Fantasy Records – 1972
Mardi Gras is the seventh and final studio album by Creedence Clearwater Revival, released in 1972 during a turbulent period for the band. Unlike earlier CCR albums, which were largely driven by John Fogerty’s songwriting and production, Mardi Gras features a more democratic — and controversial — approach, with Stu Cook and Doug Clifford contributing their own songs and taking on lead vocals.
The result is a unique entry in the CCR catalogue: raw, varied, and reflective of a band in transition. While different in tone from their earlier swamp‑rock classics, the album has developed a cult following for its looser, rootsy feel and its snapshot of CCR’s final chapter.
Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival
Title: Mardi Gras
Label: Fantasy Records
Released: 1972
Format: Vinyl LP
Genre: Roots Rock, Swamp Rock, Country Rock
Lookin’ for a Reason
Take It Like a Friend
Need Someone to Hold
Tearin’ Up the Country
Someday Never Comes
What Are You Gonna Do
Sail Away
Hello Mary Lou
Door to Door
Sweet Hitch‑Hiker
A mix of roots rock, country‑tinged tracks, and classic CCR swamp‑rock energy.
Includes the hit “Sweet Hitch‑Hiker” and the emotional “Someday Never Comes.”
Cook and Clifford’s contributions give the album a more varied vocal and songwriting palette.
A fascinating, transitional record that captures the band’s final moments together.
Original Fantasy pressings often feature the distinctive brown‑and‑tan label.
Condition varies widely, as CCR albums were heavily played.
Some editions include a lyric insert or printed inner sleeve.
A must‑have for CCR completists and collectors of early‑’70s American rock.