American IV: The Man Comes Around

I enjoyed the unique covers. The album is full of meloncholy and tells the story of a life ending soon.

I don’t like this as much as when I was a kid, but I still like it a lot.

Personal Jesus took me by surprise

Too emotional to ever listen again, but so solid. You can really tell its the end of life album from the start

Fabulous rebirth of a legend. Thank you Rick Rubin!

Pretty nice covers sung by Johnny Cash

A great album, the last gasp from the master a few of the tracks miss such as bridge over troubled water but a solid album with some stella tracks.

Knew many of the songs but some were surprisingly good and unheard of. Overall haunting and wow his voice sounds incredibly emotional. Tear stained letter underrated

Oye no daba un duro y me ha gustado bastante. Son todo versiones de temas que no pegan nada con Johnny Cash y les da su toque personal bastante originalmente. Supongo que Rick Rubin tuvo que ver bastante en esto. Más allá de la famosa versión de Hurt el album es una joya. Creo que fue lo último que hizo antes de morir. Mazo de bien macho.

Interesting mixture of music, almost as interesting as Cash's performance. I like this, but there's enough so-so songs on the album that I don't LOVE it.

A bit of a downer at time, but some great covers, and thankfully I turned it down before Nick Cave appeared. I was surprised that Hurt wasn't even my favourite of the bunch. Personal Jesus cover unexpected but fun.

Favorite Songs: The Man Comes Around / Hurt

I love Cash, and while this isn’t as major as Orange Blossom Special or Folsom for me, there’s no denying the power he still had up until the last album in his career.

Johnny’s last album released during his lifetime. A moving recording at the end of his illustrious career. This a heartfelt and beautiful record. His voice and dilivery are still strong and emotive. Love it.

Старый конь - борозды не испортит.

Objectively speaking, it’s an old man doing covers. Now of course this album comes with a lifetime of context, which makes it remarkable. Also, production quality on this thing is great. Love the guitar sound.

Gorgeous beautiful

I appreciate this album more as a piece of art and the conclusion of a famous musican's lifework, than as a medium simply carrying more or less enjoyable music. The "country" tag was also mildly confusing to me, because I didn't associate a single song with country music while listening - all of them were just Johnny Cash songs to me, even though most of them are covers.

love a late career renaissance album. especially when it comes with an evolutionary step that suits their age and the times. i'd be lying if i called myself a nine inch nails fan, but i’m a fan of johnny cash covering nine inch nails from what sounds like a dungeon cell. sounds like a goya painting. music for a mccarthy novel. “the man comes around” is so good it’s like you’ve known it your whole life. perfect song to go out on. most of it works. “i’m so lonesome i could cry” is one of the best songs ever written. personal jesus is great. it’s enthralling to hear his old voice RIGHT THERE. the production is awesome. bridge over troubled water teeters on the edge of not working, but you're rooting for the old timer the whole time, aren't you? damn your eyes!

Perfect

Four solid albums in a row. Really enjoyed this one, felt like a good mix of Cash songs and Cash covers. Just sort of an iconic figure in country/rock. Older Cash but I think his voice aged well for the style most of this sounded like.

This album is quite an accomplishment. The first three tracks set an incredible mood — truly amazing. There are some weaker tracks on this album, Cash is not always singing, and all the songs are covers— so it can’t be a 5 in my book. But on the strength of the first three tracks alone (+ some other excellent covers sprinkled throughout) it’s a four.

This album is absolutely amazing. From the cool intro/outro bible verse reading in “The Man comes Around” to the cool covers of “Bridge, Face, and Desperado” it is just fantastic. “Personal Jesus” has a swagger to it that’s just badass. The cover of “Hurt” is exquisite! 1001 album worthy: yes - 84/152

What an album. Astounding. Nearly a 5 star but let down by Danny Boy and We'll Meet Again. They bounce it down to 4 stars.

Enjoyed most of this, have heard before. Some really strong songs, but thought there were probably too many songs. Not sure another cover of Danny boy was really needed. Still enjoyable but maybe not a double album worth.

I recognized the title song from the Logan end credits, amazing song. At that point I thought this might turn into an Ur-Blackstar for me, although ultimately there are probably too many covers for that to happen. Some are great though - Hurt, Personal Jesus, the MacColl one...

This was a pretty good album, but it does kinda lose some points for me for pretty much just being a covers album. That being said they are pretty much all compelling covers. The recordings are brilliantly well made and Johnny's voice carries huge gravitas throughout. Fave Tracks: The Man Comes Around, Hurt, In My Life 3.7/5

There is something truly transcendent about Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt", and it alone would be worthy to include on this list. I think there is a fascinating coincidence of an artist recording their final albums shortly before passing (Blackstar by David Bowie is another example). Here, near the end of his life, Johnny Cash's aged, weary vocals are something to behold.

I think if you have grown up with Johnny Cash this would mean the world to you! And I think he did amazing arrangements and a whole album without drums was new to me! Just 4 starts because I got a bit bored! That is probably my gen Z genes talking

It's a great Johnny Cash album. Not my personal taste but a good listen. He has a style and these song remakes are interesting.

What a great album! I wasn’t too happy when this came up as I assumed it would just be country and guitars. But then I was slapped by this amazing emotional voice. The songs sounds nothing alike, while still holding on to a unique style. I’m moved by many songs. Will def listen again. On a sunny day. ☀️

J - 4/5 Best Track - "Hurt" F - DNL

To be perfectly honest, there are more duds on this album than its reputation might suggest. But with some spectacular highs including transformative covers, understated duets, and 'The Man Comes Around' proving Cash still had fantastic songwriting in him, it's a fitting swan song.

