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THE REVIEW
When Johnny Cash recorded this album, he had been a sick man for quite some time. What kept this legend going, whose body had been worn down by Parkinson's and serious lung problems? An answer surely comes from this CD, the fourth produced by Rick Rubin.
The amazing thing is that Johnny knew how to handle every piece he interpreted, whether in his classic songs or in compositions by authors seemingly at the opposite end of his style and musical sensitivity. Would you ever have thought of hearing the man in black tackle tracks by Nine Inch Nails or Depeche Mode?
In this great album, that happens too, and it happens with two of the best tracks on the album, "Hurt", and "Personal Jesus", the latter of which is turned inside out like a sock and transformed into a blues, in my opinion, one of the best things to come out in the rock scene in the year of 2003. The album doesn't lack recoveries of American traditionals, as in the case of "Streets of Laredo" or "We’ll Meet Again", showcasing Johnny at his most classic. There’s also a composition by singer-songwriter Ewan McColl, a particularly tormented and poignant "First Time I Ever Saw Your Face". The collaboration with Nick Cave results in a cover of ZZTop, "I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry", in an applause-worthy duet, other great recoveries include a stunning version of the “Desperado” by the Eagles, and an "In My Life" by the Beatles that absolutely does not make you miss the original.
One of Johnny's abilities was to make exceptional songs that were perhaps not particularly brilliant at their origin (the two mentioned are certainly not, in my opinion, among the best of the Beatles and Eagles), and to give everything a touch of greatness with his unique voice and simply with his guitar. The great production work of Rick Rubin is also noteworthy, as the sounds of the album are among the most crystalline one can hear in a rock record (in my opinion, to define this album as simply "country" would be quite reductive).
Johnny's sick and suffering voice gives chills in every nuance. This voice and this guitar, unique and unforgettable. Ultimately, a great album, especially for those who desire something that music should provide, but unfortunately often doesn't: emotions!
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Summary by Bot
Johnny Cash's American IV: The Man Comes Around showcases his unique ability to reinterpret songs from varying genres with emotional power. Produced by Rick Rubin, the album features haunting covers like 'Hurt' and 'Personal Jesus'. The record blends tradition and rock with crystalline production and a voice full of vulnerability. It's a deeply moving album that transcends typical genre labels.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash (1932–2003) was an American singer-songwriter known as the “Man in Black,” celebrated for a deep baritone voice, stark storytelling, and songs about prisoners, outsiders, faith, and redemption. His late-career American Recordings with producer Rick Rubin sparked a major resurgence and introduced him to new audiences through sparse arrangements and transformative covers.20 Reviews
Other reviews
By Enkriko
The song that starts it all, "When The Man Comes Around," is a ballad that illustrates the day of judgment with resurrecting dead and the Man walking among them.
The strength of Reznor’s song here is rendered tired and creaky, accompanied by just a few piano notes; the quality of the sound is truly that of a march for the ghosts.
By fede
"Johnny’s voice, hoarse, warm, deep, and rich like aged whiskey, is enhanced by collaborations with well-known artists."
"‘Hurt’ is a confession, an act of impotence and love, touched with an almost spiritual and mystical intensity."
