American IV: The Man Comes Around

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

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.

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

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

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.

Something so hypnotic about this album

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.

everyone i know goes away in the end...

Great album.

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

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.

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

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….

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

what do i even say, its johnny cash

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.

All covers and all good. Love it.

It was really good! I have such an appreciation for Mr. Cash now. Simple and effective.

I mean it’s damn solid. I feel bad rating it higher than I did his live albums, don’t remember what I gave it. Hard to hate on this even tho it’s super Rubin-ified

Eerie introduction with the Bible verse. But it picks up quickly The Man Comes Around showcases that Cash still had a strong voice and good ear for melody Hurt absolutely smacks. It’s lyrically beautiful and Johnny Cash’s cover offers a darker perspective of the song rather than angst. It’s master class on how to properly cover a song. The story is he just initially read the lyrics and was down for it. Which was a smart move on Rick Rubin’s part. Absolutely amazing song. Highlights: Hurt In My Life Tear Stained Letter Desperado

The Man Around Hurt Give My Love to Rose I hung My Head Sam Hall Desperado We’ll Meet Again A very fun listen. Always have loved Johnny Cash. His voice and guitar are all he needs. Would love to listen to this album again

While I didn't care much for Johnny Cash when I was younger, I have developed an appreciation as I have gotten older. Very good album

This album intrigued me prior to listening as I've never listened to a Johnny Cash album. I immediately noticed that this album is mostly composed of covers as I saw my favorite song ever made, "In My Life". As I started too listen to the album I figured Johnny Cash's voice would annoy me, but it actually grew on me. Listening to the first few songs, I really enjoyed the calm nature of the songs. I finally got to, "In My Life" and really liked it. I liked how they shaped the song to fit Cash's style including the change to George Martin's piano solo. This goes for the rest of album as all songs are adapted well. Really solid, 4/5

This town ain’t big enough for the two of us 🤠 His earlier stuff is better

Rick Rubin strikes again, this time with a great Johnny Cash album. The first track is a great Cash song and it makes me kind of sad that there are no more of his original songs. Still there are plenty of great covers here. "Hurt", "I hung my head", "Personal Jesus" and "In my Life" to name a few. The sparse production is great and focuses on Cash singing and guitar playing. The feeling conveyed through the singing is really something special. Albeit there are a few dud covers (looking at you "Bridge over trouble waters"), it is still a great album.

Cash’s Hurt cover is probably the first song that comes to mind for “best cover song of all time”. There are many great ones: Hendrix’ All Along the Watchtower, Jeff Buckley’s Hallelujah (although I prefer John Cale’s rendition slightly), Whitney’s I Will Always Love You, etc., but I think The Man in Black’s Hurt is number 1 if ranking them is necessary. Hurt is the clear highlight overall on this album, but there are other really good songs. The title track is great, as is I Hung My Head - classic Cash. The covers of Bridge Over Troubled Water, In My Life, Desperado, and I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry are all fine renditions, perhaps better as part of this album than as individual tracks. I think I’ve listened to the American series and remembered this being the clear best. It’s the first example in my lifetime that I can think of where an artist in their twilight years produces some truly incredible work, a trend that would follow several years later with artists like David Bowie, Leonard Cohen, and David Crosby among others (The Rolling Stones album from 2023 is awesome too).

Such brutal, gravelly honesty to Cash's voice. I've listened to American IV a handful of times and it always mentally transports me to the porch of a quiet farmyard shack in western Tennessee overlooking the Mississippi. Aside from the clear standout, Hurt, I really enjoyed Bridge Over Troubled Water, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Danny Boy. I must say that something sounds off with Desperado, it feels a bit out of place, but that's a small criticism against what is a quality collection of mostly American classics.

Didn’t think I would like it as much as I did. But you can’t help but get sucked in

This is a very powerful album. Deep and rather dark, and oozing with Cash’s “self”. I worried about some of the really iconic covers, but Cash pulls them off. Some better than others, but all OK. Johnny Cash was a great singer, and even at 70 years old, he still could bring emotion and personality. This is not a happy album, but it’s not really maudlin either. But dark, and real. Sparsely recorded, a man reflecting back on his life. 4/5

“Hurt” is extraordinary. I think everybody knows that. I found it hard to take the rest of the album seriously after that peak. It’s like your grandpa with the cool, smoky voice got a karaoke CD recording session gift for Xmas and nailed it. I was thinking that this CD belongs in the memento cabinet along with tennis trophies and photos of the grandkids. Then, I applied a little patience and began to hear the quiet magnificence of this rough and tumbled old man. It will be a few more years before I need to listen to this again, but I will listen to it again.

Solid as always 4.1

If you need a good cry this morning go watch the video for "Hurt" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI. One of the last things he and June flimed a few months before they died. Cash's version of the Nine Inch Nails song is incredible in its own right, but the video is one of the best ever made (especially for Cash fans and those that know his story). This is his last album, its all solid. He is one of the rare singers whose voice continued to get better as he got older. Go see your favorite artists live - they won't be around forever.