What can I say, the man is great. Some iconic tracks on here

Amazing album, amazing voice, amazing man. Still capable of creating captivating and moving music right up to the end and making cover songs completely his own. Many of these songs I knew of Johnny’s version before I’d heard the original and in a way preferred. Another album that I remember hearing as I was growing up - hopefully still got it somewhere, if not I will definitely repurchase. Along with more of the American series. Very much an album worth a listen. 4/5

The weathered voice, the sparse production; it just works so well. The choice of covers varies across each volume (I prefer American III overall), but a lot to like here.

Great album, great production!

I thought this was intense. Never listened to the whole album before. As always with Cash…. Perfectly imperfect.

A remarkable album that deserves a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The album showcases Cash's deep, resonant voice and his ability to convey profound emotion through his music. The standout track, "Hurt," is a hauntingly beautiful rendition that leaves a lasting impression. The album as a whole is a powerful and moving experience, with each song adding to the overall impact.

Some of these covers work (Hurt, Personal Jesus), some don't (In My Life). But, on balance, I prefer a world with more Johnny Cash than less.

Oh man, oh man! What an album this is! I’m biased though as my first real experience with The Man In Black was ‘I Hung My Head’ which I got on a freebie CD with Q Magazine and was immediately buzzing for it! I LOVE all the American Recording albums, and this is one of the best of them!

This album is quintessential Johnny Cash and I love it. I love his cover of ‘Hurt’ more than the original. My other favorites were ‘In My Life’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again.’ A solid album with some great covers, I very much enjoyed this listen and would recommend it to others!

Cash will always be in his own category. Only 4 stars because of the unhealthy obsession with death on this album. Great one otherwise.

Damn...

What a way to end a career. This collection of mainly covers is a great full stop on one of the most prolific country singers we’ve had. A truly poignant listen knowing this was the end, Cash unpicks the melancholic thread from each of these songs beautifully.

Deeply beautiful music. I can hear this man's influence in so many of the artists I enjoyed in my post-hardcore indie college years. Both overtly theatrical and intensely personal. I feel like I'm with distant relatives listening to their stories and taking in that wisdom. "Hurt" is obviously transcendent, and was previously the only track I knew of from this album. "The Man Comes Around" is a great opener, "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" an "Sam Hall" were stand-outs. The greatest compliment I can give to this is it makes me curious about the rest of Johnny Cash's discography. Can't wait to hear more.

Great covers. His voice isn’t amazing at his age but you can really hear all his life experiences coming through.

A great sound. Depth of sound conveys his feelings and emotions beautifully. It makes me think about the issues/emotions he is singing about

This is probably Johnny Cash’s most popular and well rounded album. It’s filled with covers that are tastefully done and respectful of the original work but also has its own personality. I think the only real problem with the album (and this definitely won’t be a problem for everybody) is that the vocal delivery is the same thing for every song. I know that’s a big part of Cash’s unique vocal delivery is his signature. But I think in the terms of an hour long album, I’d appreciate some variety with like a guest singer for a song or even a duet woulda been a nice curve to throw in. But honestly this is his most approachable album and it’s a great jumping off point for his original music. Definitely a must listen.

Another one in the series of somber albums released very late in an artist's life (i.e. "Blackstar" and "You Want It Darker"). Here we get a contemplative Johnny Cash, accompanied by sparse instrumentals and the occasional guest vocalist. It's the rawest and most real we've honestly ever heard Cash be and even though most of this album consists of covers spanning many eras, Cash transforms each of these familiar tracks into his own. Not much else to say, a fitting swan song for a musical icon.

Anything Cash makes me think of the Columbus Blvd mom's, Judy, Gloria and Dee. 3 wonderful women. Can't call myself a big fan, but this is great last album for a legend. Ending with We'll Meet Again is perfect. Very aware of Hurt and consider his version better than NIN. Gives me goosebumps every time I listen hear. And I love he did Personal Jesus, definitely my favorite Depeche Mode song. The Man Come Around is excellent and Desperado better than the the Eagles version. A very good album made special with his unique sound. Can't say I loved every song covered, but listened quite a few times over the several days and brought back some great memories of my youth back in Kokomo. RIP Johnny, Judy, Gloria and Dee. Hope you get to enjoy his performances up there! 4

Bão

Good album, but Hurt drives this into great territory

Such a raw emotional album. It’s one thing to take a song and cover it but a whole other thing to make it your own. I knew this album had a good amount of covers on it but the one that surprised me the most was, I Hung My Head, great track and Cash covers it flawlessly. Who knew Sting was such a Western buff. Up until Sam Hall, this is a 5 but I found it lost steam from there. Great piece to Cash’s later discography. 4 stars

Beautiful album, similar to Bowies black star, where it was getting close to the end. Great interpretations of covers

An interesting mix of standards one would be more likely to associate with Johnny Cash and interpretations of more modern songs. The results are mixed. I personally don't think "Bridge Over Troubled Water" works at all. "Personal Jesus" is interesting but feels a bit gimmicky. "I Hung My Head" is very good, but his interpretation of "Hurt" is superlative. Especially poignant knowing this is his last album, the emotion and feeling in his voice touches me every time. That one song for me is enough for the album to have earned it's place.

