American IV: The Man Comes Around

A cool little album of covers. Always loved his rendition of Hurt. Lots of different stuff and fun features, John Frusciante and Fiona Apple. Also once again, another album by Rick Rubin.

pleasant music - great musician

Very good.

this a point thing

Great voice and some fantastic covers. Hate is an absolute triumph.

Johnny Cash all the things!!! Cool concept. Hurt and Personal Jesus are my two favorites. 3+⭐️

I love it! Hurt Pierce’s your soul. Knowing Cash recorded this not long after June’s death makes it even sadder

Swan song for the Man in Black being puppeteered out to perform some interesting covers and standards. Not much there there but worth a listen.

Again struggling to highly rank a cover album. But there are good tunes here.

This is good, but now I'm imagining a Johnny Cash covers album of songs that really wouldn't work as Johnny Cash covers. "Through the Fire and the Flames" by Dragonforce, "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott, "Woodpecker No. 1" by Merzbow. I would pay money to hear some bullshit like that. Alas, rest in peace.

Just not my style in the slightest.

Don't know the album, only some songs. I do appreciate his music, but not too much...

Good album of some nuggets and newer covers. Not his best but if you are a fan, enjoy! Poignant that his last track, "We'll Meet Again" is the last song he ever recorded.

**Album Review: American IV: The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash** Released in 2002, _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ stands as one of the most profound and haunting albums of Johnny Cash’s career. As the fourth installment in Cash’s collaboration with producer Rick Rubin, the album is a deeply reflective work that addresses themes of mortality, redemption, love, and loss. It also features a mix of covers and original compositions, all delivered in Cash’s raw, weathered voice, which imbues the songs with an almost sacred gravity. Below, we'll delve into the lyrics, music, production, and overarching themes of the album while assessing its strengths and weaknesses. ### **Lyrics** Lyrically, _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ is driven by a sense of finality, with Cash exploring life’s inevitable end. The album’s title track, “The Man Comes Around,” was one of Cash’s last original songs and is a standout both lyrically and thematically. The song draws heavily from the Bible, particularly from the Book of Revelation, and presents apocalyptic imagery—“And I heard, as it were, the noise of thunder / One of the four beasts saying, ‘Come and see’ / And I saw, and behold, a white horse.” It’s a vivid meditation on the end of days, portraying the judgment that awaits humanity. Cash’s ability to channel his Christian faith while delivering an almost universal warning gives the track immense weight. In contrast, songs like “Hurt” (a cover of Nine Inch Nails’ song) take on deeply personal themes of regret and pain. The lyrics, “What have I become / My sweetest friend? / Everyone I know / Goes away in the end,” resonate as Cash sings about the cumulative impact of his choices and the toll of time. This poignant sense of vulnerability runs throughout the album. Other covers, such as “In My Life” by The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” take on new meanings when reinterpreted by Cash. His voice, worn by years of life experience, transforms these songs into elegies of reflection. The juxtaposition of these tracks with songs like Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” reinforces the album’s thematic emphasis on isolation and the human experience of suffering. **Pros of the Lyrics:** - Cash’s originals and covers are unified by their thematic focus on life, death, and salvation, making the album cohesive despite its diversity. - The deeply personal interpretation of covers gives new life to already iconic songs. - The lyricism is rooted in simple but potent language, amplifying the emotional weight. **Cons of the Lyrics:** - Some listeners might find the relentless focus on mortality and reflection emotionally heavy and unrelenting. - A few covers may feel redundant or less striking compared to Cash’s original works. ### **Music** Musically, _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ is stripped-down and minimalist, yet incredibly powerful. Cash’s voice, weathered by age and illness, is front and center throughout the album. It is the primary instrument, and Rick Rubin’s production emphasizes this, keeping the arrangements sparse. Acoustic guitars, subtle strings, and piano accents weave in and out of the songs, but nothing competes with Cash’s voice for attention. The album begins with “The Man Comes Around,” which features a simple but foreboding acoustic guitar riff and sparse piano. The melody serves as a haunting backdrop to the apocalyptic lyrics, allowing Cash’s voice to dominate the track. This musical minimalism is a key feature of the entire album. In “Hurt,” the bare piano and soft guitar strumming amplify the emotional depth of the lyrics, and Cash’s cracking voice delivers a near-broken performance that makes the listener feel every ounce of sorrow. On “Give My Love to Rose,” a reworking of one of Cash’s older songs, the music reflects the folk and country roots of his earlier career, giving the album some connection to the Man in Black's early sound. The use of traditional instrumentation—such as harmonica, slide guitar, and light percussion—grounds the album in Americana, yet the musical arrangements never feel nostalgic or retro. They serve as subtle, supportive structures that allow Cash’s interpretations to shine. However, some tracks feature slightly more lush arrangements. “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” featuring Fiona Apple, adds layers of piano and harmonies, offering a moment of cathartic release. Similarly, “Danny Boy” incorporates a string arrangement, but again, it is subtle enough not to overshadow Cash’s voice. **Pros of the Music:** - The minimalist production allows Cash’s voice to carry the emotional weight of the songs. - The balance between folk, country, and subtle orchestration ensures that the album has a timeless feel. - The arrangements reflect Cash’s musical history without being derivative or stuck in the past. **Cons of the Music:** - The sparse arrangements may feel repetitive to some listeners, especially on back-to-back covers. - Those seeking a more traditional country or rock sound may find the album too quiet and slow. ### **Production** Rick Rubin’s production on _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ is one of its defining elements. Rubin, known for his ability to strip down artists’ sounds and bring out their essence, does this expertly with Cash. The production is intimate, raw, and focused on Cash’s voice, allowing it to serve as the central instrument of the album. Rubin wisely avoids over-production, resisting the temptation to add unnecessary layers to the music, and the album is better for it. The clarity of Cash’s voice is especially notable. Even when it cracks or falters, as it does on tracks like “Hurt” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” Rubin keeps those moments intact, understanding that Cash’s vulnerability is part of the album’s emotional core. Rather than trying to make Cash sound younger or smoother, the production embraces his age and fragility, using it as a tool to enhance the album’s themes of mortality and redemption. That said, some listeners might feel that the production is almost too sparse. For instance, songs like “Personal Jesus” (a cover of Depeche Mode) and “Sam Hall” have a bit more production and energy but still maintain the album’s overall restrained feel. These moments of increased energy feel carefully placed, and while they add some variety, they are exceptions rather than the rule. **Pros of the Production:** - Rubin’s minimalist approach serves the material perfectly, allowing Cash’s voice and interpretation to take center stage. - The decision to embrace Cash’s age and vocal imperfections enhances the emotional impact of the album. - The balance of stripped-down folk arrangements and occasional flourishes keeps the album cohesive. **Cons of the Production:** - Some may find the production overly sparse, with not enough variation in tone or texture. - Rubin’s approach might leave listeners wanting more instrumental richness in certain songs. ### **Themes** Mortality is undoubtedly the central theme of _American IV: The Man Comes Around_. The album feels like a farewell, not just to music but to life itself. Cash, who was dealing with severe health issues during its recording, imbues every song with a sense of finality. Whether he's singing about biblical apocalypse on the title track or confessing his personal regrets on “Hurt,” there is an undeniable sense that Cash is confronting his own end. This confrontation with death is balanced by themes of redemption and salvation. Cash’s Christian faith is central to many of the songs, particularly the title track, “The Man Comes Around,” which feels like a sermon in musical form. Similarly, his cover of “In My Life” reflects on past choices and the love he’s experienced, giving the album a more personal, human touch amidst the existential weight. Themes of isolation and loss run through the album as well. Songs like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Hurt” are almost unbearably poignant, reflecting the sense of loneliness that Cash seemed to feel in his later years. Even though the album features numerous covers, Cash makes each one his own, linking them together through his personal perspective on life’s struggles and the inevitability of death. **Pros of the Themes:** - The exploration of mortality and redemption feels deeply authentic and personal. - The mixture of spiritual and personal reflections adds depth and complexity to the album. - Cash’s ability to make even covers fit his overarching narrative gives the album thematic cohesion. **Cons of the Themes:** - The relentless focus on death and loss may be too heavy for some listeners. - The somber mood of the album offers little in the way of lighter emotional relief. ### **Influence** _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ had a profound impact not only on Johnny Cash’s legacy but also on how aging artists are perceived in popular music. Before his collaboration with Rick Rubin, Cash’s career had hit a lull, and he was seen as a relic of country music’s past. However, the _American_ series, particularly _American IV_, reintroduced Cash to a younger generation of listeners, especially with his cover of “Hurt.” The song’s accompanying music video, which juxtaposes images of Cash in his prime with shots of his frail, elderly self, became a cultural touchstone and cemented his status as a timeless artist. The album also helped to bridge the gap between country music and alternative/rock audiences. Cash’s reinterpretation of songs by Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, and Simon & Garfunkel demonstrated his versatility and showed that great songs transcend genre. **Pros of the Influence:** - _American IV_ revitalized Cash’s career and introduced him to a new generation of listeners. - The album demonstrated how aging artists can remain relevant by embracing their vulnerability. - It helped blur the lines between genres, showing that Cash’s artistry was timeless and universal. **Cons of the Influence:** - Some purists may feel that Cash’s legacy should have been left untouched by the modern interpretations introduced in the _American_ series. ### **Conclusion** _American IV: The Man Comes Around_ is a masterpiece of minimalism, emotion, and introspection. It confronts life’s deepest questions and embraces the fragility of human existence. While its focus on mortality and loss may be overwhelming for some listeners, the album’s raw honesty and stark beauty make it one of Johnny Cash’s most essential works. **Pros:** - Emotionally raw and thematically rich. - Minimalist production that highlights Cash’s voice. - Cohesive and unified despite the mix of covers and originals. - Cash’s interpretation of covers adds new layers of meaning. **Cons:** - The relentless focus on mortality may be too heavy for some. - Some tracks might feel too sparse or slow for those seeking more variety in instrumentation. _American IV_ stands as a powerful and fitting farewell from one of music’s most iconic figures, cementing Johnny Cash’s place not just as a country legend, but as a universal voice for all who struggle with life’s hardest truths.

