Charles Edward Berry was to the Fifties what Dylan was in the succeeding decade: the poet of the age. Over boogie-derived rhythms which rolled like a hot-rod Ford, he sang about girls, cars, school, rock 'n' roll, cars, school, cars, and girls. Nobody ever voiced the preoccupations of a particular generation more accurately, and with more real wit.

Richard Williams, "Albums: 'Chuck Berry's Golden Decade'," in Melody Maker (© IPC Business Press Ltd.), June 3, 1972, p. 18.

If a vote were ever taken to determine the single figure who most embodies the spirit and best qualities of rock, chances are the majority would plump for [Chuck Berry]….

[Chuck Berry's songs are] rock anthems—even to kids who were in their prams at the time they were recorded.

Berry's music has a habit of coming into fashion time and time again….

Now, with the revived interest in "roots music," Chuck is back...