What an amazing album and the covers really make it to be honest. Not perfect and certainly cash’s older work but still worthy of consider In the grand scheme of somber listens

Hurt gets all the headlines but if you survive that and think you’re gonna make it here comes I’m so lonesome I could cry and now you’re dead from anguish. Star deducted for bridge over troubled water

Ok

Great album, really just show's off Cash's unparalleled vocal talent. The emotion he is able to pour into his voice makes his covers of already excellent songs like "Hurt" and "Desperado" worthwhile takes in their own right. One of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time tells heart wrenching stories in "Give My Love to Rose" and "Laredo," and lyrics that would come off as hackneyed from a lesser talent stir the soul. Great album. Some misses so not 5* from me, but excellent.

Кэш он и в старости Кэш - такой же умиротворяющий голос, способный излечить небольшую хандру. Не скажу, что этот альбом его сильно понравился, но ниже определëнной планки, свойственной Джонни Кэшу, он не опустился. Твёрдые 7 баллов из 10.

Respect

Solid, got some bangers

When The Man Comes Around is good, it’s fucking amazing. The title track and obviously Hurt are unbelievably powerful. The album is obviously Cash facing his own morality. His vocals are great all the way through. Some covers don’t hit as expected 8.0/10

What are the odds I get this very album just a couple days after seeing the comedian Jim Jeffries at the Ryman Auditorium, with his opening joke being about Johnny Cash being a "shit musician"? He was almost booed off the stage until he made the point that most people like the idea of Johnny Cash more than they like his music. People have bought more middle finger t-shirts then they have albums. There may be some truth to that, but this album proves that he's the real deal.

Some of his best performances. I don't like some (most) of the song choices, but Personal Jesus is a stroke of genius.

Everything about this album is a real feelings moment. June would pass away in May the next year, and Johnny would follow her soon after. Even in the video for “Hurt” you could tell he was coming to grips with the fact that he had little time left. This collection is more proof - a legend saying goodbye, from all the possible perspectives. The choice of covers and a few originals is powerful, ranging from his faith to his pain, from his love of his wife to the adoration of his fans. It’s a beautiful record, though it took a spin or two to grow on me. It’s not his best and it’s not perfection, but it’s definitely essential from the Man in Black.

Hurt is great, some other nice covers

Albums die zich voor het leeuwendeel richten op het herimagineren van gevestigde songs begeven zich in mijn ogen vaak op glad ijs. Maar als we het hebben over de samenwerking tussen Rick Rubin en Johnny Cash, en de secure selectie van composities passend bij het verjaarde stemgeluid van de heer Cash, is het een uitzondering die de regel bevestigd. Van al hun gezamenlijke 'American Recordings' is dit mogelijk hun meest 'rake' project, waarin een behoorlijke gevarieerde lijst aan nummers - van pop tot industrial rock, en van new wave tot country - voor het grootste deel perfect in de Johnny Cash-mal gegoten worden. De meeste songs zijn bekend genoeg om bij te dragen bij een reis door de significante Amerikaanse muziekwereld, maar ook persoonlijk genoeg zodat het voelt alsof ze van Johnny's pen komen. De één doet dat overigens beter dan de ander. Met 'Hurt' als absolute magnum opus van de American-series, en de poster child van 'covers done right', en 'I Hung My Head', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' en 'Danny Boy' als andere uitblinkers. Minder goed valt bijvoorbeeld het dappere 'Personal Jesus', die net niet lekker op gang komt. Ik denk dat dit heel goed werkt als zwanenzang, ondanks dat de poëtische inbreng van Cash nihil is. Dat is wel vrij uniek, want een effectieve zwanenzang lijkt vooral heel persoonlijk te moeten zijn. Respect voor Rick Rubin hoe hij een uitgerangeerde volksheld op deze manier toch nog een microfoon voor kon houden, en dat hij inzag dat zijn stem nog zo emotioneel resoneerde met het nieuwe publiek. Hij is in deze laatste fase als een soort orakel die de Amerikaanse geschiedenis samenvat terwijl hij zijn eigen sterfelijkheid onder ogen ziet. Ik had wel wat meer eigen composities als 'The Man Comes Around' en 'Give My Love To Rose' willen horen, maar dat zat er waarschijnlijk niet meer in. 8/10 Highlights: The Man Comes Around Hurt Give My Love To Rose I Hung My Head

Wat heeft het concept van de American series echt onwijs goed uitgepakt. Cash, toch al zeker 50 albums op zijn, die zich gaat wagen aan covers. Dat lijkt me op zich een recept voor een mislukking. Maar het tegendeel is. Door zijn leeftijd en doorleefdheid is er iets extra rauws in Cash gekropen wat de covers een bijzondere lading geeft en de eigen nummers uniek maakt ten opzichte van zijn eerder repertoire. Missie geslaagd zou ik zeggen. 8/10 Highlights The Man Comes Around Hurt

I'm generally not a fan of what isnessentially a covers album but thisbhas a particular novelty to it that is unmatched. Knowing that Cash was in and out of the hospital and battling death while recording the album makes every song that much more haunting and powerful.

Solid Jonny Cash late in his career. Cool to hear him do songs by Nine Inch Nails, Paul Simon and others. You can definitely tell this has Rick Rubin's touch on it. 4/5

Nice and easy. Classic Johnny Cash.

