#2. I Heard It Through The Grapevine (CCR)

Title: I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Album: Cosmo's Factory
Released: 1970
Genre: Classic Rock

Why this song rocks
John Fogerty (guitar) and Doug Clifford (drums) pound out an amazing 7-minute solo.

What this song is about
The narrator comes back after being away from home, only to hear that his girlfriend dumped him for another guy. He can't seem to cope with the loss, and we see him struggle to bounce back before confronting her about the situation.

What I think about the music
Today's song choice is a cover of the classic song "I Heard It Through The Grapevine". The song was originally written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. It was made popular in 1967 by soulful artist Marvin Gaye, and his rendition quickly made it as a #1 hit in 1968. His version was voted as one of Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Soul music is powerful - it coveys feelings of heartfelt emotions, and those familiar with the works of Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes can attest to that. Comprised mostly of slow songs with a melodic back beat, soul music tells a story, usually of love lost, but also of survival and moving on. Only CCR can maintain the soulful composition of the song, while adapting it to a classic rock melody with gripping guitar and drum solos.

The first 5 minutes of the song mimics the original in melody and lyrics. John Fogerty's voice can belt out those high notes with ease, and his guitar playing is unmatched, making him one of the most versatile guitar players of all time.

The rest of the song (approximately 7 minutes) is a unique collaboration with drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford (hence the word "Cosmo" in the album title) in one of the most amazing guitar solos in classic rock history. John continues to capture the essence of the song by adapting his guitar style to a soulful blues melody, and Doug keeps the rhythm going as only he can. Halfway through the solo, however, the roles are reversed as John appears to be leading Doug in a crescendo of drum-pounding and string-plucking chaos until the song fades, leaving you with wanting more.

Okay, maybe Creedence Clearwater Revival's version did not make it to #1, but this rockin' remake did make it to my list, if only because of its originality and creativity.


Quotable lyrics

I know that a man ain't supposed to cry,
But these tears I can't hold inside.
Losin' you would end my life you see,
Cause you mean that much to me.