John Fogerty
Centerfield

THE REVIEW

It had been ten years since old John made any noise, caught up as he was in family problems, legal battles with Creedence's record label, and various vicissitudes, and at that time we missed him.
In an era of pure hedonism, of appearing more than being, and of banal and plasticized musical productions, this album fell upon us like a genuine breath of fresh air, for those who had enough of the sugary tunes of Spandau and Durans, listening to tracks like "The Old Man Down the Road," "Rock and Roll Girls," "Searchlight," and the other little gems present in this album was like salvation.

The album opens with a track that would become a "must" at his concerts, "The Old Man Down the Road," the old man at the end of the road, seen as something we all must confront sooner or later to settle accounts. A song that immediately sets the coordinates of the album, simple and direct rock 'n' roll.
"Rock and Roll Girls" was the single, finally one of those classic Creedence tracks that could be heard on the radio, three minutes of healthy and pure fun.
In this album, Johnny also gives excellent examples of country ("Big Train From Memphis," dedicated to Elvis).
"I Saw It On TV" is perhaps one of his most beautiful pieces, with an intro that recalls "Who'll Stop The Rain," a sweet ballad with a delightful vocal performance.
With "Mr. Greed" it's hard and pure rock, while "Searchlight," which opened the B-side of the vinyl, is another track that harks back to Creedence.
"Centerfield" is the most fun track on the album, fast-paced with great guitars always in the spotlight, "I Can't Help Myself" is perhaps the only weak moment of the album, not too convincing, while "Vanz Kant Danz" is the complaint and invective against Saul Zaentz, manager of Fantasy Records, against whom John was indeed engaged in decades of legal battles, eventually won.

If it were released today it would probably be a good rock 'n' roll album among many, but in evaluating it, one must also understand the era in which it was released.