American IV: The Man Comes Around was an album that i actually liked quite a fair bit. I was pretty surprised to learn that this album was just covers (with one original song) but these covers are some pretty good covers. This album also seems to have songs from some of my favorite albums on this list like Hurt from Nine Inch Nails' The Downward Spiral, Personal Jesus from Depeche Mode's Violator, and Bridge Over Troubled Water from Simon And Garfunkel's album of the same name. While i do like the original versions of all those songs more than these covers, I still cannot deny that they are very good and the other songs were quite good as well. Definitely a really good listen. Best Song: Personal Jesus Worst Song: Tear Stained Letter Side note: Am i the only one who thinks that Johnny Cash's lineup of albums on this list is a little weird? He has 2 live albums and 1 studio album 99% consisting of covers.

Not my preferred genre but you can tell that it is an album that comes from the heart. Musically simple, but lyrically and emotionally very complex.

Very hit or miss. His cover of hurt is absolutely heartbreaking tho.

I think the strongest songs are on the first side, The Man Comes Around might be in competition for my favourite Cash song. In my Downward spiral review I argued in favour of the original being the more effective version of Hurt, relistening to it here, I definitely believe that it's a fantastic cover and the spin that Johnny puts on it is really compelling. Alternatively, I don't really like the cover of Personal Jesus at all. But overall the album is really good, happy giving it a 4.

sad old man plays club bangers

American IV: The Man Comes Around by Johnny Cash Thoughts: This was my first time listening to a Johnny Cash album and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It was very interesting to see that even in 2002 Mr. Cash can still produce a great record. He still had that deep, cold, southern voice that everyone knows. Definitely enjoyed the listen and I think I’ll check out another Cash album. Favorite song was Bridge over Troubled Water. Least Favorite was Sam Hall. I’ll rate it a 7.5/10.

Hurt alone. Such a towering icon. That late period voice, dripping with wisdom and sadness seen.

N'ayant rien de très pertinent à dire, je me contente de noter.

Production is... Patchy, poignant otherwise, good album. Cover of we'll meet again was powerful.

Didn’t hear all but what I heard thought was MINT

He was one of a kind. Amazing work.

This is a 4/5 album for me. Haunting with the energy that his time on Earth was near the end. The cover of “Hurt” will forever be legendary.

Johnny cash’s preoccupation with death and execution has always been fascinating to me. He grew up in 1930s backwoods Tennessee, by all accounts a pretty grim world. Think he just really hails from a different world. Anyway, this is the best case scenario for a voice aging. Many of these songs (hurt, in my life) take on a wholly different meaning from an old man staring down his death. I can’t endorse all of the song choices (desperado and Danny boy are both a little tired), so I think 4 stars is about right.

Very good first half with signs recognised. Possibly petered out a bit but still very nice

This is some good Johnny Cash. The songs are primarily covers, but they've all been stripped down, and the combo of simple guitar and Cash's voice is very effective. Obviously "Hurt" is amazing, but Cash really makes each of these songs his own. A high point to end his career.

Johnny Cash is the original rich bass baritone voice. Lots of gems! He has done a great work with making these covers his own

pretty fire I liked this

Great album, Johnny Cash is just brilliant, all arrangements and songs choices are spot on, very poignant.

It's no small success that Cash has me appreciating a Trent Reznor song, but this album is far more than a qualification of my aesthetic preferences. That's b/c American IV is such a powerful and strange cover album, hardly feeling like one in the end. Not only does Cash make other's art his own - he universalizes his selected tracks, and each song seems to be no one's in particular. The democratic choice to disperse a few of his own songs throughout gives the sense that he is merely one of so many conduits thru which art is expressed. The whole world is the writer of poetry in the end, as Emerson reminds us: "For poetry was all written before time was." But this is also Cash qua Cash, the voice being so recognizable, so ineluctable.

Fun tribute / cover album with Cash covering Depeche Mode’s Personal Jesus

7/10

4/5

Mainly covers, mainly old man voice, mainly pretty good for what it is, mainly no surprise since it’s Cash, mainly I cummed myself today. 7/10

great album. so poignant

Love it when June comes in on Bridge Over. So good. And I still love Trent’s version of Hurt.

I think this album is a masterclass in performance. How the way you feel music can totally change the meaning of the songs. He sounds like he went through a lot of crap and is tire of your bulshit. I can hear some rage but sadness and melancholy over all. The rendition of "Hurt" is so awesome. It might be even better than the original Nine Inch Nails version. It just take another meaning. It's just so powerful and sad to hear a fragile man singing those lyrics. This whole album is like a window to his soul. The soul of a man that has gone through so much and it's at the end of his life. It's so powerful.

Shockingly great. Fantastic vocals.

Great convers and original songs, a very raw rendering, i liked most songs, the back ups by other artists were also Nice (esp Fiona apple). I knew most of the original songs and I thought the reworking with the new production (by Rick Rubin) was very interesting and new.

Great album, great covers.

83

# Album Name: American IV: The Man Comes Around # Artist: Johnny Cash # Rating: 4/5 # Comments: Good album. JC's vocals are emotional, deep and croaky as always. First half of the album is filled with bangers. 2nd half is a bit of a drag towards the end. Feels like the album goes on a little but still good. Overall a good album thats worth a listen. # Top Tunes: Hurt / man comes around / personal jesus # Would I listen to it again? Yes

I'm not a Johnny Cash fan at all. But you can hear the life lessons in his lyrics. What's more is you can hear the desire for redemption in his voice. I couldn't help but listen to the album. Great job.

really fun! lots of story telling and different instruments. i like danny boy alot and i didn't know we'll meet again was originally by cash. overall solid album

I turd myself today

classic

pretty good for a mostly cover album

What a great album. Covers are amazing. Never did care for him in the past but these songs are wonderfully crafted.