Enjoyed this. Really stripped down. Mostly covers, but all done well. 4/5 Will listen again

I am very into Johnny Cash it turns out. He’s just fun, with stories in all of his songs

Some decent covers

I like the idea and how it is executed, even if I usually prefer the originals.

Loved it. Spending time to listen to each song is rewarding

One thing about the march of time is that around the 2000s you start getting these last testaments by great acts. You Want it Darker and Blackstar come to mind. But this album is probably the first I think of. A last dance with a legacy act. And country is a fantastic genre for it. Getting old? All the weariness comes forward. Better than that is this album is inventive, covering all sorts of songs including famously NIN, a thing that on paper sounds INSANE but in practice is one of the most devastating performances ever. What an album. 1000% belongs on here even if you dislike it. This is an important fucking album, it says things about life itself dammit hahah

American IV: The Man Comes Around is a studio album by Johnny Cash, originally released in 2002. I just had Blackstar by David Bowie yesterday, so this list is really feeding me late-career works by legendary musicians. This record is pretty intimate. Cash's voice is pretty worn but it just works with the style of folk he plays. Even though this album is full of covers, I feel like Cash does a good job at reinventing the songs as his own. Particularly his famous cover of "Hurt" by NiN - he completely changes the vibe of that song. One of the drawbacks to this album is the production. At some points it's just like a loudness war/wall of sound mush. One of the most egregious examples of this is towards the end of "Hurt". I think that song would hit so much harder if it was just Cash and his guitar.

Lots of covers, but I still cried 😡

He truly was a master.

1. When The Man Comes Around: His voice is so soothing, it feels like my grampa I close my eyes and can almost see the guitar being strung Don’t particularly relate to the song, good but not something I’m likely to remember 6/10 2. Hurt: CLASSIC Emotional Unfortunately feel it in my soul Would and have listened on repeat What he did to this cover is truly godly “You are someone else, I am still right here” 8.5/10 3. Give My Love To Rose: Great story teller Paints a beautiful and clear picture 7/10 4. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Another classic Ooooh the lady joining was unexpected but I think I liked it? Not my personal favourite cover of this song, but I can definitely appreciate it 7.3/10 5. I Hung My Head Again his story telling feels so natural “I felt the power of death over life, I orphaned his children, I widowed his wife” Really like this one 8/10 6. First Ever I Saw Your Face CLASSIC I love it Really love it His voice holds so much emotion 8/10 7. Personal Jesus Bit of a different flow on this one from what we’ve heard Breaks up the album nicely Not my favourite 5/10 8. In My Life Love the message Feels very reflective Don’t think I’m at the age or stage to find this relatable yet 6.8 9. Sam Hall Feels very Johnny Cash I can tell what’s his and what’s a cover anymore But great 7/10 10. Danny Boy This song moved me I think it’s an organ(?) playing, feels like a funeral 7.3/10 11. Desperado One of my all time favourite songs I actually love this cover This version feels more like an elder giving me advice It feels like wisdom Ughhhh I love it Adding it to a playlist 9/10 12. Im So Lonesome I Could Cry LOVE LOVE LOVE 8.3/10 13. Tear Stained Letter I don’t think I love this Ehhhhh Struggled to make it through 4/10 14. Street of Laredo This style of song is him at his strongest Two songs on one album of someone dying and giving their life story to a stranger is a choice but im not mad I like it 7.3/10 15. We’ll Meet Again Like this cover It’s so sad but slightly hopeful A bitter sweetness to it

Melancholic, sometimes underwhelming, cute ending.

Sad - introspective.

I like the more upbeat songs and the boom-chicka boom-chicka rhythm. Cash's voice is really distinct and unique. Didn't care for some of the slower songs on this album.

One of the best albums I've listened to while driving. Awesome lyrics, and great songwriting.

So emotional and beautiful every song really paints a vivid picture of a story

Artiste connu de nom uniquement. Musique minimaliste, guitare + voix + parfois piano ou synthé. La voix reste prépondérante, l'accompagnement est plutôt simple. Je trouve l'ensemble assez ennuyeux, pas très original. Cependant quelques morceaux m'ont interpelé : Hurt Personal Jesus C'est peu sur 18 plages ... =>2/5

This got me almost crying on my bus commute today. This is what a cover album should be, every song takes on a whole new character than the original.

I remember this coming out. It's wild how iconic Johnny Cash was at this point in his career. Almost all of these are covers but they feel like they go to new places just by him doing them. Not everyone works at the same level. Great listen, showcases him and a lot of great songs well, and is easily worth a listen.

His voice is something special. The Man Comes Around is the best track. He manages to make all of the covers work on some level. Could have been a more powerful package with a tighter selection of tracks. I think for that reason this is a strong 4.

Johnny Cash does not need any introduction as a country legend, nor does his cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" which is so transformative that Trent Reznor no longer considered it his song. The rest of American IV is on par with that song - a collection of mostly covers and re-recordings from an elder statesman on the brink of death. The only newly written song included is the title track "The Man Comes Around", which would be one of his last. A lot of guest musicians make impressive contributions to this album. John Frusciante of the Red Hot Chili Peppers reworked Depeche Mode's "Personal Jesus" on a popping acoustic guitar riff accompanied by Billy Preston's tingling piano play. Fiona Apple's backing vocals come off haunting on the chorus of Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water". Nick Cave shares a rather somber duet with him on Hank Williams' "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". Hell, even Don Henley brings out a good rendition of the Eagles' "Desperado". Of course, Johnny Cash himself brings enough dark crooning energy with his guitar to bring bravado to the likes of The Beatles' "In My Life" and the traditional "Danny Boy". Throughout the album, his son John Carter Cash, and renowned producer Rick Rubin were able to mix these songs effectively to bring out the best of everyone involved. I'll admit that I'm usually not a fan of cover albums unless the renditions transcend the original works. Johnny Cash did just that in spades. This is absolutely worth checking out.

Love this

Fantastic album, simply because this contains Hurt which is the best cover of all time IMO. But the rest of the album is great too. Johnny Cash’s voice sounds so aged, but it has such a grittiness that’s unmistakable. Truly a fitting end to one of country musics and Americana’s greatest stars. Rick Rubin is a king for putting this together so masterfully.

"Hurt" was just about the perfect song for Cash at this late stage in his career, and his version here is wonderful. But with only a couple other exceptions, it is clearly an album recorded by someone being indulged because he is (obviously) an all-time great. I'm glad we have it, but it's not even close to most of his earlier work.

Dark, Haunting and beautiful.

Excellent CASH! 100% loved it. Will purchase this jewel.

Beautiful recording. Owning all, the songs, his style, his old voice, everything. excellent album.

Ups and downs on this album. The Man Comes Around is an incredibly strong owner and Hurt is famously the now definitive version better than the original, but there's a lull in the middle of the album and I don't like some of the covers. The theme of the album, of a man facing the end of his life but with hope for an afterlife, is clear and gives a big and more importantly a genuine emotional impact. Hesitating between 3 and 4 stars for this, but I think this lack of pretension has to clinch the 4.

Niet mijn ding maar kan het apprecieren

Johnny Cash is a Legend and his sparse interpretations of these songs show what a master he is!

Cash’s last masterpiece. Loved it

Great first song! Would never have thought of listening to this album. Quite a few covers on this album. Nice chilled listen - 7/10

A fantastic album. The covers aren’t all perfect, but there is a level of emotion to them that’s hard to match. I would absolutely listen to this album again.

A few elite songs mixed in among a really great album to listen to generally. Love the emotion his songs evoke so easily.

Lovely. Perfectly autumnal.

it's just a sheer classic, innit

These American recordings showcase Cash's singular presence in the collective songbook--spare, sparse, evocative, downright eerily entrancing.

Sublime! Have loved this since it came out and was a fantastic change of pace by JC. A Swan Song to be proud of. And this version of Hurt is the most emotionally powerful tear-inducing songs ever.

As one might expect, there are gems on here that really hit their mark — "Hurt" for sure, and "Personal Jesus" among them. But there are others that really don't work, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "In My Life," "Desperado." On paper, I really like the "big star plays covers" idea, but they are now too prevalent and I've yet to hear one that is good from beginning to end. Well, the Rush EP "Feedback" is pretty awesome (smart to only go for eight tunes), and I guess that also speaks to the fact that you really need to be a fan of the performing artist to go all-in. So, awesome to snatch a couple of standouts — and I know not every track here is a cover — but as a whole, this hit-or-miss affair gets the middle-note rating.

