What is the best album by Creedence Clearwater Revival?

Seven albums in as many years, each dripping with swamp-rock grooves and Fogerty's singular voice — an extraordinary hit rate with remarkable economy of output. Which one is the essential CCR record?

1. 1
   Cosmo's Factory

   CCR's 1970 classic featuring seven hit singles, including 'Up Around the Bend', 'Travelin' Band', and 'Long as I Can See the Light'.
2. 2
   Green River

   A 1969 album that crystallized the band's swamp-rock sound with timeless tracks like 'Bad Moon Rising' and 'Green River'.
3. 3
   Willy and the Poor Boys

   A 1969 album blending country, folk, and rock with working-class anthems like 'Down on the Corner' and 'Fortunate Son'.
4. 4
   Bayou Country

   CCR's 1969 second album, a raw swamp-rock breakthrough featuring 'Proud Mary' and 'Born on the Bayou' that established their identity.
5. 5
   Pendulum

   CCR's ambitious 1970 keyboard-driven album that showed the band experimenting beyond their swamp-rock roots.
6. 6
   Creedence Clearwater Revival

   The band's 1968 self-titled debut that introduced their electrifying blend of rock, blues, and Americana featuring the hit 'Suzie Q'.
7. 7
   Mardi Gras

   CCR's 1972 final studio album recorded after Tom Fogerty's departure, with shared songwriting duties among the remaining members.