I hadn’t listened to this in years and forgot how good it really is. It’s not just old legend doing unexpected covers to gain hip appeal.

Canción favorita: I hung my head. Lo mejor del álbum es las letras, cada canción cuenta una historia :)

Such an incredible album. All the more impressive that it came so late in his career. Few artists put out seminal works 50+ years into their careers.

Deathly, emotional, regret, satisfying

At first I didn’t like his style because it’s like he’s just talking. But halfway through I’m really enjoying it.

I like how Cash uses the age in his voice as a deliberate effect.

A near-perfect swan song for one of the greatest songwriters we’ve ever seen. I just wish more of his own material were on here.

Gained a new appreciation for covers. Usually, it's the rare cover that's better than the original, but, with this album, I'm hearing each covered song in a new way. Some are better and some are just as good but different - lit differently from the original but just as luminous. Impressive.

Beautiful

Hearing this old and (let's be honest) probably already dying man singing the line "Everyone I know will be gone in the end" is just about as much as recorded music will ever be able to do for me emotionally. Nothing else on here really reaches those same heights. But, then again, hardly anything does, and there are enough terrific tracks on this album to make it a more than worthy record to recommend to just about anybody. At over 50 minutes it's maybe slightly too long, but that's just me nitpicking.

wonderful, raw vocals and guitar, emotional lyrics. feels really good to listen to most of this. Hurt is a absolute masterpiece 4/5

A bit of a mixed bag but the highs are very high

He should not have covered: Bridge over Troubled Waters, First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, In My Life, Danny Boy and Desperado.

Solid especially Hurt

Good stuff, mainly covers. Hurt is amazing.

Sehr melancholisches, aber auch starkes Album. 4/5

omg its the depeche mode song fairly enjoyable listen overall it's quite diverse

It’s so sad

Pretty amazing what this man can do with a guitar. Super dark album though

Covers that add a new dimension to their originals delivered in a beautiful raw and vulnerable way

Borderline 3 but the bulk are beautiful songs by a great singer. That carries it. Could do without the spoken The Man Comes Around

I know Hurt well and enjoyed his other stuff. It was a lively way to finish out his legacy.

A great cover album from the legend, JC.

Much slower than his earlier albums, especially the live from prison album. But so soulful, so earnest, so good. This is a great album through and through.

Covers sung anew With an old hand’s confidence And sparse, nimble tunes

Awesome album Standout songs: Hurt I Hung my Head I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry

The album has an nostalgic, hopeful, sad but refreshing sound, it manages to feel new after 23 years after its release and having an impactful message of self-acceptance, regret, emotional pain and death. Its important to mention the quantity of covers this album has (like Hurt, I Hung my Head,Desperado,and plenty more), tho, even if they are covers, they give a new air to the original songs, managing to have its own unique song with the singer's own sound, i would recommend this to everyone? Not if you dont like Country music, but if you are open to that genre, i would recommend this a 100% and would listen again to this emotional rollercoaster.

A good one

Really good. I liked it.

267/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑

Similar to Blackstar, this is an album whose esteem seems nearly entirely supported by the spectre of death that surrounds it. But while I am generally weary of the whole self-conscious swan song thing, Cash has always carried himself as a seasoned man anyway, so the vibe is thankfully more-or-less business as usual instead of feeling so ceremonial. 3.5/5

Yes, absolutely loved this. What a voice.

Great album. Rip to a legend

Cash's voice still has that pull despite the old age. Well-produced, and has some of his many well-known songs. Songs that you could sit on a lonely day and listen.

Ironisk nok er det de covernumre der ikke oprindeligt er countysange der fungerer bedst for mig. Måske netop fordi de heller ikke er lavet om til country kompositioner. De er til gengæld skåret ind til benet og Cash har en nerve i sin levering af sangene som kun kan gøres af et menneske med så meget levet erfaring. Desværre er der lidt for mange klassiske countrysange, og for få af de virkelig gode covers. Men de gode er også knaldhamrende gode. Det er ikke et album jeg kommer til at genbesøge, men flere af numrene er allerede på mine playlister. Den får 4 stjerner, hvilket nok er en mere end den fortjener som samlet værk. Men Cash var sgu cool, og særligt hans version er Hurt fortjener at hyldes.

Bangers van Johnny

Hurt

Я не є фанатом кантрі і часто воно для мене нуднувате. І цей альбом не виключення, тут не буде якихось прогресивних та технічних моментів, а вокал дуже простий, і здебільшого представляє собою швидше "приговорювання" тексту, аніж спів. Але, якщо відкинути упередженість і спробувати "зрозуміти смак" цієї роботи, стає зрозумілим, чому її настільки полюбили. І це - якась "магічна" здатність Johnny Cash передавати емоції через свою музику, в притаманній тільки йому манері. Це альбом, на якому більшість пісень це кавери, як на старі пісні самого Джонні, так і на пісні інших відомих виконавців: - Hurt від Nine Inch Nails - Bridge Over Troubled Water від Simon and Garfunkel - I Hung My Head від Sting - Personal Jesus від Depeche Mode - In My Life від The Beatles - Desperado від Eagles Всі вони перероблені майже до невпізнаваності, і відчуваються як власні пісні Кеша. Тим паче, що всі вони, як лірично, так і за настроєм, дуже гарно поєднуються між собою єдиною концепцією - рефлексією автора с приводу прожитого життя. Саме через це, альбом не відчувається "фан сервісом", а перетворюються на "особисту", сповнену душі роботу. Я не слухав інші альбоми із серії "American", але тепер, обов'язково це зроблю.