Johnny Cash and Rick Rubin recorded hundreds of songs over a ten year period and the results are stunning, beautiful, and haunting. Is this collection the best of the bunch? Maybe, though there are mind-blowing moments on each one of the 6 (!) albums and the the five-disc box set. This collection is fairly representative of the work as a whole. It features country standards (Wichita Lineman), revisions of Cash's earlier tunes (Give my Love to Rose), interesting deep cuts (I Hung My Head by Sting of all people), and jaw-dropping covers of tunes that had no business being as good as they are (Hurt). And yeah, a couple of these don't work as well as you want them to (Bridge Over Troubled Water), but at least Johnny went down swinging for the fences. Overall, this is a winner, and the American Recordings project is truly a gift to the world.

Started out pumped about this but as it went on I was less enthralled.

An intriguing choice of songs that at times works well, however it also sounds like Cash is literally phoning it in, his voice often sounds disconnected from the music too forward rather than melded to the songs. I think that is unfortunate and surprising given that Rick Rubin produced it. His voice admittedly is like a gilded lump of coal but it should not completely overshadow the music.

I've never heard any of Johnny Cash's studio albums before this, only his live record 'At Folsom Prison' an album that I like quite a bit. And there's no better place to start than the artist's renowned cover-filled swan song 'American IV: The Man Comes Around' - an album released just before his passing in 2003. What stands out immediately is how decrepit everything here sounds, from the vocals to the playing. It's all so mournful and bleak that even a cover of the song 'Personal Jesus' by Depeche Mode, a song known for being so visceral and punchy, comes off as unabashedly macabre in the mix here. Johnny's song 'The Man Comes Around', one of the few songs he wrote on this album, is an incredible religious-imagery-filled opener and a very solid tone-setter. The standout song on this album is Cash's rendition of Reznor's 'Hurt', a song that never fails to give me goosebumps as the song builds to its closing seconds and Cash's raspy vocals violently push up against the mix. It's a powerful song made even more impactful by a man who deeply identified with its lyrics and themes. 'Tear Stained Letter', another Cash original, is a punchy little piano-rock song that sounds quite jovial, though its lyrics tell a different story. There are a few guest vocalists here like Fiona Apple on 'Bridge over Troubled Water', and she adds quite a lot to this classic S&G tune. I was excited to hear Cash cover my favorite Eagles song 'Desperado' and he does good enough, though I wish Henley wasn't there in the second half. He's the original writer, yeah, but his contributions are so minimal and they sort of end up souring the song. Such a powerful covers album, with songs chosen with so much purpose and delivered with so much heart and emotion. I mean just listen to the two closing songs 'Streets of Laredo' and especially 'We'll Meet Again' which is very much a direct farewell to Cash's audience. What a beautiful album by such a beautiful artist that, I still, know very little about.

first album i didn't finish cos idgaf. sorry grandpa

The first song was pretty. I wish the bridge over troubled water cover was just Fiona Apple and not Johnny cash with her in the background. The in my life cover would’ve been charming to me if someone’s old granddad or uncle sang it at a family gathering or something. I stopped listening after that song :/

Some powerful and emotional covers interpreted differently, as well as some originals mixed in. Gets you in the feels. However, some of them don’t really add anything new. Country definitely isn’t one of my preferred genres, but music that makes you feel something can’t be ignored. Highlights: Hurt I Hung My Head

Met de gebroken stem van een oude man zingt Johnny voornamelijk andermans werk. Voor de vierde keer alweer, de man maakte al eerder drie van deze albums. Op een bepaalde manier aandoenlijk, en het is ook best sympathiek dat de grote bard van het zuiden ook eens nummers van een ander in het zonnetje zet. Willie Nelson deed het een paar albums geleden met muziek uit de jaren twintig en dertig, en ik moest ook denken aan Some nice things I've missed van Frank Sinatra. Het werkt het beste wanneer Johnny modernere nummers als Hurt, Personal Jesus en (op deel III) One van U2 onder handen neemt. Daar heeft hij nog wat aan toe te voegen. Maar wat moeten we met covers van een draak als Bridge over troubled water, of een Beatles-nummer, of die WOII-klassieker van Vera Lynn? Die hadden ze van mij wel weg mogen laten. Uiteindelijk is de plaat te kaal en de selectie van uitgevoerde stukken niet interessant genoeg. Jammer. (Extra jammer omdat dit mijn 500e plaat is. We zijn op de helft!)

Ik vroeg mij vooraf wel af waarom dit coveralbum van Johnny. De man heeft zoveel waardig authentiek werk geleverd. Nu ik het album nog eens hoor ben ik het toch wel eens met de keuze. Elk nummer wordt toch heel anders weergegeven dan het origineel. Na de vorige albums is het fijn dat er eindelijk echte kwaliteit voorbij komt. Het is wellicht niet mijn smaak, die saaie langzame praatzang. Maar je voelt dat alles de aandacht heeft gehad. Hij had zijn zangstijl soms eenvoudig over de originele muziek kunnen leggen. Maar hij lijkt nogmaals over elke klank nagedacht te hebben. Dus dan komen we weer bij de regelmatig terugkerende vraag. Geef je een cijfer aan kwaliteit, of aan je eigen luistergenot? Ik kies toch voor dit laatste. Zelf zet ik het album echt niet een tweede keer op. Maar een verrijking van de lijst is het zeker.

Een album vol covers, van een man die zijn hoogtijdagen ver achter zich heeft liggen. Het tempo is verschrikkelijk traag, slaapverwekkend soms. Zijn stem heeft de tand des tijds niet doorstaan, het is een spoken word geworden in plaats van dat hij zingt. Vervolgens gaat Fiona Apple er nog een keer doorheen miauwen. Danny Boy is het absolute dieptepunt op een plaat vol melancholische liedjes. En toch is het geniaal, een album dat absoluut niet misstaat in de 1001 snobalbums. Alle nummers die hij covert, worden vanaf de eerste seconde Johnny Cash nummers. En het is honderd procent geloofwaardig. Fenomenaal gedaan.

Who doesn’t love Johnny Cash

Really really enjoyed this. Should maybe be 5

Enjoyed this one. Lots of classic songs

I recognized the album as soon as I saw the cover pop up. This is Johnny Cash’s last album before he passed, and what an outro! I love that he covers Nine Inch Nails and the Beatles. Beautiful renditions.

Johnny Cash es una figura capital en la música, también June Carter aunque de modo menos evidente. Este es uno de los mejores discos de Cash, si bien nada tiene que ver con Folsom Prison, I Walk the line, ni por supuesto con los Highwayman. Las American Recordings son otra cosa y entre ellas el IV es el volumen más impactante. Con la colaboración de nada menos que Fiona Apple, Nick Cave, Don Henley, John Frusciante, Mike Campbell, Billy Preston y la buena mano de Rick Rubin al mando, este disco es solemne de principio a fin. La apertura con el tema titular es espectacular. Un hombre que sabe que se va a morir, que lo desea, y sin embargo trasmite una vitalidad solemne. Hurt se ha convertido en lo que Cash ha hecho con ella, olvídense de Trent Reznor (él lo ha hecho). El resto, no están a este nivel pero son igualmente excelentes. Hang my head (de Sting) solo la podría interpretar Cash. In my life suena de maravill y se sostiene, sin la voz de Lennon ni ese piano acelerado o percusión tan características. Por otro lado, Personal Jesus gana en fuerza despojada de todo el componente electrónico. Sin embargo no superan a las originales. Por otro lado el estándar The streets of Laredo sí raya a un nivel muy alto. Otros discos de 2002: Beck - Sea Change, Sigur Rós - ( ), Neko Case - Blacklisted, The Streets - Original Pirate Material, Boards of Canada - Geogaddi, Spoon - Kill The Moonlight, The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights, Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, David Bowie – Heathen, múm – Finally we are no one, Tom Waits: Alice / Blood Money, Queens Of The Stone Age: Songs For The Deaf, Norah Jones- Come Away with Me, También: Low: Trust, The Delgados: Hate, The Coral- The Coral, Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man: Out Of Season, Solomon Burke: Don’t Give Up On Me, Lambchop: Is A Woman,, Coldplay- A rush of blood to the head, Doves- Last Broadcast, Faultline: Your Love Means Everything, Death In Vegas: Scorpio Rising, Roddy Frame: Surf, Pet Shop Boys- Release, red Hot Chili Peppers- By the way, Neil Young- Are You Passionate?, Otros discos de 2002: Beck - Sea Change, Sigur Rós - ( ), Neko Case - Blacklisted, The Streets - Original Pirate Material, Boards of Canada - Geogaddi, Spoon - Kill The Moonlight, The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Interpol - Turn on the Bright Lights, Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, David Bowie – Heathen, múm – Finally we are no one, Tom Waits: Alice / Blood Money, Queens Of The Stone Age: Songs For The Deaf, Norah Jones- Come Away with Me, También: Low: Trust, The Delgados: Hate, The Coral- The Coral, Beth Gibbons & Rustin Man: Out Of Season, Solomon Burke: Don’t Give Up On Me, Lambchop: Is A Woman,, Coldplay- A rush of blood to the head, Doves- Last Broadcast, Faultline: Your Love Means Everything, Death In Vegas: Scorpio Rising, Roddy Frame: Surf, Pet Shop Boys- Release, red Hot Chili Peppers- By the way, Neil Young- Are You Passionate?,

Johnny Cash had the ability to build this unique, reduced, atmospheric sound of dark voice and guitar, so even all these cover-versions sound like Johnny Cash. And just because of the different origins of the songs this album sounds more diversified than other Johnny Cash albums. Nontheless a whole album of these sad songs is too much for me. favourite: "Hurt", "Personal Jesus" 3,5

hurt hurt hurt hurt hurt hurt

That's a beautiful goodbye letter from a musical legend.

