Search - Chuck Berry :: Rock It (Reis)

Chuck very settled in.

Chris | 12/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His stuff in the 50's was very innovative, and he's responsible for the birth of Classic Rock. In the 70's, Chuck was less inovative, but made up for it with pure talent that almost has a southern rock quality. Rock It is one of those albums. It's very easy to listen to, and has great songs. However, "Havana Moon" should be avoided, and "Pass Away" isn't that great either, but the rest of it is excellent beyond comparison."

Credible "Comeback" album (3.5 stars)

Phil S. | USA | 09/27/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Has alot of the quality of a previous CB "ComebacK" album, called "Back Home" (Chess Records) - double-tracked vocals, small back-up combo. And, yes, alot of very familiar themes...but all Berry!

We have two nice self-covers, "Wuden't Me" (note "It Wasn't Me" from 1965), and "Havana Moon" (from about 10 years before).

The best *new* songs are the first three: "Move It" (sounding more than somewhat like a tune about a Cadillac written by a CB-protege from New Jersey); "Oh, What A Thrill", covered by a British R & R/CB adgerent whose name escapes me; and "I Need You Baby", a great blues by this rocker whose catalogue conatins plenty of tastey blues (in fact, there's a fairly recent C|D out there of the "Blues Side" of Chuck Berry).

"House Lights" is an uptemp with lyrics this reviewer recalls from Bery live performance, possibly as early as 1972, a groovy finale element.

It's a light offering, an engaging little slice o' Rock and Roll Tour life. As usual, the First Poet of Rock delivers.

The closer, "Pass away", might be the only real "rapp" tune the Father Of Rock and Roll ever recorded. He did a monologue on his "San Francisco Dues" album, "My Dream", but this one has more relevance for today.

By the way, a beautiful back and front cover design - did it win a Grammy? I don't kno. Shoulda for the front artwork and concept. It's probably worth pursuing the vinyl version for this appreciation.

Forgot to mention, folks, guess who's ticklin' the ivories on this nifty set? A dude later referred to (on CD) as "Johnnie Be Bad"."