Weird to start this journey with an album of mostly covers but very enjoyable nonetheless.

even if you don't like country music all that much, the appeal of Johnny Cash's best work is pretty undeniable. this, the final album of his lifetime, was one in a series of albums mainly focused on cover songs and re-recordings of some of his older repertoire, a project undertaken alongside producer Rick Rubin which consumed most of Cash's creative endeavors for the last decade of his life. that being said, American IV does open with a bespoke original, the title track, one of the last song Cash ever wrote. it's replete with Biblical references, particularly in regards to death and Judgement Day, and these dark themes carry into many of his covers. we all know that Cash's version of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" is the definitive one, with Trent Reznor's lyrics taking on an even more twisted emotional dimension in Cash's gravely, borderline-decrepit singing voice. it's a true tear-jerker, although it seems like its legacy often overshadows the rest of the material on this record, which is a shame! Simon & Garfunkel's classic ballad "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (featuring Fiona Apple on backing vocals), Sting's cowboy song "I Hung My Head", Depeche Mode's rollicking "Personal Jesus", The Beatles' reflective "In My Life", and Vera Lynn's wartime standard "We'll Meet Again" all take on new meanings when an end-of-life Cash is singing them. Cash and his fellow musicians approach these songs, and plenty more, with an unadorned, acoustic simplicity that brings out all of their best features. not every track is a total slam dunk. but the vast majority of them are! strong 8/10.

This almost deserves 5 stars based on "Hurt" alone, which is easily one of Cash's best songs and one of the best cover songs ever. The rest of the album ranges for solid to excellent and is a great final recording for thisnicon figure.

PRE-LISTENING NOTES: It's now New Year's Eve in 2024. This is the final album that this generator gave me in 2024. 2025 ought to be a big year for me. In 2025, I will come of age, and likely begin university. It's a year that I've been to which I've looking forward for many years, and it's now only a few hours away. From New Year's Day this year to Christmas Eve, I've listened to every single album from the 2016 edition of "1,001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die". However, I haven't listened to all albums from all editions of the series. This is one of the albums to which I haven't yet listened. I plan on listening to it tomorrow, or next year! :) POST-LISTENING NOTES: Happy New Year! It's now 2025. I had a good time this new year's day. I spent it with my Mama. I watched The Office for the first time (2 episodes), and I found it really funny!!! Wait...this is not a diary, this is a music review...*ahem*...HOLY SHIT!!!!! This album is stunning!!! What an incredible farewell album. Johnny Cash's interpretations of other songs sheds an entirely new light on them, and I'm amazed!!! The cover of Hurt is definitely a stand-out here. The Downward Spiral is my favourite album in the generator, so I'm somewhat biased, but still. This is a heartbreaking farewell album from the man who may just be the single most important country musician to ever live. Even I, a non-country-fan, love it, and so should you. What an utter shame that this album was removed from later editions of the 1,001 Albums in lieu of that Kid Rock album, or that LTJ Bukem (who the hell even is that?) album.

i’ve been a cash fan since i was a kid and this album was no different. he voice is hauntingly beautiful

This is a powerful record due to its heavy emotional weight and incredible vulnerability from JC. I had never listened to it all the way through, but after hearing the beast in its entirety, I have much more context to the song hurt and it might be my favorite (predominately) cover album of all time. They are each unique and he brings his own style without ruining the originals. A must listen to. 9/10

What's not to love. The Man gives us his take on some noble classics and other well-known songs. It works superbly

Beautiful, forgiving and soulful.

I was feeling the Mondays, and this matched my energy 100%. Makes me feel happy and sad at the same time. His voice just has so much emotion.

What a grand finale.

DID YOU KNOW: Vince Clarke said “Personal Jesus” belongs to Johnny Cash after hearing His version 🙏🥰😩👌

4.5

A solid collection of mostly covers that prove that Johnny still had the ability to convey emotion to the end.

How cool is it to cut albums of this caliber in the very twilight of your life! His American series hears a man facing down the end after a long life of love and struggles. The songs of redemption from the lord, though not my beliefs, are nonetheless powerful, if only because of what they mean to him. His cover of Hurt is epic of course, and better than the original. Good Bless Johnny Cash! (I actually have that Bumper Sticker)

Beautiful covers, some are drawn out, but the simple guitar and stripped down and haunting vocals make this a solid classic filled with emotion

I enjoy the way this album is able to recontextualize covers. It makes me wish I had a stronger appreciation for the originals. Give my love to rose and Bridge over Troubled Water made me cry at 10am so thats pretty cool

Do you like slow songs? If so, then this album is for you! I really like this album. One reason is because the album kinda sounds country-ey, and I really like country music. One other reason is that Jonny Cash is one of my favorite artists that I don't listen to very often, because I usually forget of him, but he is still an excellent artist. I highly recommend this album.

