Clifford/Wright: “For All The Money In The World” (2021) CD Review

Creedence Clearwater Revival wasn’t together all that long, and yet managed to record a whole lot of fantastic material during that brief period, songs that have certainly stood the test of time, most of them written by singer and guitarist John Fogerty. It wasn’t really until the band’s final studio album, 1972’s Mardi Gras, that the other members got a chance to contribute songs and lead vocals. After the band broke up, drummer Doug “Cosmo” Clifford released a self-titled solo album in 1972 that featured a lot of original material.  And that was the last solo album he released until last year’s Magic Window, which included tracks recorded back in 1985, and provided another chance for us to hear Cosmo sing. Now he’s following that with an album written and recorded with bassist Steve Wright (from The Greg Kihn Band) in 1986. Titled For All The Money In The World, this album features original material written by Clifford and Wright. It does not, however, feature Cosmo on lead vocals. That job goes to Keith England, whom you might know from his work with the Allman Brothers Band. Cosmo does provide some backing vocals, however. The band on this album also includes Joe Satriani on guitar, Greg Douglass on guitar, Jimmy Lyon on guitar, Del Burchett on guitar, Tim Gorman on keys, and Pat Mosca on keys. Steve Wright, as you might recall, died in 2017.

The album opens with its title track, “For All The Money In The World,” a cheerful song, a declaration of love, something we can all get behind and enjoy. “Don’t you worry, my feelings ain’t gonna change/Never gonna play love’s silly games/You give me understanding, and hold me all through the night.” Ah yes, nothing better in the world than that feeling, and anyone who has a similar love knows that it is worth more than all the money in the world. This is an earnest and sweet love song to get things going. It’s followed by “I Need Your Love.” And there is no question that this one was recorded in the 1980s; it has that vibe and sound. It takes me back to my teen years. Here is a taste of the lyrics: “You know why I’m unsociable/Because I’m so emotional/Let’s talk about a second chance/Don’t leave it up to circumstance/It’s worth the time that we both spend/To have our love come back again/Darling, I’m in love with you /Won’t you say you love me too.”

“She Told Me So” is a fun, upbeat rock tune with a good deal of energy, heard not only in that driving beat, but also in the delivery of lines like “Walking, talking, hand in hand/Baby, tell me I’m your man.” This is a perfect song for summer, with that strong beat, and some good work on keys. It is a totally enjoyable song, a highlight of the disc. Then we get “Lost Pride Fever,” a straightforward number. “Lift up your spirit, hold up the banner/Dare to be stronger, hope for the better.” That’s followed by “I See Your Silhouette,” a sweet song that features one of the album’s best vocal performances. “I see your silhouette dancin’ on the shade/I never will forget the music that we played/I still hear those songs – they just won’t fade away/I never will forget your shadow on the shade.” This one at moments reminds me of some of CCR’s later material, like when Keith England sings “You never knew my name,” and it features some really nice work on keys. This track is one of my personal favorites.

“Real Love” is a celebration of true love, with a lively intro.  “No one to count on, except my baby back home/City streets so wet and unforgiving/Without you, girl, I’m not really living/I know what’s important in my life.” And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Knowing what’s important and focusing, as much as possible, on that. I think many people have reevaluated their priorities over the last couple of years, and I suspect this song will speak to a lot of folks. That’s followed by “You Keep Runnin’ Away.” There is no doubt that this pop song is from the 1980s. Even that guitar lead seems to scream 1980s. But what I do really love about this track is that bass line. “Just In The Nick Of Time” is a love song, relating how sometimes that special person comes at just the right moment. “I was lost, I was so low down/I wasn’t there by choice/Cryin’ out for someone to love me/That’s when I heard your voice/Just in the nick of time, just in the nick of time/Just in the nick of time you came and saved my life.”

“Weekends” is pure fun, one of those songs that make you want to just enjoy yourself, to roll down the car windows and feel the breeze on your face. We can all use a song like this one in these strange and frustrating days. “Under the spell of the neon lights/I’m feelin’ the magic of Saturday night.” I’m looking forward to the days when we can go to a bar, have a few drinks, and dance with abandon to some great local band. It is difficult to keep from getting angry at all the unvaccinated people who are essentially stopping that from happening. “Weekends” is followed by “Lonesome Boy,” a really good pop song. There is something catchy about this one, and each time I listen to it, it makes me smile. “I really acted like a fool/What more can I say/She was my everything/That was yesterday.” This is another of the disc’s highlights. The album then concludes with “You’re Gonna Love Again,” a positive number with a strong 1980s vibe. And though it has that weak “shelf”/“self” rhyme, it is still an enjoyable song. “If you need a shoulder, call me I’ll be there/To help you fight your sadness, baby this is madness/I know that you will survive/You’re gonna love again.”

CD Track List

1. For All The Money In The World
2. I Need Your Love
3. She Told Me So
4. Lost Pride Fever
5. I See Your Silhouette
6. Real Love
7. You Keep Runnin’ Away
8. Just In The Nick Of Time
9. Weekends
10. Lonesome Boy
11. You’re Gonna Love Again

For All The Money In The World is scheduled to be released on August 27, 2021.