Album: New Juke Box Hits

Introduction
" New Juke Box Hits" is the 5th studio album by Chuck Berry, released in 1961 by Chess Records. The album features ten tracks and is a mix of rock-and-roll, rhythm and blues, and ballads. At the time of its release, Berry was dealing with legal troubles, which adversely affected the album's preliminary reception and sales. Despite this, the album is now considered a traditional by fans and critics alike.

Background and Recording
Chuck Berry was a leader of rock and roll, influencing many musicians with his distinct guitar style, appealing tunes, and smart lyrics. By the time he launched "New Juke Box Hits", he had actually already released several effective singles and albums, cementing his status as an essential figure in the music world.

Nevertheless, it was throughout this period that Berry dealt with a significant legal problem. In December 1959, he was jailed for breaking the Mann Act, which included transferring a small throughout state lines for unethical functions. As a result, he was sent to prison for 20 months, starting in February 1962. Due to the legal battle and negative promotion, his career took a hit, impacting the preliminary reception and sales of "New Juke Box Hits".

The album was recorded at Chess Studios in Chicago, with Berry on vocals and guitar, and the backing band including pianist Johnnie Johnson, bassist Willie Dixon, and drummer Fred Below. The engineer for the sessions was Chess co-founder Leonard Chess.

Significant Tracks
" New Juke Box Hits" consists of a mix of initial tracks and covers, showcasing Berry's talent as a songwriter and his vast array of musical impacts. Noteworthy tracks on the album include:

1. "I'm Talking About You" - A driving rock-and-roll track with one of Berry's signature guitar riffs, this tune was later on covered by The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
2. "Little Star" - A sweet ballad that highlights Berry's softer side, showcasing both his singing voice and his ability to write tender lyrics.
3. "Come On" - A bluesy number that combines rock and roll with rhythm and blues affects, featuring a catchy chorus and strong piano accompaniment. The Rolling Stones likewise taped a cover of this track.
4. "Stop and Listen" - A semi-autobiographical narrative song sharing Berry's experiences in the music company and making a compelling point about the significance of paying attention to artists' messages.
5. "Diploma For Two" - A classic, uptempo tune about teenage love, complete with lyrics about school dances and young romance.

Vital Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "New Juke Box Hits" did not receive as much appreciation or monetary success as Berry's previous albums, generally due to his legal problems. However, in the decades because, the album has actually been reassessed, with critics and fans acknowledging its benefits. The combination of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and wholehearted ballads shows Berry's flexibility and talent as a songwriter and musician.

Significantly, many bands and artists, including The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, have actually cited Berry and his tunes from "New Juke Box Hits" as significant influences by themselves music. This verifies the album's worth and value in the general development of rock and roll.

Conclusion
In retrospect, Chuck Berry's "New Juke Box Hits" stands as a testament to his long-lasting talent, even during tough times in his personal life. With its variety of musical styles and remarkable tracks, the album has actually earned its place in the annals of rock and roll history, showing Berry's continued impact on future generations of artists.