Feels a bit exploitative of the aged and one hopes Rubin was sincere on this one (but far from convinced of his ever having pure motives). JC certainly sounds game, but while the spirit is willing, the voice is weak. Indeed, much of this reads like spoken-word performance. Still one prefers this to say than that last duets album that Sinatra tried to fob off on us. So it's a fine line on the irony vs. earnestness of one's response to the flow from "Personal Jesus," (sung with a wavering voice that cuts into the intended intensity) to "In My Life," to "Danny Boy" (overlooking the inherently Cashian "Sam Hall"): one finds it a bit hard to fathom JC liking Depeche Mode (one might find it difficult to live in a world of such affiliations) and anyway John Lennon wouldn't like one of his gems up against that obnoxious earworm. And no song by Nine Inch Nails belongs on a record with "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." As the BBC review has it, "willfully eclectic" in the song choice isn't all positive; it's too wacky by half and self-inflicted. The closer-in choices – U2's "One," say, or Petty's "Won't Back Down" or gospel choices work so much better; and where are the Springsteen, REM, and Van Morrison cuts. The upside is the elegaic austerity, the stripped down truth of the thing. But the contrast with the simple (to the point of simplistic and obvious) and vaguely mawkish arrangements grates. Guest vocalists don't do a bunch either. One asks if IV were III II many. (V and VI were even shakier, to one's ears.) Less woudla been more but, you know, Rick Rubin. "We'll Meet Again" is a lovely, non-mournful end (and the clarinet and strings work well). The vulnerability of the voice of one of American music's Rushmorean figures is a beautiful thing in one way. In another, it's not quite worthy of the memories, as the editors seem to imply with their unaccountable ex-ing this (rather than say Bowie's Black Star, one of 9 Bowie efforts here, a similar sort of "final act" record and one no better than this). Shoulda stopped here, clearly, as evidenced by the latent flaws that were just beginning to manifest.

This is pretty legendary.

Listened Before? N This one is a modern classic. The man in black showing that he still could put it down even moving into his 70s. He knew he was dying, and you can hear it in every song here. The choices of covers are perfect, and the originals are awesome at setting a tone. NIN's Hurt gets all the attention - and it's awesome - but I think others surpass it. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: The Man Comes Around

I'm a British, dyed in the wool indie-kid and metal-head, but god damn do I love me some Johnny Cash.

The last album Cash released in his lifetime is likely the strongest studio LP of his whole catalogue. With the jaw dropping cover of Nine Inch Nails' Hurt and the closer We'll Meet Again, it really shows that Johnny knew his time was coming, and was ready to mourn and celebrate in the same hand. Beautiful list of covers and standards throughout. The aforementioned Hurt is one of those covers that basically belongs to the artist who coveted it now, which is impressive given how Reznor's original is already a fantastic song. In My Life, while not totally eclipsing the Beatles original, is definitely a preferable listen to my ears. The only song here that makes me scratch my head is Personal Jesus. It's not a bad cover technically speaking - Cash does well translating the electronic-heavy Depeche Mode original to acoustics, and his voice is as good as any of his late-career work - but Personal Jesus is written for and boiled in the electronic aesthetic, such that stripping that away makes something feel missing. Additionally, Dave Gahan's vocals are pretty intrinsic to the song, and Cash can't compete in the dramatics. I wish Streets of Laredo, Tear Stained Letter, and I Hung My Head would get more love from the public as well. Can't say much more, I just love them and listen to them often outside of the context of American IV. Excellent project through and through. Even the Bridge Over Troubled Water cover is good, a rarity for me since I think the Simon and Garfunkel original is nearly perfect. Cash sent himself off in the best fashion one could wish for.

Some of this works so well it's hard to say it's not a great album. The Hurt cover alone is probably enough to get this a great rating. But there are some stinkers on here, you can't ignore them. But the good is so good that I'll still give it a really good rating.

This album contains Hurt, the saddest song in the world, and also a duet with Nick Cave, one of my favourite artists. I would give it a 5 for the sake of Hurt alone, but if I listened to it more than twice a year I would probably dig my own grave...

there are some really incredible tracks on here but the overall experience is pulled down by the presence of some not so great tracks. it was still an enjoyable listen

Straight cash homie

Cash's final album will be something that showcases the entire catalog throughout his lustrous career. most are interpolations or covers of good well-known songs which isn't a slight at Cash. Throughout his entire life has been leading for an album like this, in which, his voice adds the haunting, dreary sense of someone who is finally coming to pass.

Good mix of folk, rock, country and existential crisis.

An album of covers (I think... I didn't recognize a few). It's so simple, yet so beautiful. You certainly don't need to be a fan of country to appreciate this album.

Late masterpiece, good covers

Good cash nothing bad other than some covers were probably not suited to his stile

I really tried to find things to not like about this album after hearing such praise for it for so long, but it really is remarkable to hear Cash’s take on songs that are sometimes so far from his usual genre. That he recorded this at the very end of his career and life makes it that much more poignant.

It’s Johnny Cash, he’s the goat.

Hurt is an all time classic and easily worth 5 stars. I love Johnny Cash and this era of his music. There’s more interesting American recordings though IMO. There’s a few duds on here like We’ll meet again and a few uninteresting ones. Songs like Hurt, First time ever I saw your face, I hung my head and In my life are amazing though.

Really feels gratifying in light of the list getting to this album after listening to the nine inch nails album so long ago. Listening to that version of hurt gave me even a new appreciation for this version. I really like both. In general I liked the album. In contrast to the background accompaniment in the last Nick Drake album, I felt Cash’s was executed much better and in a more timeless manner. I really do like this kind of music!

