Willy and the Poor Boys

CCR's third album of 1969 strikes a perfect balance between good-time tunes (the irresistibly bouncy hit "Down on the Corner") and angry sociopolitical statements (the fierce, anti-war "Fortunate Son," the mournful "Effigy"). John Fogerty's soulful growl serves him well on all of the above, as well as on covers of two Leadbelly-associated tunes: "Cotton Fields" and the gospel-flavored "The Midnight Special." The bluesy instrumental "Side o' the Road" gives Fogerty a chance to strut his guitar chops, while the wry rocker "It Came Out of the Sky" has the singular distinction of being the rootsiest-sounding song about a U.F.O. you're likely to encounter.