Mardi Gras is the seventh and final studio album by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, released on April 11, 1972. It was recorded after the departure of guitarist Tom Fogerty and was their only album as a trio, with the band also sharing lead vocals on select tracks.

Unlike previous albums, Mardi Gras featured Stu Cook and Doug Clifford sharing songwriting and production with John Fogerty, as well as their own lead vocal contributions for the first time. Reviews were mixed to poor. Following the album’s release, the band officially disbanded on October 16, 1972, in a statement released by the group and their record label Fantasy Records. Mardi Gras is the only album by the band not to be reformed and reissued until the 40th anniversary of their formation in 2008.

Previously, frontman John Fogerty performed all of the lead vocals, all of the song arrangements, and composed all of the original material for the band. His older brother Tom Fogerty had left after a dispute largely due to his desire to take a greater creative role, versus John’s insistence on being the band’s sole singer, songwriter, and manager.

For Mardi Gras, remaining band members Stu Cook and Doug Clifford shared songwriting and production duties. Fogerty contributed only three original songs and sang the fourth, inspired by a cover of Ricky Nelson’s 1961 hit “Hello Mary Lou”. Clifford and Cook wrote and sang lead vocals on three songs. The album was a commercial success, peaking at No. 12 and going gold. It contained two Top 40 singles, both of which Fogerty had a hand in, the gritty “Sweet Hitch-Hiker” and their nostalgic swan song “Someday Never Comes”.

All of the songs were recorded in January 1972, except for “Door To Door” and “Sweet Hitch-Hiker”, which were recorded in the spring of 1971.

The Mardi Gras recording sessions were fraught with conflict. According to Cook and Clifford, it was Fogerty’s idea for all members to contribute songs equally, despite their reservations. They believed that Fogerty was embittered by both Tom Fogerty’s departure and their demands for an active role in the band’s musical decisions. Both also believed that Fogerty was looking for an excuse to break up CCR to pursue solo careers. When Clifford and Cook initially balked at the idea of having to contribute two-thirds of the album’s material, Fogerty threatened to leave the band altogether. He also refused to provide vocals or arrangements on Cook and Clifford’s songs, in addition to playing guitar. Increasing financial and legal problems thus exacerbated an already fragile situation, leading CCR to break up shortly after the end of the Mardi Gras tour.

From this album, I choose the track “Someday Never Comes”.

Tracklist

1. Lookin’ For A Reason 3:25
2. Take It Like A Friend 3:01
3. Need Someone To Hold 2:59
4. Tearin’ Up The Country 2:13
5. Someday Never Comes 3:59
6. What Are You Gonna Do 2:51
7. Sail Away 2:25
8. Hello Mary Lou 2:11
9. Door To Door 2:07
10. Sweet Hitch-Hiker 2:59