Natural Thing

Background

"Natural Thing" is the eighth track of Revival, the eighth solo album of John Fogerty with new material. It was also his first CD with previously unreleased songs since rejoining Fantasy Records in 2005. The song was written, arranged and produced by John Fogerty and recorded by Jim Scott, Seth Presant and Ryan Freeland at NRG Recording in North Hollywood. The album was released in October 2007. It reached #14 in the USA, #5 in Sweden and #6 in Norway. 

Revival features Benmont Tench of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. It's the second album he collaborated with Fogerty. "Natural Thing" is certainly regarded as the most prominent contribution by Tench to the collection.

Many views the song as a homage for Tony Joe White. In a radio interview, though, Fogerty admitted he was thinking about Elvis Presley while recording the song (Jim Ladd, interview with John Fogerty, KLOS, Los Angeles, September 27th, 2007).

Personnel

Vocals, guitar: John Fogerty

Guitar: Hunter Perrin

Bass: David Santos

Drums, percussion: Kenny Aronoff

Hammond B-3 organ: Benmont Tench 

Trivia

John played "Natural Thing" pretty much with just his fingers (Art Thompson, Interview with John Fogerty, The Guitar Player, March 2008).  

Live versions

John Fogerty has only delivered a live version of "Natural Thing" once during his career. He gave the historical concert at Turning Stone in Verona, New York, USA, in the beginning of the Revival Tour on November 5th, 2007.

Critical reception

"No polish, no contemporary production values, just an effortless balance of tunes that sound rudimentary (“Don’t You Wish It Was True”) and barnburners that display hooks, technique and open-ended jams (“Natural Thing”)." -Phil Gallo, Variety, October 2nd, 2007.  

"The album is not without its more laid-back swampy goodness, as with the jangling, cheerful plea for peace "Don't You Wish It Was True" or birds and bees toe-tapping throwaway "Natural Thing", but they feel like filler to soften the blows of the hard-hitting political rockers." -Chad Grischow, IGN, October 26th, 2007. 

"No complaints when “Natural Thing” starts, but it does seem to bring the energy down a little … until, a minute and a half in, John yells “hoo-yeah!” and the band just takes off, Aronoff leading the assault and Tench giving it grease." -Charles Andrews, Audio Video Revolution, November 1st, 2007. 

"John Fogerty’s core strengths, however, remain vital and vigorous: a voice as capable of howling as warbling and a style of electric guitar playing that is the most unique blend of country and blues of his generation. “It Ain’t Right’ and “Natural Thing,” exhibit those attributes as well as the mesh of the band and the impeccable sound quality –courtesy in part no doubt to Bob Ludwig’s mastering but most credit for which should go to Fogerty as producer." -Doug Collette, The Glide, November 26th, 2007. 

"Much attention will be paid to the pure hallelujah energy of “Natural Thing”  ---." -Brian T. Atkinson, The American Songwriter, January 1t, 2008. 

"'Natural Thing' is a lot of fun, and besides being a jumpin' tune the words are spot-on. I love the line 'But a man alone ain't nothin', every Tarzan needs his Jane.' I happen to subscribe to that theory myself." -Keith Hannaleck, Enjoy the Music. 

Fans' views

"Another super swampy song. The first time I heard it I could have sworn I heard Tony Joe White sitting in on this one. If TJW doesn't cover this one I would be very surprised. Swampy guitar work here is superb."

"Reminds me of a slightly faster Southern Streamline, if Tony Joe White Was playing guitar on it."

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