MUSIC REVIEWS

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Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash (1932- 2003) is known as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century bringing folklore, gospel, country and even rock into his compilation of hundreds of songs that have spanned his career. In the sixth and final installment of the Rick Rubin produced American Recordings album series, “Ain’t No Grave,” Cash leaves his spirit with a reminiscent and redemptive tone, far different from his prior American Recordings (IV and V) which are predominantly filled with sorrow and pain.

Cash’s Nine Inch Nail’s cover of “Hurt” won popular acclaim in 2002 under the American Recordings IV album and was known for revealing his true feeling of the past and his regrets. The first song of American Recordings VI, “Ain’t No Grave,” is a direct counter to the sorrowful tone and instead elicits the endurance of a vibrant spirit. With lyrics like “ain’t no grave can hold my body down,” Cash has moved toward an acceptance of his illness and presents a spirit that can never die. The song is very well done with a powerful tone, a droning but commanding bass, and a voice with lyrics reminiscent of one of the best storytellers in American history, Bob Dylan!

Much of the album also contains songs of biblical context like “Redemption Day,” I Corinthians 15:15,” and “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound.” Cash was known for being a “troubled Christian,” but finds his spirituality in this album as he talks about the day he will be redeemed in “Redemption Day,” softly ending the song with “freedom, freedom, freedom.”

The album also contains a dedication to his wife in the song “For The Good Times” as he tells her he’ll remain even as his body leaves. Cash has a way of brightening the imagination by using lyrics full of imagery to convey emotions- “lay your head upon my pillow, hold your warm and tender body next to mine.”Johnny Cash, also known for his wisdom, tells listeners that fame and fortune can never give a satisfied mind in the song “Satisfied Mind.” The song “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” is an Ed McCurdy anti- war cover song given new life with Cash’s powerful and enduring vocals.

With a legacy of music left behind, Cash’s final American Recordings is a resemblance of his timeless spirit and unforgettable contribution to music! So go and grab a copy of the last of “The Man in Black!”

Written by Cristina Szewczyk