Is it rude to say this reminds me of a war veterans anthem

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_IV:_The_Man_Comes_Around how did i not know that "hurt" was originally a trent reznor/nine inch nails song?? johnny cash covering "personal jesus" seems kinda funny on the surface but i actually didn't hate it "in my life" is a fantastic cover, already had it on my beatles cover playlist loved "we'll meet again". poignant given grandpa's funeral last week. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We%27ll_Meet_Again

This album is an excellent example of cashes versatility and willingness to explore his craft as an artist.

His vocal is not the greatest but unusual. Like how he makes great songs to his own version.

This album is great. Really original takes on a number of covers.

This album is inextricably linked in my mind to spending weeks painting the walls and ceiling of the house (Resene sea fog, a versatile white with a hint of grey, best used with muted rather than bright colours) with Resene Alabaster trim (a near white with a light blackened edge) to cover up the original greeny brown shades of tahini and drab olive. Seriously, were the former owners colour blind? The interior looked so much brighter and fresher once we'd finished and would still look pretty contemporary today. The Johnny Cash album didn't make the task any more enjoyable, and yet we kept playing it. If it were just Personal Jesus and Hurt then this would be 5 stars, but some of those other covers are abysmal. So, 1 🖤 each for those two songs but nothing for the rest.

Variable. Some ofthese are incredible but some less so. Worth it for the gold in here though - Hurt and I Hung My Head are the stand outs

Molto sentimentale senz’altro, ci sono pezzi molto belli e commoventi e sono certo che per i fan sia un album leggendario. Detto ciò alcune cover come Danny Boy, Hurt e Bridge over blablabla non mi sono piaciute tanto, sebbene l’emozione ci fosse tutta. Un album di alti e bassi insomma, ho preferito quelli in prigione

considerato che ho passato le prime tre canzoni a piangere merita tutte le stelle del mondo. Johnny ha proprio una voce che mi prende allo stomaco.

With the country resurgence this was a great listen, though some covers weren’t to my taste. Or my cup of tea. Still a nice change in music!

The idea behind the American series is very cool, but gets stale very quickly. Thankfully, this list chose the correct one for this list, for once! This said, American IV is a lot more spotty than I remember it being. There’s some true standouts here – obviously “Hurt” and “Personal Jesus,” but “The Man Comes Around, “We’ll Meet Again,” and most of all, “Tear Stained Letter.” When Cash locks into a vibe, it’s immaculate. And he’s on one for a lot of this album, especially on the songs that feel like curveball choices. The “safer” songs rarely hold the same power, though. The re-recorded “Give My Love to Rose” is fine, as is a song like “Sam Hall.” But often, the more traditional the pick, the less interesting the concept, and thus the execution. Cash duets beautifully with Apple, but I doubt I’d rarely pick this version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” over the original. Meanwhile, a song like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “In My Life” avoid challenging the listener’s assumptions and are played too straight. There’s also a couple solid stinkers, including “Streets of Laredo” and the god-awful Nick Cave duet of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” At its best, American IV is a revelatory display of how age can adjust a song’s perspective. At its worst, it sounds like a late-career cash grab. The truth is that these ideas are two sides of the same coin, and the end result splits me down the middle as a listener. It’s good, but never fully great, but its great moments are definitely worth its duller moments.

Bien, un poco triste, siento que todo era sobre la muerte :(

Johnny Cash’s goodbye album and a sombre affair, but a little bit hit and miss. For every hit like ‘Hurt’ and ‘Personal Jesus’, which Cash nails and makes his own, there’s misses like ‘Danny Boy’, and ‘We’ll Meet Again’, which while sad songs in and of themselves don’t quite fit the funereal atmosphere created by a lot of the rest of the album. Having said all that, I did still really enjoy much of this, but have to take a couple of points off for some of the song choices that didn’t quite land for me.

Overall solid album. 3.5

This was interesting. Listening to Johnny Cash sing Personal Jesus is worth a star on its own. I'd listen again but can't say that I loved it.

I heard someone say Johnny got better with age. I think I agree.

Thats some recitative music I like (only sometimes)

Some good; some meh. 2/5

Johnny Cash's come back in the 90s is arguably the greatest of all time, and American IV is maybe the greatest of the series. Cash covers songs from classic to contemporary for the majority of the album. The covers range from what you would expect from Cash to highly unlikely, but they all work. Danny Boy and a stripped back cover of Personal Jesus coexist and fit together perfectly. Hurt is the obvious stand out, but for me, In My Life is my personal favorite. I had always pictured the Beatles version playing at my funeral, but that changed when I first heard this cover. It's that good. *Heard before

Some stand out covers amongst some dreary songs. Hurt and Personal Jesus are my favourites

This album is indescribably beautiful. I feel it is Johnny Cash's best work, and it really taps into the emotions he was feeling towards the end of his life. It goes without saying that the song Hurt is one of the most touching songs of all time (even though it is a cover).

A elderly johnny cash delivers some fantastic covers including the now ultra famous rendition of “hurt” Personal favourite here however is the opening track and album title “the man comes around”. Great listening and would recommend a full play through on a long winters day.

I love this cowboy country style with simple chords and progressions, strong religious influence, and slightly threatening, and quite melancholic. There is just a solemn timbre in Cash's voice that cannot be pinpointed.

I love this record. Johnny's voice is not what it was, but I love his passion.

Johnny Cash is one of those guys that somehow gets a pass for most people. The "I don't like country but Johnny Cash is good" crowd. I mean, this isn't even really country. The album that sent a bunch of boomers to Potbelly's to play covers. There's better country, there's better albums, there's just not a whole lot here. It also seems like a big cash grab

Some classic Cash sounds and some that felt like they dragged him into the studio and put the lyrics in front of him. "We'll Meet Again" probably my favorite... although "Hurt" is always good.

This album brought my attention back to Johnny Cash. With only a few weak spots on it, it’s a recommended one for sure. As expected, it’s mellow, sad and uplifting at the same time. If you’re a sucker for covers then this is pretty close to being as good as it can get. It’s not the covers that sold me on this album, though it means something when the original song performer relinquishes his song to Cash for blowing the original out of the water (see Hurt). The best song on the album is the title track and an original. Enjoy wallowing in the dark on this one Choice Cut: The Man Comes Around

Great concept and cool album. Very neat that it’s his last one. Also, it is just cover songs…

Wow, Hurt.. I remember this well. Background song to so many funerals and farewells in life. Love the stories in the song.

Liked this one a lot.

I've heard and enjoyed the title track previously. Hurt was a such a powerful song, especially in the context of Cash's career coming to a close.

If this album just had the song hurt repeated 13 times it would still be a 5.

Young Johnny Cash was a hero of the outlaw country subgenre who celebrated the forgotten corners of society. Older Johnny Cash forced us to look at our mortality, while continuing to show us how to appreciate life amid the darkness. His voice, once a youthful rebel, now haunts us and cuts to the bone. 'American IV' was the last album released in Cash's lifetime and also one of his most famous. It's made of covers, carefully chosen to reflect a long and interesting life. Truth be told, most of the covers aren't as good as the originals, aside from 'Hurt' which rivals Nine Inch Nails, by Trent Reznor's own admission. But they work to showcase the power and life of Johnny Cash. Aided by the likes of Rick Rubin, Fiona Apple, Nick Cave, and John Frusciante, this remains one or Johnny Cash's masterpieces in the twilight of his life.

First song was great. The rest were sleepers.

Cash is a legend and this is an interesting album to come at the end of his life. Mortality is a theme that keeps popping up. This is his Lou Reed’s LULU, albeit much more critically acclaimed? The tracks that work the least for me are the stripped down covers of popular modern rock tunes like “Hurt” and “Personal Jesus.” His vocal feels kind of phoned in on those. The album cuts on which Cash puts his heart, soul, vim & vigor into the vocal performance are where it’s at. Nothing is better than a 70 year country singer repeatedly scream “damn your eyes” like a maniac.

