Chuck Berry Twist is the first compilation album by Chuck Berry, released by Chess Records in February 1962, during Berry's imprisonment. The title was an attempt to capitalize on a new dance craze, the Twist, introduced by Chubby Checker in 1960, even though none of the songs musically conformed to the Twist style (most of the songs predated the introduction of the dance). The album was reissued a year later with a new title, More Chuck Berry. An album with that title was released in the UK by Pye International Records in 1964, featuring the same cover but a completely different track listing.

Critical reception

In a 1978 poll of music critics, Robert Christgau listed the record as the fourth best rock album of all time.

Chuck Berry Twist

The record was reviewed by Pig River Records on its 50th anniversary in February 2012, receiving a score of 9.0/10.

Chuck Berry Twist

Track listing

All songs written by Chuck Berry except as noted

US versions

Side One

"Maybellene" "Roll Over Beethoven" "Oh Baby Doll" "Around and Around" "Come On" "Let It Rock" "Reelin' and Rockin'" Side Two "School Days" "Almost Grown" "Sweet Little Sixteen" "Thirty Days" "Johnny B. Goode" "Rock and Roll Music" "Back in the U.S.A."

Chuck Berry Twist

UK version

This is the UK Track listing for the album More Chuck Berry. There is no UK version of the iteration of the album titled "Twist."

Side One

"Sweet Little Rock & Roller" "Anthony Boy" "Little Queenie" "Worried Life Blues" (Big Maceo Merriweather) "Carol" "Reelin' & Rockin'" Side Two "Thirty Days" "Brown Eyed Handsome Man" "Too Much Monkey Business" "Wee Wee Hours" "Jo Jo Gunne" "Beautiful Delilah"

Personnel

Chuck Berry – vocals, guitar

Willie Dixon – bass

Johnnie Johnson – piano

Jasper Thomas – drums

Ebby Hardy – drums

Jerome Green – maracas

Otis Spann – piano

J. C. Davis – tenor saxophone

Fred Below – drums

Lafayette Leake – piano

George Smith – bass

Etta James – backing vocals

The Marquees – backing vocals

Martha Berry – backing vocals

References

Chuck Berry compilation albums

1962 compilation albums

Chess Records compilation albums

Albums produced by Leonard Chess

Albums produced by Phil Chess