The impeccable cover of Hurt was the only song I was familiar with coming in, and boy, was I in for a treat. Not only does he put his own touches on other covers, and does them wonderfully for how late in life he was, but the specific songs he selected are reflective and heart-wrenching knowing his story. There wasn’t a dull moment in the album and I enjoyed it from top to bottom. You really can’t beat listening to some smooth Johnny Cash. My only issue is that this isn’t an album I could listen to all the time because I can’t walk around in emotional shambles, and that’s the only reason I’m dropping to a four. I also realize that admitting that an album making me feel such a way is grounds for a five, but I don’t think a four is a disservice to an album that’s mostly covers.

This is terrific stuff.

Lempparit: Personal Jesus ja We'll Meet Again Vähiten lempparit: I'm so Lonesome I could Cry ja Tear Stained Letter

Some of the best country music in this list mixed with some lame covers. Pity really. Stand-out: The Man Comes Around

No private session for spotify. I really like Cash's "American" anthology, have a playlist based on my favorites from those four albums. Definitely like his version of rock songs, could do with the gospel, but still appreciate the wrinkly timber of Cash's voice.

I really love this album. I would've taken a few songs off but overall it is Cash's best album

American IV: The Man Comes Around is the sixty seventh studio album from Johnny Cash, and the last to be released while Cash was alive. This was part of his 'American' series, produced by Rick Rubin and released by his label. This series of albums led to a revival of Cash's career during the last years of his life. The majority of the tracks on this double album are covers, including his acclaimed cover of Trent Reznor's "Hurt." These are sparse, but somehow still rich renditions of familiar songs from atraditional, country balladier. Cash's baritone and percussive guitar sound are iconic, and an essential part of country music.

Helt vildt hvor mange der har taget inspiration i det her album, meget ensformet med guitaren og ikke så meget andet, men hvilke numre, men er stadig ikke helt helt oppe at ringe for mig

Very emotive concept. Some of his most raw and vulnerable music, which isn’t surprising seeings as it’s near the end of his life. Covering a song from one of my favourite bands by someone of his stature is amazing to hear and better than the original. Production done this album justice but there’s no way you would have thought Rick Rubin was the go-to guy for this. Knocked it out the park!

An album about death, sung by an old man nearing it. I thought this was poignant and beautiful, honestly didn5 expect to like this as much as it did. Those aged vocals hit so good, the covers on this album take on theor own meanings, I know Trent Reznor was asked about the cover of hurt and said "it's not my song anymore" It's brilliant, it's moving.

4.9

I’ve ignored this album. I bloody love prime Johnny - grew up listening to it! Had such an emotional connection to the start of this. First 6-7 tracks - unreal. After that, it drags a bit. Talk about dreary! I get it mate, you’re on the way out. No need to drag us all down with you! Still, very happy how this held up. 4.1

I loved this album it was so haunting he is a great interpreter.

"American IV" es el último álbum que Johnny Cash alcanzó a grabar, y muchos (incluyéndome) lo añadimos al top de los mejores álbumes que jamás grabó la leyenda del Country. Tras décadas viviendo en el escenario, Cash sigue cantando espectacularmente con su rasposa y grave voz. Los covers y temáticas que elige para compilar en este LP son tristes y sombrías, como si Cash estuviera escribiendo su propia carta de despedida. Escúchelo, es un escencial de la música norteamericana.

Good album but not as good as the prison albums

Classic, solid. A few misses, but overall smooth.

Some of these are fantastic (e.g. Hurt). The gravel that age has added to Cash's voice adds a poignancy to these covers, and the acoustic guitar work is very good, with the engineering to include string noise and other ambients. I do wish he'd added a little more emotion and range to some of them though; for example, Personal Jesus sounds a little monotone like he's just reading the lyrics and doesn't care much about it. I wanted to like this one more, and I think it's still good enough it deserves more than 3 stars, but I needed just a little more from him vocally and emotionally to get to a 5.

Really enjoyed it. Felt like I was in "rock church"...especially during "Personal Jesus".

Pretty good. Great song choices.

Maybe I've heard too much Cash, but I knew what notes and rhythm the line "I'm so lonely I could cry" would be sung with before the song even started.

very good and compelling covers. 4/5

There's some real magic on this album, but some of the covers (Personal Jesus) come off as a little gimmicky.

I enjoyed this, maybe not as much as Cash’s mostly original works, but he and his producers did a great job of making the covers fit with the guitar and voice style that cash is famous for. The “Hurt” cover got overplayed and I still prefer the original but this is a great cover. “Desperado” is similar. “Give my love to Rose” might be better than the Hank Williams version but maybe not better than Cash’s own version earlier in his career! It’s a great song anyway. There are a couple tracks I think didn’t really work. “Personal Jesus” just doesn’t hit outside do that 80s synth feel; the background piano makes it a little hokey. The Nick Cave duet is pretty bad because Nick Cave. This is a great legacy album for Johnny Cash to leave; its even more impressive when you read about how he could barely function while this was being recorded. It’s not his best work but it’s still good.

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.

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

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

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

Lots of covers, but I still cried 😡

Melancholic, sometimes underwhelming, cute ending.

Sad - introspective.

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

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.

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.

Dark, Haunting and beautiful.

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.

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.

Lovely. Perfectly autumnal.

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

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.

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.

hurt hurt hurt hurt hurt hurt

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

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

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.

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!

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

Thats some recitative music I like (only sometimes)

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?!)

🎧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

one of my favorite johnny cash albums.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

delightful. just the best.

4 stars

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

Covers but some great ones 3.5

Dépressif as fuck.

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.

A pretty damn good cover album.

simple but effective stone engraving vocal machine

Nice easy listen

84/100

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Good Album

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

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

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".

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