I have been a Johnny Cash fan for as many of my 40+ years as i've had functioning eardrums. His music is some of the first that I can remember hearing as a child when my dad would play his tapes in the truck on road trips and we'd sing along with hits like One Piece at a Time, Ring of Fire, 5 Feet High and Rising, etc. ... His music is a foundational memory for me and a big part of my childhood and i'm not even a country fan. John's late career comeback with these Rick Rubin albums was a welcome surprise. I listened to these records some at the time but haven't really stuck with them since. The album as a whole is pretty solid for being a collection of covers. I appreciate Cash's stripped down approach and these songs (mostly) tend to work in his style and delivery. The star here though is the updated recording of Give My Love to Rose, an early Cash classic. I would have LOVED to have gotten an entire album of re-recorded 50s and 60s hits in this stripped down style. Now let's talk about the big 'Hurt' shaped elephant in the room. I know this song gets heaps of praise as being his literal swan song. It's poignant and autobiographical but I'm just too emotionally tied to the original. It's the cathartic closer off of one the nineties greatest masterpieces, so this version just feels disconnected and wrong to me. It's "crown of shit" John, not "crown of thorns"! 3.5/5 Favs: Give My Love to Rose, Streets of Laredo, Sam Hall Least Favs: Danny Boy, Hurt (fight me)

Слушаю ночью. Довольно интересно, хоть и необычно для меня. Было бы хорошо слушать на виниле.

Some nice covers here, but not enough for 4 stars. Super cover of Hurt.

What a treasure of an album. I'd heard "Hurt" before, but most of these I hadn't. And I didn't realize there was a whole series of this. Much respect for you, Johnny ❤️

Heute durfte ich ein Meisterwerk, das die Essenz von Johnny Cashs beeindruckender Karriere einfängt genießen. Als legendärer Künstler am Ende seines Schaffens bringt er in diesem Album alles ein, was ihn prägte und auszeichnete. Die rohe Emotion und Verletzlichkeit in seiner Stimme bei “Hurt” berührt tief und zeigt die menschliche Seite des Künstlers. Die tiefgründige Interpretation von “Bridge Over Troubled Water” verleiht dem Klassiker eine neue Dimension und lässt den Hörer innehalten und nachdenken. Mit “Personal Jesus” bringt Cash seine religiöse Überzeugung und spirituelle Tiefe zum Ausdruck, während “Sam Hall” mit witziger Ironie und schwarzem Humor glänzt. Dieses Album ist mehr als die Summe seiner Teile. Vielleicht hätte keines der Lieder allein, weder vom Konzept noch von der bereits angeschlagenen, rauen Stimme, die Höchstbewertung erhalten. Doch in ihrer Gesamtheit schaffen sie ein Werk, das nur als legendär bezeichnet werden kann. Johnny Cash hat mit “American IV: The Man Comes Around” ein Vermächtnis hinterlassen, das die Zeit überdauern wird - Danke dafür Johnny 😊👍

Man. I don't know what to say. This is heartbreaking to listen to - a fitting swan song for a brilliant career in country-folk music. Johnny Cash's voice is expressive, emotive... just great. The instruments backing his singing make tasteful use of piano, strings, and even guest vocalists (including Fiona Apple in the third track!). If I had to suggest one thing to change, it would be to include more original compositions (fewer covers) and more musical variations between the songs. But really, given the context of the album, I doubt this performance could have been surpassed. 4/5 Key tracks: Hurt, Bridge Over Troubled Water, In My Life, The Man Comes Around

Such a fantastically bleak rendition of Hurt (original by NiN). Sparse and totally sold by the age in Cash's voice. Give My Love To Rose: sparse blues -- classic song structure and theme (dying man, send my love). Wonder if Cash ever got tired of these sorts of songs? Most amazing thing is how his voice at 70 has so much depth, power, and cleanliness. Bridge Over Troubled Water is the first "dud" in here -- just not a big fan of the arrangement that feels like a weirdly depressed gospel. Surprised to heard Personal Jesus on here as well. Pretty cool to hear Cash approaching "modern" compositions with his unique, stripped-down style. This is a song whose original is nearly impossible to top (IMO). This one does nothing to challenge that opinion; however, it is an interesting take with the bar-style keys skittering away. This one had the makings of a 4, but really dropped off and dragged for a lot of the back quarter. Really enjoyed his covers and a few renewed renditions of classics (Sam Hall and Give My Love To Rose). Crazy considering this is coming from a 70 y.o.... For me its a 3 / 5.

Great album. Man comes around is a powerful song. Reminds me of Dawn of the Dead. Also a lot of other powerful songs. Hung my Head is a sad story. I listened to this album a decent amount growing up. 4 stars

Holy hell this is Johnny Cash's 67th album. Lotta covers though. There is something about the mixing of his vocals that is irking me. It almost sounds like one of those commentary albums where the voice is just so far on top of the track. Personal Jesus was a pretty meh cover. Hard to hate the voice or the strums of the guitar, but there isn't one I would come back to. Still enjoy the Cash though.

Didn't realize that there were Johnny Cash albums that came out in 2002. These were some awesome covers done in his very unique style. I know there were some originals as well which were also great. My standouts were Personal Jesus and Desperado. Those two songs go so well with how he creates songs. Always a great time listening to Mr. Cash. This bordered on the 4/5 line.

Badass cover album. Even Trent Reznor said Hurt isn't a NIN song anymore, it's Cash's. Also cool that John Frusciante was on Personal Jesus such a jam. As is In My Life. All in all the lows balanced out the highs I mentioned. His voice was insanely good on this though. High 3.

The Man Comes Around: Slightly upbeat but somber. Good start. Hurt: Contender for highlight of the album. Give My Love to Rose: Sad, classic country song. Brigade Over Troubled Water: Has a nice 70’s vibe to it. Fiona Apple adds a nice touch. Album has a nice variety while maintaining it somber, reflective tone. Really digging it. I Hung My Head: Sad story, sounds a little bit like Hurt First Time I Ever Saw Your Face: One of the slower songs on the album. Basic love song, but very emotional Personal Jesus: Very nice Depeche Mode cover. Probably the most poppy of the album, but given the original song, that’s expected In My Life: Great cover of this somber Beatles song. This song reminds me of a personal moment in my life and Cash captures that essence perfectly Sam Hall: Nice country song to deflect again from the sadness for a bit. Need a little bit of a break lol Danny Boy: One of the older covers on the album. Feels like a funeral song (it pretty much is). Is saying it’s sad overkill at this point? Desperado: Gonna be honest, never heard the original Eagles song, so this actually sounds like a country song more than a rock song. Good song though. Adding Henley as backup was a great move. I’m So Lonesone I Could Cry: Of course there’s a sad country song. Nick Cave is good backup. Tear Stained Letter: Such an upbeat song for such sad lyrics. Even the happy songs are sad lol Streets of Laredo: ok there are a good chunk of sad country covers here. They can be a bit similar to each other, but Johnny Cash does a good job keeping my attention. We’ll Meet Again: Fitting last song title, considering Cash’s circumstances. Great final song to cap off a legendary artist. Overall: Very somber album, which is no surprise given it to be the last released in Johnny Cash’s lifetime. Though mostly consisting of covers, they all perfectly represent the artist’s moment in time: reminiscing the past and living the last moments in the present. A great final effort. Favorite Song: Hurt Other highlights: The Man Comes Around, Personal Jesus, Bridge Over Troubled Water, In My Life

3.5-75 great stuff

Great album. Absolutely soul crushing but great. Low 4.

Excellent, but the 3 duets would be better if Johnny handled them alone.

This is the first Johnny Cash album that's come up on the list for me. I wasn't expecting much, and it managed to slightly exceed those expectations. I appreciate the guy was 70+ when he recorded this, but his vocals weren't very good. Musically it was very sparse, which I'm was an intentional less-is-more approach. I listened all the way through and there were a couple of decent tracks. It's 3 stars from me.

This wasn't bad but it isn't really my style. I liked some of the lyrics but the melodies were a bit bare.

This was great! The Hurt song was all over the airwaves and TV when I was in college, but I didn’t realize how many other covers he did on this album. I love the first song too as it reminds me of the stellar Dawn of the Dead.

Apparently thee are mostly cover songs, woven together and his own testament. There are a few that are poorly done, but it’s clear he doesn’t care what you think about that. Tough empathy. Sentiment breaking up from the hard ground. Most powerful song for me: “I Hung My Head.” (Written by…Sting?!)

Peaceful, a nice vibe while driving in the evening in the rain

🎧Really liked this. Mostly covers, almost all of which Cash nails and a couple of his originals. Favorite tracks: The Man Comes Around, I Hung My Head, Personal Jesus

His cover of "Hurt" is reason enough

one of my favorite johnny cash albums.

Bit too slow for my liking, a few songs not bad

It's an ode to a lonely man. Each song felt like it was addressing different emotions around loneliness from sadness to guilt to anger etc. Certainly a lot of Christian references throughout I guess to emphasize "suffering in solitude." Lower energy album that felt like a grey cloudy day without rain

pretty good

The famous Hurt album. I think the cover is extremely overrated but it's still decent. Some of the others, not so much. Danny Boy and I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry work for his voice/range. Desperado and Bridge Over Troubled Water, not so much. But at least he kept putting himself out there and trying things.

Incredible stuff. I never really listened to Johnny Cash. Never really thought I'd like it to be honest because I hate country music. But this is a cut above the rest for sure. This almost feels like something else. Anyway this is the second Cash album I'm listening to from this list. And it is also getting 5 stars. Just incredible stuff.

