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Fortunate Son
Creedance Clearwater Revival
1969

You can literally hear this one in your head, right?  You don’t need the music. As soon as someone says “Fortunate Son” your mind is going to those drums, that one-two guitar punch, and then Fogerty just comes in with “some folks are born, maaaaaade to wave the flag, ooh that red, white and blue” and you’re off and running. You know it, you love it. 

I wasn’t alive in 1969, but this song sounds just as powerful today as it must have almost 55 years ago.   It was tough to pick just one CCR song — so many great ones to choose from. Down on the Corner, Bad Moon Rising, Up Around the Bend are all personal favorites. Lookin’ Out My Back Door (from Blue Chips! haha) is a gem. And Long as I Can See the Light is so underrated. Ultimately it came down to Fortunate Son and Have You Ever Seen the Rain? for me. But the reality is, this band was so good. Just unbelievable they were able to churn out so much great music in less than 5 years before splitting up. 

Ultimately, of course, it’s John Fogerty’s amazing vocal work that carries the day. But the rhythms of their songs — all very simple songs, but orchestrated so well — is also so enjoyable. One of the best anti-war songs, this one is also simply one of the best songs we’ve ever heard. 

Other Songs Considered:
See list above.