Hearts of Stone

Background

“Hearts of Stone” backed with "Somewhere Listening (For My Name)" was the third single John Fogerty released as The Blue Ridge Rangers. The song was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley and engineered by Skip Shimmin and Russ Gary. Fogerty plays all the instruments by himself. The 45 RPM single was released in April 1973. It only peaked at #37 in the US. In Belgium and Sween, it climbed up to the 11th position. The song also appears on The Blue Ridge Rangers album which came out in the same month. 

"Hearts of Stone" is an old rhythm and blues tune released originally by the San Bernardino, California, based group the Jewels in 1954. Later in the same year, it was covered and taken to the charts by East Coast doo-wop vocal group Otis Williams & the Charms. 

John Fogerty changed the originals quite a bit. His version is faster and louder. He was trying to commission himself to write a song that sounded that way -- not “Hearts Of Stone,” but one he could give that treatment to.  The arrangement was going around in his head and somewhere in the middle of all that “Hearts of Stone” came back to him.  (John Fogerty promotional interview, 1973.)

Collector's notes

The single was released with different cover sleeves in Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Germany, Japn, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. The US release had no picture sleeve. John plays a Yamaha acoustic guitar on the cover photo of the Japanese version (Peter Koers, Green River, 1999)

Live versions

John Fogerty has played "Hearts of Stone" three times in concerts. The premiere took place in Aalborg, Denmark, on July 5th 2006 during the Long Road Home Tour. He also played the song in Vancouver, Canada, on July 7th 2009 and in Victoria, Canada, next day.    

Critical reception

"And finally "Hearts Of Stone" is a perfect companion piece to "Jambalaya," with its booming bass drum and harder-than-the-original vocal. In this case the firmness of the delivery is mixed with some early Elvis Presley-Scotty Moore country guitar, providing us with yet another example of how Fogerty successfully mixes sources, styles and history with his own personality." -Jon Landau, The Rolling Stone, July 5th, 1973.

"Come back Creedence, all is forgiven! Country rock bores the pants off me and I fear others may be of like mind. More steel guitar and that hollow, thumpy bass/drums sound do not add up to dynamic music. This is third-hand and very tedious. Sun Records were twenty-odd years ago. John Fogerty produced - he should try something new, as this won't for sure get Fantasy off in the UK." -The Sounds, UK, April 21st, 1973. 

"There's a heavy echo on the voice and some truly demented guitarr playing. It's not the stuff of which hits are made, but very important, it's the stuff of which some marvellous music has been made. Take your pick, Fogerty's already made his decision." -The New Musical Express, April 21st, 1973. 

"This is a great deal better than "Jambalaya" was. --- Over pushy, shuffling drums and his own restless guitar and steel guitar he has combined the very best of new and old to warm the cockles of your heart." -The Disc, April 28th, 1973.  

"It has a wonderful rhythm and a variety of musical interplays. Not many lyrics, but Fogerty belts them our well. My only complaint: not long enough!" -Matt Loewen. 

Fans' views

"When I listen(ed) to this song...it seems like it's HIS song - not HIM doing someone elses song."

"Those no-no's are irresistible."

"Love the twin guitar lead in the first break and kick-ass Pedal Steel in the second break."

"It has mind-boggling solos and no thin Fender type sounds."

"Great cover that never got the airplay it should have."

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