Not much to say other than dang he did a great job on pretty much every song

A masterpiece

Really liked most of the stuff on here. A little front-heavy, but nothing much to complain about otherwise. 4/5

just one black mark here: nick cave's abysmal and out of place performance on "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," but Fiona Apple on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" more than cancels that out

From the opening track I knew I would like this: cool guitar and heavenly voice in perfect harmony. Felt like Johnny was in the room with me. Not beige. So many colours. All the brighter because they are set against the blackest background. How do you find a candle in the dark? You feel your way. Then you enjoy the dancing shadow-ghosts its perfect light creates. And you realise you need the dark to see the light. I Hung My Head. Life and death. Hope and regret. Wow. Some tracks didn't work for me - Danny Boy, to name but one ... not a great version of what is a beautiful melody. But difficult not to cry listening to others - what is it about this guy's voice?! Anyway, this review is a bit of a ramble. But that's life. And that's this album.

'Hurt' is incredible, obviously, in fact the first three tracks are all great. I always loved 'Give My Love to Rose'. If it was all this good it would be 5 🌟 from me but it's not. Only a few of the other covers really work for me, and some are awful! They are great songs but this left me just wanting to hear Roberta Flack, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles and Depeche Mode! A couple of exceptions, 'I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry' and 'I hung My Head' which I really like. A bit disappointing, I thought I would love it all.

I never knew that Johnny Cash covered In My Life! Very cool. This album was a wise old man telling old tales near the end of his time. A unique experience. Favourite song: Hurt (only correct answer)

This was great. Some brilliant songs and some brilliant covers. Johnny Cash has an excellent way of telling sad stories through his music.

This album is special to me and only becomes more special to me over time. There's something so vulnerable about Cash here. This version of Desperado makes me cry. This version of We'll Meet Again makes me cry. It's all fantastic.

Blind album, know the covers and the artist obviously. This god damn album made me cry so much cause I know it was his last album before his wife passed and then him shortly after. What a way to go out. Love for music and his fans. Every god damn track on this album is a gem, and so many of them made me cry. Including the last song. Every single track, cover, re-record. Every single one is so full of emotion and is beautiful. Not many albums can make a person cry but this one made me.

Fantastic album 2 of the most heat wrenching songs his Fantastic cover of hurt and the song I hung my head which gives me goosebumps everything I listen to it

Haven't hurt much Johnny Cash before, but I should have, The man is/was brilliant! Even though most of the songs are covers, he makes them his own. His 67th album... Damn Highlights: Hurt 4/5

This what an album should be

Oh wow! What a man, what an album. This album drips of sorrowful melancholy. It's old man Johnny Cash dealing with the subject of mortality, specifically it's Cash reflecting on death. It's an album about endings, and regrets that things played out the way they did, but also about when everything is stripped down you realize what's really important. Of the 15 tracks on here only 3 of them are Cash originals ('The Man Comes, Around', 'Give My Love to Rose', and 'Tear Stained Letter') the rest are reimagined covers of songs that were already great, but now applied to Cash himself, and soaked in his life experiences. Many of these covers have become almost unrecognizable, but they have all been treated with great respect and skill to convey new meaning. 'Hurt' is a masterclass in this with the original being a good song in it's own right, but the same song completely transforms and takes on new meaning through the lens of an old man looking back. Standouts Hurt Give My Love to Rose Personal Jesus 5/5

aaii bur mysel today... to see if i still feeeel.. ilman tuota biisiä olisi hyvä... CASH.. ja kattoo painavasti alas.. tarkottaako tämä että poika tekee liikaa rahaa??? Johnny Cash - the polymarket arbitrage... vittu laula poika laula... nämä sanat sopii tälle kokeneelle ketulle: kauan on kärsitty ryssien valtaa lailalailaila poikani on. jumalauta jääkärit.. punakone perkelein.. kumarra me emme.. paitsi jumalalle ylhäiselle.. mitä tätä kuunnellessa voi muuta tehdä kun LIIKUTTUA? ? ? ? ? if you dont know how to translate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ sam hall

Great late career offering from Cash. Very interesting and varied song selection with arrangements that make them sound both band new but also like they have been around since the 50's. Key tracks: The Man Comes Around Hurt First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

Johnny Cash is generally worth listening to. Some of the songs on this album may not be perfectly suited to his voice and singing style but Desperado was spot on.

Really good. I have never heard the whole thing before but I remember when he redid 'Hurt' it was a big deal and everyone loved it. Trent even said that it was Johnny's song now. I'm sure I will listen to parts of this album again, it's still great after so long.

Ya lo escuché bastante, no estoy para oírlo ahora (agosto 2024)

A tragic masterpiece.

Loved it, especially the covers

Some obvious highlights, real real highligts, but I can't shake the feeling Cash is put forward like a circus animal and just being told to "sing this". Also it's a bit long.

I'm not a big fan of country. These are some heartfelt and powerful songs, but I don't think the musicianship is anything to be desired. If you're going through a tough time, this album would help you through it.

what a truly beautiful piece of work. this album is so deeply reflective, it forces its listener into cash’s position at the end of his life. cash’s humble yet moving vocals are what really make this album, for me. the covers picked out for this album seem so perfect for what cash was trying to achieve, and he does them justice. nothing else to comment on asides it’s beauty.

I think a big reason this album seems to be so acclaimed is that Cash died not long after it was released. Given that, and the fact that it's mostly covers, I was expecting not to care that much for it when listening. But Cash's voice and singing style are undeniably unique, I love the guitar playing, and I found the songs more emotionally resonant than I was expecting. I don't think I'd listen to this repeatedly, but it's deserving of four stars from me

Um álbum muito gostosinho de ouvir, não tem como não gostar. (3,5/5)

real good old man voice. nice guitar. cash is not normally in my wheelhouse but after listening to this maybe he should be

In My Life literally made me cry.

Country, sad man!

Love this. Love his version of in my life. Boss glockenspiel at the end Hurt is great too - NIN tune

delightful. just the best.

What a powerful album. I was worried that Hurt would be the only one to grab me, but the voice of Cash accompanied by powerful lyrics and guitar made this an absolute delight to listen to. Big change in song tones again which I did not expect!

Pretty timeless classic that showcases Johnny Cash's talent excellently

Today was a particularly trying day with the infant. Mum and grandma were both out, leaving me alone with her. Unfortunately I don’t have tits so couldn’t nurse her, and the bottle was just not cutting it. Enter Mr. Johnny Cash, for this album brought me 52 mins of calmness. 5/5

The man, Johnny Cash. So sullen, so chill, so iconic. This is a nice record with him covering some classics from others, but boy does he really highlight the melancholic feel of each track. Part of me wanted to switch to different music because I was really hungover this morning listening to it, but I dug my heels into the sadness. Will have to check out the other records of his in this series. Glad I stuck with it.

Well, Johnny (Must Have Needed Some) Cash or why else would he do a double album of horrible covers of somebody else's songs. I love Johnny Cash. I hated this souless abomination of an album.

4 stars

My dad loves Johnny Cash and therefore I must also love Johnny Cash. Thems the rules.

The man Comes around

Already one of my favorite albums of all time, and I’m glad to hear it on the list. The depth and feeling that Cash gives to songs I’ve heard a million times before is amazing. It’s also just a great listen, and I could have it on repeat any day of the week.

Quando se confirmou o esplendor da sequência de versões evidencia o impacto emocional de se escutar um disco.

Covers but some great ones 3.5

Ratings: 5: I will happily play this album anytime 4: I may occasionally play this album of my own free will 3: I will happily listen to this if someone plays it in the background 2: I will tolerate this if it is playing in the background 1: I will leave the room if someone plays this in the background Been a while since I've listened to this one. Really like late era Johnny Cash. His version of Hurt is one of my favorite cover songs of all time. Been a while since I've listened to this one

A fitting farewell album from one of the all time greats.

Dépressif as fuck.

Hurt is so complicated in it's simplicity. Iconic. His originals are better than his other covers on this particular album though, save Hurt of course. Personal Jesus was good actually. I like the piano in it. Actually the rest of the album was pretty mid. Nothing stood out. A pleasant listen, but that's pretty much all honestly.

A very solid mostly cover album, while I prefer many of the originals Cash's renditions definitely speak from an emotional place

Ehhhhh I feel like the mythology around Johnny Cash and his actual life was probably better than the music he put out but that will probably get me arrested so I’ll just leave that there. He definitely had his moments in the early days though and I’d argue he defined “outlaw” country as well. This one is mostly covers including the nine inch nails song Hurt, which I’d say ruined the original since morons worldwide thought Cash wrote it. Anyway. Start to finish it’s a cool record. Since most of the songs are covers you know them. I admittedly skipped to the end of a few songs because they’re good but I just didn’t have the attention span for a few. My favorite track here was the duet with Nick Cave, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry. For some reason it felt more like a true story than the others, I dunno. This was the only one that actually caught my attention. Tear Stained Letter is the more upbeat track which was my second favorite song. This isn’t a bad record by any stretch, but you definitely have to be in the mood for it. Very quiet and sparse, but I think that was on purpose. The guy was ancient and dying so it’s not a surprise that it’s fairly subdued. The last track, We’ll Meet Again, is actually a pretty cool ending. Sucks the guy passed away so soon after this came out but he was an illustrious musician and deserves the acceptance.

