The name of this band was a combination of things they felt were important to them. Creedence was the name of a co-worker of Tom Fogerty’s, Clearwater came from a beer commercial, and Revival came from the fact that they’d been playing together for so long without any real success. So bringing up a new name and creating this kind of sound was a type of revival for them in some sense. But however it happened, CCR became a household name after their big break in 1960’s, and eventually their run became known around the world as one of the most influential sounds in the music industry. Even now they’re still used extensively in movies and TV.
Here are just a few selections that their music has managed to enhance.
5. Run Through the Jungle – Kong: Skull Island
You would think that an island of monsters would be something you’d stay away from. But mankind has this strange and persistent itch for danger that we can’t shake and don’t seem to want to most days. The need to walk into something inherently dangerous is just a powerful drive that doesn’t ever go away. Normally if anyone saw an ape the size of a building they’d go running, but nope, not these folks.
4. Fortunate Son – Forrest Gump
The 1960’s were a very confusing time for some and a very dangerous time for others. Thankfully Forrest was just dim enough that he didn’t always recognize the danger and so could act in a very loose and reactive manner. Notice how he’s the guy that ends up saving everyone after the ambush. He’s scared stiff but still worries about others. That’s the kind of guy you want on your side.
3. Born On the Bayou – The Expendables
A bunch of ex-soldiers making a living as hired mercenaries seems like they’d be a rowdy bunch, and in this movie that’s definitely the case. I mean they throw knives at the dartboard for crying out loud. But one thing you can say about them is that they’re a tightly knit bunch that will go to bat for one another no matter the odds. It’s inspiring really.
2. Have You Ever Seen the Rain? – The Longest Yard
CCR gets used for a lot of action films it seems, but this is largely because their sound is so fluid and dynamic that it lends itself well to the more action-packed movies that require a fast-moving soundtrack. This scene is just a good old fashioned scrum in the mud but it still compliments the song nicely and vice versa. Plus it kind of sets up the use for the same type of play later on.
1. Up Around the Bend – Remember the Titans
Football is a game where you’re going to get hurt one way or another if you’re actually playing the game. It could be minor, it could be major, but so long as you’re playing the chance is always there. But the point of the game is to have fun, just like any other game. Once it’s no longer fun it’s just work, and that makes no sense considering that in high school you already have enough work to think about.
Creedence Clearwater Revival is still an awesome sound and great addition to any movie.
In my opinion the greatest use of a CCR song in any movie is the playing of Bad Moon Rising during the great transformation scene in American Werewolf in London, hands down. The combination of the classic song and Rick Bakers phenomenal make-up is a perfect fit.
I do like that song a lot but for some reason I couldn’t find any really good clips with it. I know they exist but I had trouble finding one.