The Definitive Collection (Single Version)

iTunes Review

This 30-song sequence from 2006 is a justifiably titled collection of hits and essentials by rock and roll's most influential icon. The swinging, rockabilly-rooted "Maybelline" from 1956's Rock Rock Rock  (with the Moonglows and Flamingos) jump-starts your listening experience with a preserved production that sounds like it's playing from an old Wurlitzer jukebox. "Roll Over Beethoven" from the same year was one of the first rock and roll songs to rally kids into dismissing the music listened to by their parents (in this case, classical), and its opening riff forged the famous Chuck Berry signature sound that would later birth 1958's epic "Johnny B. Goode" and fan favorite "Promised Land," as well as the less celebrated but equally strong "Let It Rock." And though the "Johnny B. Goode" sequel "Bye Bye Johnny" is absent, the 1964 mono version of the swanky "You Never Can Tell" more than makes up for it. "Too Much Monkey Business" from 1958's After School Session is another welcome gem here, especially if you first heard it covered by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Kinks or The Yardbirds.