Think Hurt is overrated and Bridge over trouble water doesn't really hit, overall this is still a very powerful album with so much character in that voice

Great album and generally great song choices. The twists from the originals are a lot of fun. Loses a point for predominantly being covers.

Confusing. 4

Some of the best cover versions ever on here, breathing a completely different power into the songs. Sometimes maybe a bit much for one listen but lots of great stuff here, songs like "Hung My Head" and "Hurt" are amazing

Includes one of the great covers of all time in ‘Hurt’. Cash’s voice is something else - it feels like his entire life is contained in each syllable.

Didn't even realise I Hung My Head was a cover until now

Beautifully emotional album. Hurt is one of the greatest songs ever written, and I love the original and this for different reasons.

FFS Didn’t expect to cry 3 times on the way to work. Hurt is one of those songs that bring me instantly to tears every time I hear it. That and personal Jesus are some of the best covers out there. I was skeptical about “In my life” and what he could add to such a perfect song. Again, tears! I didn’t really need to hear another version of Danny boy but fucking hell that destroyed me. There are a few other covers that don’t hit the mark for me and feel a little on the nose.

It was good to hear this so far removed from the hype when it first came out. Very emotional.

It's cool that Johnny Cash got to end his career by absolutely styling on a bunch of younger musicians with incredible covers of their work. The originals are good too, particularly the opening track. Some of his covers of older material (like Danny Boy) are just okay, though Sam Hall rules.

A lovely epitaph for a legend.

Who would not want to hear Johnny Cash singing karaoke?

His signature baritone sounds as good as ever, if a little world-worn. His final album released when he was alive, has a mostly wonderful mix of songs I think Big Iron and Wichita Lineman should have stayed on this reissue, but it's easily found on the next album Unearthed. We'll Meet Again just sounds so wistful.

Some were bad, some were excellent

Solid.

mag de erst song, s tüüfe klavier isch huere geil. de text isch geil, chli biblisch. aber d gitarre au hammer. hurt isch s erste mol dass en song uf schomol ne album gsi isch bi dere liste. ha das cover zerst kennt vorem original, und s isch huere schön. give my love to rose au cute. bridge over troubled water isch sooo en guete song du musch nöd unglaublich chöne singe daser würkt. und johnny alt. ah fiona apple singt mit? funi. arrangement isch haaammer. i hung my head au cool, uötra dark halt tod und so. first time i ever saw you isch au meega schön. finds aber musikalisch irgendwenn nüme speziell. personal jesus hani früener gmeint es seg vom johnny cash original. es passt extrem guet zu ihm. in my life au chrank guete song wo meeega zumne alte maa passt wo über de tod nohdenkt. nomel en song woni scho i dere liste ghört han. meega schöns cover. sam hall mega cooly honky tonk klavier i like. afoch danny boy?? schö? ich han en riese softspot für desperado. mega simpel aber schön. verlürt aber scho öppis ohni d harmonies. OU HALLOU DON HENLEY im so lonesome ou hallou nick cave, fast z ähnlichi stimme? streets of laredo isch sehrcute, cha nüt degege sege isch schön. well meet again isch glaub en country klassiker und slide gitarre und so isch cool i love it. ui s isch sogar usem zweite weltkrieg hoppla dark. aber mitem sterbende johnny au dark.

er het schono e cooli stimm the man comes around cool und nöd too much hurt isch halt würkli so unglaublich guet, au wenns es cover isch ich seg jz nöd zu allne lieder öppis will rein instrumental sinds jz nöd revolutionär, was ja au nöd de sinn isch, aber es tönt halt wie er nebet dier höcklet und echli für mich (und für sich selber) singt und das findi huere schön I hung my head heavy mengisch tönt er, wie wenner no mit vollem muul würd singe hahahah aber es stört eig nöd in my life gfalltmer d beatles version scho besser nick cave het wiedermal sini finger im spiel gha ts ts de zweistimmig gsang sehr schön bi desperado jaa iwenn verlürts sich au echli aber gsehn mich scho sehr, das ufem balkon bi sunneschii z lose

Very solemn and beautiful covers!

The Man In Black’s legacy and mortality loom heavy over 15 haunting closing statements.

Well, super sad album. You have to listen it thinking that it was its last before dying. Overall it’s not exactly my cup of tea, but i get the appeal of it. I loved the covers: hurt, personal jesus and we’ll meet again. Cool interpretations of already really cool songs.