Not my favorite of the American releases, but you can't go wrong either.

Wow, this is tough one. REAL downer of an album, which is something I'm not too keen on. But the performances are SO POWERFUL and moving, it's hard not to love this. Learning the context around the making of this album is heartbreaking, and makes it all so understandable. This is a tribute to pain, isolation, and sadness. Something I just WON'T be able to listen to often, but undeniably a momentous work to be respected.

It was country-folk. Not folk and light rock like. Very slow and gentle, all songs are the same theme and tone. Very grayish like. Just like the album is like. 6.8/10. Would def listen on a long road trip or when concentrating, doing work.

A pretty damn good cover album.

No Words. Just listen to the phantastic music. A famous Man and famous last words. RIP Johnny

Brilliant concept; brilliant song selection; brilliant arrangements; brilliant performances; brilliant production.

simple but effective stone engraving vocal machine

He can sing but it was not my type of music.

Nice easy listen

84/100

Meine Güte. Das erste Drittel ist grandios. Das zweite meh. Das dritte gut. Hätten 5 Sterne werden können.

I want to hate this so much. It was a pain to listen to this for 52 minutes. This is just an ASMR artist talking over a guitar and the occasional piano. It's so annoying, yet it is, from a more objective standpoint, fine. I know nothing about Johnny Cash so here's the uneducated review you were looking for.

We had it on in the car, whole family enjoyed it, good covers well produced. Spotify also played a bunch of other country stuff afterwards (hank williams etc.) and it didn't compare

The joke review is that he could have released Hurt and then 12 tracks of static and it would still be seminal. The real review is that even the songs that start off without you really enjoying them slowly turn into something brilliant just because of his voice. Highlights-?Hurt, Personal Jesus, …Rose, Man Comes around Lowlights if any - Danny Boy and Laredo

This is my 1001th album!

8/10

Wow. I cant believe this was less than a year before he passed away. So dang good and Bridge Over Troubled Water with Fiona????? ok now that was crazy good.

Have always thought Cash was overrated. Bridge Over Troubled Water - this version is an injustice to the original, it sounds like bad karaoke. Same with Personal Jesus - but in this case it is drunk karaoke. The only goody on here was The Man Comes Around. Everyone loves Hurt, but it's not as good as the original. Still not sold on Cash.

Not great as he was getting old by now...but still enjoyable

Well, its has covers, many. But theyre good covers. Before I played the album I could tell it was gonna be depressing, it was. One of the best voices ever.

I love this. It’s easy to forget these are covers. The songs are so thoughtfully picked and composed in such a beautiful way, that honours the original while making it his own.

67th album. That is incredible. I can't think of a more perfect final album to a career other than maybe Bowie's Blackstar. "Hurt" must been seen as a music video. Probably one of the best ever in how it captures the legacy of a man so well and is just such an emotional journey. As are many of the songs on this album. Knowing Mr. Cash's stage of life often gives these songs new meanings. When this album first came up it was the week of my dad's funeral, and I couldn't make it through it. A couple weeks later I made it, I was a mess but I made it. It was strangely comforting to hear the voice of a man at peace with his fate, so I hope my dad found that same peace. We'll meet again. Favorite track "Hurt" 5/5

The perfect album for my day today. Even though these are all covers, johnny cash recording these tracks in the twilight of his life and presenting them in this order is true art.

A classic from a legend. Nothing fancy just a man reflecting on his life knowing he hasn't got long to go

Good stuff

3.7/5 listened 1x. Some great tracks here.

Very far from his best. And murders the covers!

As always, Cash is a consummate storyteller with his music.

Oh this is gonna make me sad…good sad but sad. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” did bring a tear to my eye.. There is something very poetic about his last non-posthumous album being full of other people’s songs he wanted to sing. Slay for “Desperado.” And his “We’ll Meet Again” is so perfect and bittersweet.

Een cover album? Ballsy, Sjonny Cash, ballsy! Jaaaaa de GOEDE versie van Hurt! Na eerder het album van NiN al gehoord te hebben waar hun versie op staat vind ik dit toch echt duidelijk de betere versie. Sowieso, de stem van Johnny is als een goede whisky, het breekbare dat op dit album te horen is past perfect bij de teksten en nummers hier. (Al moet ik wel zeggen dat hij Bridge over troubled water écht niet redt qua stem. Geen schande verder, maar hij mist wel echt de kracht daar. Hetzelfde merk ik ook met Personal Jesus. Daar heeft Johnny ook de 'pech' dat de Depeche Mode versie een stuk beter is. De mooiste nummers zijn de trage, lang gerekte, bijna minimale instrumentale begeleiding. Het album duurt me helaas net iets te lang, de laatste paar nummers zijn voor mij de minste van het album, maar alles bij elkaar ruikt mn kamer naar sigaar, whisky en voel ik me een jaar of 70. FAVO: The Man Comes Around, Hurt, Give my love to rose, I hung my head, In my life

good country covers

Despite having a couple of covers, this album is phenomenal.

One of the most profound words by Johnny Cash, the last album to be released before his passing in 2003. Adapting many covers from contemporary musicians, Cash transforms these songs into something entirely his own while retaining much of the original meaning.

Enjoyed listening to this album 3/5

Best Song: Hurt. A heavy hitter with an emotional impact. I still have nostalgia for when I first watched the music video. Worst Song: Personal Jesus. It sounds like Cash is struggling to keep up with the tempo here. I think they could have slowed it slightly to allow him to make the song more introspective while also not giving the feeling that the singer might stumble off the tracks at any moment. Overall: A sweet, melancholy album that sometimes slips too far into "sleepy". It's refreshing to see Cash stripped here of his usual bravado, forced by age to show a more vulnerable and interesting side of himself.

4.25 stars. I really like Johnny Cash, and this album feels like listening to a series of songs that he particularly likes as well. Apparently this is a series of mostly-cover albums, and I'd be interested in checking out others. This over of course had the very famous cover of "Hurt," and is the last album he released before he died. That eeriness looms over much of the album, especially with songs like "I Hung My Head" and "Desperado." Because of the stage Cash is at in his life, his singing has a weathered quality to it, which doesn't lend itself very well to the more belty songs. For this reason I don't think I would have the album on rotation. But Cash's charm remains a feature throughout, and it's nice listening to him perform songs that we both enjoy.

I don't understand the hype for this album. The vast majority of these covers are worse than the original (including Hurt). Too much sing-talking, too many songs sounded too similar to one another. A few were decent, but l won't be listening to this again. 2/5

Excellent! Some great covers made new with that Cash sound.

At first it is surprisingly kinda country, but I like it. I really like the music and the voice reminds me of melancholy, so I like it It does all sound very similar to each other, but it is nice to listen to. It is kinda if a grandpa was singing to his grandchildren and there is something pure about that. The voice is too mono tonic for my liking after some songs, and it turns out to be pretty boring after a few songs.

For an album of covers, this is really good. The delivery of Hurt is always powerful to me and he brings that to many other songs on here. I liked it. 4/5

Gorgeous display of raw emotion. Lotta songs about cowboys meeting their end too. Some of the covers here I'd say are not as good as their original, or most popular, versions, but none of them fall too far behind and they all do come with a new meaning when sung by Cash.

A few really good covers, but this felt more for Cash fans than anyone else.

So many good performances, but so many odd choices in song selection. Cash singing a song by Paul Simon just really seems off.

Good Album

One of Cash’s best albums as it included his own songs and covers other greats. His aging voice comes through with amazing clarity and strength on this album. This album showcases how Cash reinvented his musical ability over time and evolved as he aged.

Has to be up there for one of the greatest albums regarding covered songs (I know some are new songs of his)

This is such an incredible album. Cash’s voice is what makes this album so powerful. It sounds so troubled and world weary and this gives the album such a gravitas. His cover of “Hurt” is just spectacular. So, so good. There’s such emotion and power from Cash with just his voice, a guitar, and piano. Very few artists can do the same with such a stripped down accompaniment. This album is even more powerful sounding because it was his last. In my opinion this album is bulletproof.

he's a great storyteller & can re-imagine songs in a fresh & different perspective. his cover of Hurt is so much better than NIN

Sad dead man with guitar

Biblical writing on Hurt.

Got me to listen to more country, good sound overall, some songs seem a bit similar, but overall good quality

An album of covers by the great Johnny Cash, some fantastic, some a little corny.

Well this one hits you right where it hurts.

I don't really get a cover album. Some of them are really good - or even great - but is a cover album really something I need to listen to before I die? I'm unlikely to revisit this, except for occasionally Hurt.

This album is so good. There’s just something about his voice. He draws you in so quick and you can’t leave!

Moral of the week: I was not familiar with Johnny Cash’s game. The title track is unreal, and then so many cool and very moving covers to make up the rest - to make something this cool, moving and tapped in at 70 (a year before he passed no less) is very impressive. I especially love his rendition of his own “Give My Love to Rose” all those years later, the whole album feels very reflective, which is all the more touching considering how soon he passed after its release!

