Bayou Country 86 This second album definitely opened the world's eyes to Creedence. Proud Mary is the big single here but Born On The Bayou is the real gem on this collection. Only five other tunes on this album and Graveyard Train is a bit to repetitive for me. However, John Fogerty's song-writing ability takes a big step forward as this record is a very worthy buy.

Green River 82

The parade of chart topping singles come rolling along here. Bad Moon Rising, Lodi, and the title track all are winners. The lesser known tunes are pretty good too. John Fogerty proves to be a voice for the working people of the United States on the standout Wrote A Song For Everyone. There is very limited improvisation here as all the songs are under five minutes and are neatly structured. Whereas I miss this aspect, Creedence shows that the short structured approach is a fine alternative.

Willy And The Poor Boys 87

Oh what diversity on this superb collection. Country and Calypso influences are present here as this band grows even further. They even do a street corner instrumental jam which has yet to be duplicated. The political commentary continues as well on Fortunate Son as John Fogerty lashes out how money influences who lives and dies. An album that has just about something for everyone.

Cosmos Factory 91

Creedence reaches the top of the Rock N Roll Mountain on this disc. Whereas John Fogerty is the driving influence at this point in the band's history, the other band members, especially drummer Doug Clifford make notable instrumental contributions. The eleven plus minute version of I Heard Through The Grapevine is simply awesome. You have short songs, long songs, blues, rock, country, and even an Elvis cover. The premiere Creedence Album to own.

Pendulum 72

Its phenomenal that a 72 was the low point in this band's original record collection. Many bands don't reach a 72 for their high! Anyway, this album stands out as Creedence's Joker because of a weak guitar sound, some questionably arrangements, and an overuse of the organ as the dominating instrument. Have You Ever Seen The Rain is a beautiful song and there are a few other decent songs here as well. However there is one noise fest (feast ?)of a number in Rude Awakening #2 which really shows you that song-writing was not at a premium. Still worthwhile for completists and if you get it cheap.

Mardi Gras 85

This is without a doubt one of the overlooked records in the history of contemporary music. Tom Fogerty quit the band before this album and John Fogerty agreed to allow the other band members to write and sing. Whereas the music influence here is a little to heavily in the country area, the overall result is quite good. Stu Cook's vocal abilities due leave alot to be desired but he contributes some nice tunes particularly Door To Door, an interesting story of the life of a salesman. Doug Clifford adds some pleasant vocals to his contributions which have some bouncy rhythms. And John's contributions are grade A. My main problem with this album is the song sequence as Sweet Hitch A Hiker, probably the best song on the album is all the way at the end. Otherwise, there are several spunky little tunes here which conclude the fine collection of this band.