Such a fascinating album to me. Cash’s cover of Hurt is a perfect statement on age. There are few songs from the perspective of a man his age, even fewer that are bound with such complicated emotions as he looks back on a life lived to the fullest. While I consider the Eagles original version of Desperado to be one of the greatest songs of all time, I’m glad Cash put his elderly spin on it here too. Don Henly comes in to harmonize the post-chorus and it could bring a tear to the eye. He knew how to pick ‘em for this record, because he picks a third song I’d consider to be one of the greatest written pieces of music of all time - with Danny Boy. Think we are done with good covers of the greatest songs of all time? WRONG! How about Bridge Over Troubled Water too! I’d seriously consider all four songs talks about above to be put on a record to introduce aliens to music, if we ever encounter them (although most of them as originals). That being said, I’ve always felt like Personal Jesus is overhyped and this cover doesn’t redeem it any more

Jolly Johnny at his best (and last).

Oh Johnny so sad

Zou het bijna heel hoog willen zetten in de top 2000. Dacht trouwens dat dat ene nummer van Samson en Garfield was

Think I preferred the live album, but still a decent listen. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Johnny Cash is the man! Some songs are much better than others though.

Just an amazing voice

It seems personal considering it's mostly covers. Simple arrangements, Johnny warbling over them, and it works.

not the most upbeat

Would give it 5 if not essentially a cover album. Great stuff Johnny.

Faves: Hurt, I Hung My Head, Bridge Over Troubled Water (Fiona!!)

Really good music, drags on a little at times but I love Johnny Cash and his end of life reflections and voice were still beautiful

Listened to some of these songs a lot back then. Great album.

On the one hand, it’s an album of covers. On the other, one of those covers is “Hurt.” With the context of these songs being sung by an artist at the end of his life, I found the album quite touching. 3.5 rounded up

good set of covers.

#161. This is honestly way better than it has any right to be. 4/5: legitness

MEGET modigt af mig at lytte til Johnny Cashs cover af In My Life ude i offentligheden. Græd ikke! Den er stadig siiiindssygt god dog, meget muligt mit yndlings Beatles cover. Enkelte misses (Personal Jesus, Danny Boy) men generelt et meget smukt og velproduceret album

Jeg er en berygtet cover-album-skeptiker, men av hvor er den her god. Fik kuldegysninger over det hele da det gik op for mig at "We'll Meet Again" er sidste nummer på sidste plade Johnny Cash udgav mens han levede.

Virkelig nogle gode sange med noget kød på. Jeg blev overrasket over "Hurt" - har hørt den mange gange før, men har aldrig rigtig lyttet. Gåsehud!

Mostly perfect. 4.5 stars.

Very poignant. It's mostly covers but Cash really makes his mark on these songs, his version of Hurt is especially moving and is in the same territory of Hallelujah and All Along the Watchtower in how much it's owned by the new artist.

So sad.

My main complaint is that “The Man Comes Around” is so knock-your-socks-off good that it outshines the rest of the album.

It must be tough to let Cash cover one of your songs knowing it can easily eclipse the original. If Cash wrote all these songs it would be a 5, but as it is it’s an excellent album of mostly covers. Hurt is more famous the Trent’s version and I think I like Cash’s version of Bridge Over Troubled Water more than S&G’s. Those two are the highlights for me but it’s all really good.

Interesting mix of covers with a unique take. Most of them work pretty well. All maintain Johnny Cash's unique sound and talk/sing style. I'm sure some of these introduced him to an entirely new audience.

Have you ever heard a voice that sort of left you in limbo? Johnny Cash did that for me. I’ve just rarely experienced something like it. The only other singer who has given me that feeling is Layne Staley. This album is proof to me that putting Rick Ruben on any project is going to improve it massively. This album was a huge comeback for Johnny, and it genuinely warms my heart that was the case. Because he deserved it, and to have this be the last thing he created before dying not long after is beautiful. And you feel that weight. This album is dark. It has an overwhelmingly heavy and foreboding sound. His voice resonates out into the endless cacophony of the universe, and he creates his own little world for 50 minutes. This is a double album of pretty much entirely covers. But if you want evidence on how to do proper covers, listen to this. Every cover becomes its own thing, and they are in no way derivative of the originals. To the point where Trent Reznor said Hurt wasn’t even his song anymore. Some might be put off by the simplicity of these covers. But I find it harrowing and melancholic in the most compelling way. The simplicity is where this album’s strengths lie. And on a gloomy, rainy day like today, I felt comfortable just sinking into the sound of this record. Don’t ever let your age determine what you can and can’t do. Because at 70, Johnny Cash created this. And that speaks volumes about what you are capable of creating even after you have been through everything life has to throw at you. Rating: 8/10

Never listened to an entire Johnny Cash album. It’s great. My only complaint is that a lot of songs sound too similar to differentiate. The ones that sound the most distinct had a backup vocalist or had a cool story like in I Hung My Head. The covers are great, didn’t think I needed a We’ll Meet Again cover by Cash. There are too many songs that were standouts, but here are a few; Standouts: Hurt, Give My Love to Rose, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I Hung My Head, In My Life, and Danny Boy.