Lovin this Cash guy! His old man voice is very endearing and most of the covers really hit but the album loses a bit a steam towards the end for me. Still great!

Very beautiful album that feels to be entirely about Cash’s faith and mortality. Really incredible stuff on here, I can say with confidence that these two Cash albums have made me a fan for sure!

Had never listened to the whole album...thoroughly enjoyed it. Felt like I was in "rock church"...especially during "Personal Jesus".

Never listened to the album before. Note: Desperado n/a on YouTube Music so I had to go to Spotify for that song. You select some of the great songs written in country and rock, add one of the great distinctive voices in music, and an all-star cast of performers...so why do less than half of these versions work? I think it's a combination of Johnny's failing health and Rick Rubin losing his golden touch by the 4th album in this series. But there are a lot of songs that work, and this version of Hurt is an all-time classic. "And I looked and behold, a pale horse. And it's name that sat on him, was Death. And Hell followed with him."

American I through IV are all great. Very impressive that Johnny recorded these near the end of his life. Really liked I Hung My Head and went back and listened to the Sting version. The Cash version is SO much better. Great lyrics by Sting though.

Pretty good.

An album mostly of covers. The title track is great, some of the covers fall flat, but overall an enjoyable listen

It's great. I still prefer NiNs Hurt though

Another occasion where I’ll relax my policy towards mostly-covers albums, because this is a good’un. It seems I’m a bit of sucker for artists’ final prehumous albums, and all the extra gravitas that accompanies them. There are songs that appear to look death in the eye with fear or regret, such as Hurt (which is somehow just as haunting as the already very haunting original). Then there are happier tunes that seem to greet the approaching end as an old friend - also poignant in their own way but much more soothing to listen to. The song choices are good, but his voice could probably have made any song engaging.

4/5. Love the melancholy and sadness throughout. Don't normally like cover albums but these sound very different from the original for most of them. So it's like listening to a new song. His voice is very soothing so it's more relaxing than normal. A world has been created, one that I don't want to live in, but one that feels cold and empty, Johnny's voice echoing through the desolate space. Hauntingly Beautiful. Best Song: When The Man Comes Around, Hurt, Give My Love To Rose, Streets of Laredo

This album is one of many reasons that Johnny Cash is the artist people think of when Country music is discussed, whether they listen to that genre or not.

Oh boy, this was hard going. It was sad, and painted pictures in my brain. I love Johnny Cash, and these songs reminded me why. Also holy covers! :)

When I asked for music to swing to this isn't what I meant

really sad but also incredibly deep and meaningful songs that really showcase his skills and songwriting capability

'Hurt' aside (and even that is debatable), one's response to this album hangs on (1) the level of attachment one has to the songs covered here, and (2) the degree of affection one has for Americana. I respect everyone who has added this to their heavy rotation pile, but I won't be in these parts again anytime soon. Sorry.

Fantastic album. Rick Rubin had a fantastic idea to revive his career. Personal Jesus and Hurt are favourites of this album. A beautiful album to listen to via headphones.

Absolutely fantastic album. Instant purchase on vinyl for me.

Absolutely amazing, although the singing range a little diminished

Something so hypnotic about this album

Not a fan. Idk, strikes me as artificial at best, phony at worst. No where near Cash’s best.

so darned good. 5 stars.

'When the Man Comes around', 'Hurt', and 'Send my love to Rose' are all good but the 'I shot a man and now I'm singing a song about it' vibe soon gets boring and in the end I felt the album tended to cynical exploitation.

Honestly the power of this album, despite having many covers, was a bit of a shock to me after listening to much older Cash recordings to this point. I was familiar with some of these songs but 1) didn't realize they were all on the same album and 2) hadn't realized how good the other tracks were. Maybe you need to be in a certain frame of mind to stick with it for the entirety of the album, but on the whole I really enjoyed it and was encouraged by how this kind of creative output can be done so late in life.

Is it possible that appreciation for music is subjective? Nah. Some things just hit all the right notes.

I'm not usually big on country, but this album... It's an absolute masterpiece. The stripped back feel, the voice, the pure emotion that elevates these songs, the added context of it being the last album he released while living, it's just a truly incredible experience.

5 one of the most emotional, reflective, and haunting albums ever. You can feel that this is a man who is about to die and you can feel him reflecting on his life

Mostly covers but really good ones - includes Hurt, which is incredible

Good album

Love Johnny Cash’s voice, album sounds like one nearing end of life.

I love this guy so much, beautiful music. He mumbles a bit but its emotional🩷

Aagagagga edible as fuck

everyone i know goes away in the end...

Great album.

A great last album and statement on mortality.

probably the best thing ive heard from johnny cash but that doesnt mean its all that amazing. outside of a few highlights its just boring. 7/10

Hurt

Haunting

Love me some Johnny Cash. Especially his old man voice on these later records. Never realized how many covers were on this one. Hurt still is so sad to listen to.

I LOVE THIS ALBUM. Didn't realise Johnny Cash did fantastic covers of my favourite songs - all in one album no less! A future vinyl purchase for sure.

What an emotional rollercoaster of an album. So many beautiful and sad songs!!! I haven't heard this before so I was unaware how many covers there would be, but they add a lot in my eyes. Johnny Cash covered these in the last years of his life, and as an old man brings a different perspective to them than the original writers who were young. Glad I listened to this, it was dope. Fav songs: - Hurt - Give My Love to Rose - I Hung My Head - In My Life - Tear Stained Letter - We'll Meet Again

Want more than a cover album. Don't treat his work as an afterthought.

Great album!

Hurt is amazing, so is the rendition of We'll Meet Again, but most tracks seem sometimes too bland, or a lack of real rhythmic as it is lost in plain talking.

Previously rated: At San Quinton (4/5) ************************** I knew Hurt was a cover, and if I looked beyond that at the track list beforehand, I would have known these were all covers. I liked the first few tracks pretty well, though the somberness started to wear on me. Didn't really care for the Beatles or Eagles covers. Some of it even comes off as cheesy to me. Somehow I recognized Nick Cave's voice on I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. I didn't even know who he was before I started this list! Though he was the only one I noticed, not even Don Henley.

This album is quite good. I like how the sparse arrangements highlight Cash’s voice, giving more emotion to the songs. This also makes the rare occurences of backing vocals and extra instruments more efficient. However, the album is far too long for such a stripped down album. 35-40 minutes would be optimal. Best songs: The first two tracks

idk, i personally don’t like it. it seems like depressed country music, which is not what i’m in to. i feel like people who like this kind of music would really like this album, though, so bonus for that.

This was tough to get through for me. Album was really slow and I just wasn’t in the mood for it. Not for me.

3.5/5

Wow! I had completely forgotten about this album. It's fantastic. It takes me back to the early 2000s. It was after this that "mature" music performers starting Rick Rubin to do "stripped back" albums where they tried to remember what made them good in the first place! My response to the Willie Nelson album was favourable, so it might just be that I have a soft spot for cover albums by old country geezers, but this is in a different league. The cover of "Hurt", ( and the associated music video which with the contrast of Cash and his wife in their last days against all the video footage of his life, is a piece of art in itself) makes this album worth listening to alone. But there are a few other high points like, "The Man Comes Around" and "I Hung My Head" and there's not an actual duff track on here. (Alright, some are a bit too schmaltzy or corny for me. "Danny Boy" and "Desperado" aren't songs I would chose to listen to, no matter who is covering them. Great tunes, of course, but I can't take them seriously.) I want to give it 5 stars, but realistically, it's a 4. Hang on. How many stars did I give Willie Nelson? ...I gave it a 4. Okay, so this gets 4.5 from me!

Some great reworking of classic tracks, Hurt alone is worth the entry fee….

hiii nick cave

A great CD with some covers like Personal Jesus that I didn't expect.

Swan song from the Man in Black. Poingnant and poetic. Perfection.

Lots of cover songs. Nothing special and I don’t have a particular feeling for American country music

I can't imagine getting through this album without sobbing. I fell in love with this record when I was in elementary school and there's truly no skips.

what do i even say, its johnny cash

johnny cash made some of my favorite music ever with the vibe of "i do lots of drugs and just shot my wife" and later in his career made some of the only music on this planet that can wrench tears from my lizard eyes. Damn your eyes!

I wish I was born a man

A moving and well-done collection of covers.

I liked this way more than I thought I would, especially The Man Comes Around and Sam Hall.

He has a spoken word kind of singing voice like Lou Reed that is endearing at times. Some of the covers were intriguing. Overall, fine but never need to hear again.

Listened to Hurt a bunch of times. Listened to the rest of the album just the once, thank you.

Gear: Hifiman Arya Artwork: unbeweglich wie ein Monolith in \"2001\" Mix: Rick Rubin's recht reichhaltiger Recording-Raritäten Reigen Musik: Cash's Spätwerk mit Rubin, dieses krönende Finale \"American IV\" und darauf seine Interpretationen von \"Hurt\", \"I Hung My Head\" und \"Personal Jesus\" verbinde ich mit vielen besonderen Erinnerungen der letzten 20 Jahre. Damit auch einer meiner besonders persönlichen Favoriten. Wertung: ⬛⬛⬛⬛⬛/5