About the Song
“The Night Time Is the Right Time” is one of the most fiery, blues-drenched moments in Creedence Clearwater Revival’s catalog—a track that pays homage to the deep roots of rhythm and blues while infusing it with the band’s unmistakable swamp-rock energy. Featured on their 1969 album Green River, this cover of the Ray Charles classic is a raw, high-octane performance that captures the gritty, live-wire essence of CCR at their most electrifying.
Originally written and recorded in the 1950s, the song had been covered by a number of artists before CCR took it on, but their version stands out for its sheer ferocity. Right from the opening riff, the band tears into the song with a sense of urgency. John Fogerty’s raspy, impassioned vocals don’t just sing the lyrics—they howl them. He leans into every phrase with a wild intensity, transforming the song from a slow-burning blues number into a roaring rock revival.
Musically, “The Night Time Is the Right Time” is anchored by Stu Cook’s deep, thumping bass and Doug Clifford’s pounding drums, giving it a primal rhythm that drives the track forward with unrelenting force. Fogerty’s guitar work is sharp and punchy, filled with bluesy bends and snarling riffs, while his vocals channel both desperation and desire, elevating the track from a cover to a performance that feels deeply personal.
Though the song is about longing and connection, CCR doesn’t play it as a smooth or sultry number. Instead, they emphasize the rawness of the emotion—the restless energy that comes alive when the sun goes down. Their version doesn’t whisper seductively; it stomps, sweats, and shouts. It’s less about romance and more about release, echoing the tension and excitement of the night.
In the context of the Green River album, which is filled with southern gothic imagery and twang-laced rockers, “The Night Time Is the Right Time” adds a jolt of old-school blues fire. It shows Creedence Clearwater Revival’s deep respect for their musical forebears while proving they could take a classic and make it entirely their own.
While it may not be as widely recognized as their original hits, this track remains a fan favorite and a standout for anyone who appreciates CCR’s ability to blend roots, rock, and raw emotion into one unforgettable performance. It’s loud, unfiltered, and alive—just like the night itself.