Working Man — With its relatable lyrics focused on labor and struggle, this song resonates deeply with listeners, embodying the working-class ethos prevalent in many of their later works.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album features strong songwriting and a distinctive sound that captures the essence of roots rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a cover of 'I Put a Spell on You', featuring a prominent organ riff that sets a gritty tone.
Tracks like 'Suzie Q' and 'Ninety‐Nine and a Half (Won’t Do)' showcase extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation.
The pacing shifts between mid-tempo rockers and slower, blues-influenced tracks, creating dynamic contrasts throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

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

short, engaging listening sessions
heartfelt storytelling focus
steady rhythmic momentum
contemplative reflective moods

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This debut album introduced their sound and established their presence in rock.
Themes: working-class struggle· swamp rock atmosphere· Southern blues influence
Career context: This self-titled debut album from Creedence Clearwater Revival was released in July 1968, shortly after the band's formation. The album introduced their distinctive sound during a time when they were still establishing themselves in the competitive music scene of the late 1960s. It laid the groundwork for their subsequent rise to fame with a series of successful albums.
Stylistic neighbors: The Band· Lynyrd Skynyrd· Bob Dylan