Who are your musical influences? This is a question asked of musicians, obviously, but what about the ordinary music listener? Why do you listen (or not listen) to certain artists and genres? More than just filling the time during the commute home, listening to John Fogerty’s Wrote a Song for Everyone made me reflect on my own musical influences and why this album is a good illustration of them.
I am familiar with the works of John Fogerty and Bob Seger thanks to my dad. We didn’t listen to much music in the house, but when we were in the car, it was rock and classic rock. The more guitar, the better. As you get chauffeured by older siblings, you don’t have much say, so I was introduced by them to 80s and 90s rock, leading to my interest in Foo Fighters and Dawes. My introduction to country music was mostly a result of the transition of the radio station 104.3 FM from Top 40 to country, which might be why I’m not opposed to listening to Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, and Zac Brown Band.
What appeals to me most about Wrote a Song for Everyone is the blending of the guest artists' style with Fogerty’s original songs. "Who’ll Stop the Rain" with Bob Seger sounds like a Bob Seger song. "Almost Saturday Night" and "Hot Rod Heart" with Keith Urban and Brad Paisley could be played on country radio. I'm now in search of other tribute/cover albums to broaden my musical interests. They are a great way to listen to familiar artists sing someone else's songs, or hear familiar songs sung by someone new. Check out my list: Sing it Again: Tribute and Cover Albums.