Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Not bad. The song "Hurt" is awesome.
Part of me wanted to write this off as a vain retrospective of Cash’s life and career. I always thought this album was somewhat overrated. Yes, it’s amazing that Cash put an album like this together for his sixty seventh (!!) album. Yes, his interpretations of a broad range of artists are impressive. But is someone really going to tell me his versions of In My Life, Bridge Over Troubled Water or even Personal Jesus shed some new light on those classics? He even recycled some of his own songs. But then I realized the whole point was that this IS a vain retrospective, captured as he was nearing the end, something he must’ve known given the starts and stops of these sessions. The covers are autobiographical, he’s telling his story through words others have written, but which in many cases he has now taken as his own. When you view it in that light, it does make you reconsider the value and meaning that can be derived from a song, and that wrinkle is the charm of this old man’s collection.
Better than i expected. never thought Cash would be my style of music.
Back to back yeehaw albums. Do these count as yeehaw albums? They make me feel like I want to ride a horse so I guess so. Love the last song.
Great album of other people's songs
Opening the album with "The Man Comes Around" was great - especially with that spoken word intro that slowly fades into the actual song. "Hurt" is, of course, one of the most incredible songs I will have ever listened to on so many levels. "Give My Love To Rose" is just Me and Bobby McGee? "In My Life" is a Beatles cover I didn't know I needed in my life.
10/12/23. Emotional album. Made me appreciate the key of A Major as a tool to use for melancholy messages.
Revisiting this melancholy, cover-heavy album that includes a few incredible tracks such as "The Man Comes Around" and "Give My Love To Rose", both written by Cash, the later being a triumphant self-cover almost fifty years after the original recording. At seventy years old, Cash's voice has a fragile aspect, which paired with the selected songs, feels like a somber, smiling goodbye, and was released less than a year before his death. Much respect.
Not my fave Rick Rubin Johnny Cash album, but Hurt is a new classic, and his voice can add soul to any cover.
soothing
Excellent album that contains some of very emotionally gripping songs. Not all songs are hits but still a very solid album in my opinion. I was already familliar with the album and will definitely listen to it some more.
Always thought these were a cash grab (no pun intended) but they’re still pretty great. Still prefer the NIN version of Hurt over this one and I know I’m in the minority.
Would be 5 stars if it wasn’t an album full of covers but they are extremely well done
Moving lyricism matched with Strong adduction., Looking forward to listening more. Takeaways – the quality of your voice matters less than the singularity of your vision and what you want to talk about.
Hurt and we will meet again are very great songs the rest of the songs are alright, hung my head, desperado, and Sam hall are pretty good too.
I’m a sucker for Johnny. Some of his prime era albums would be five stars for me. I really enjoy this record, but it is ultimately a covers album. His voice is certainly worse for wear, although he still uses it for great effect. When it hits, it hits hard, but the rest is just kind of remembering how great Johnny Cash was back in his day. I’m glad he made these records though, it has so much more heart than most shit guys his age record. Most aging musicians really just write and record low energy slop, it’s nice to hear someone old that’s still keyed into good music. It should be noted there is egregious auto tone all over the place. Some notes sound so robotic it’s crazy.
When this album hits, it’s fantastic. There are a couple covers that are just meh in my opinion. Given the context of this album it’s hard not to get chills for some of these tracks
This is so good. Cash’s voice is awful tbh but somehow it works and is even really affecting. The genius of Rick Rubin perhaps. A classic
Johnny Cash’s final album has a certain poignancy. His voice is deep and gravelly and he sings with a conviction and bitter sweetness that he has earned. The arrangements are sparse making the listener hang onto his every word. There are some weird moments in terms of production that take away from the intimacy of the album, but overall, it is a hard hitting and deeply resonant record.
Amazing voice ! I never really listened to Johnny Cash, outside of his Hurt cover, but this album was great !
Album 3 of 1001 Favorite song(s): In My Life, Danny Boy Johnny Cash is a legend in the music industry. Nothing like just a man and a guitar. There is some production in this album with organ and other various instruments as well as it mainly being covers but the way that he sings gives them such a heartfelt texture. Overall I liked the album, definitely something to revisit maybe 30 years from now.
That Nick Cave duet was really something
La voix est clairement mise en évidence. M’a beaucoup émue. Je vais le réécouter, c’est certain.
Poignant, beautiful album, some wonderful interpretations of a diverse mix of songs. Johnny Cash's deep, cracked voice is just right for tracks like Hurt and his version of Bridge over troubled waters. Doesn't work all the time - We'll meet again is forgettable. But a great album overall
The man comes around is prime Johnny cash and prime Johnny cash reminds me of when country was music for outlaws and rebels. Cash was a well-known prison abolitionist and that shows up on the man comes around in give my love to rose, a song about a man who’s rotted his life away behind bars and finally gets out only to die and ask cash to share his love with his fiancé. Nowadays country music is littered with boot-lickers who fly private and pretend they can relate to the working class. What changed, you ask? My theory is 9/11. The U.S. government masterfully directed it’s peoples attention to terrorist groups, drugs and gangs. There was no longer a consensus of people uniting under music that critiqued the music dehumanizing institution in America, instead we started rejoicing in being American, which now means drinking beer, polishing your truck and celebrating “small town values”.
I read a review of this that referred to it as a victory lap and I can't shake that sentiment. I loved it. 4.5/5
4/5
It's a great final album from The Man in Black. Lots of covers on this but I think the two best songs are the opening and closing songs which are both originals. Favorite Songs: The Man Comes Around, We'll Meet Again Least Favorite Songs: Danny Boy, Sam Hall, Tear Stained Letter
I don't know what it is about his voice, the charisma is undeniable. We give him a lot of slack because he's an old guy with a long track record, so I doubt anyone but him could get away with the languid pace of some of these songs. But as he takes advantage of that slack he makes good use of it.
Late era Cash with some great covers. Despite his age his voice is still impressive and a lot of this stripped down album evokes heavy emotion. Standouts are "Hurt" and "I Hung My Head".
an extremely strong album especially the Beatles cover song
4.75
Had only heard Hurt and I Hang My Head before today. Not as somber as the album art would make you think. Desperado and Tear Stained Letter were my favorites.
4+
Johnny cash’s rasply vocals against the acoustic guitar work very well. Love the covers
Solid album. It obviously takes on a different meaning having been released so close to his death. Actually, this album seems so geared towards that idea it almost comes across as exploitative. But the songs are so good.
Had forgotten how many great songs are on this album. I hate you one and all, damn your eyes!
Genres: Folk, folk rock, country, Americana, Southern gothic Formed: Mid 1950’s Run time: 15 songs, 52 min, 3 sec The 67th and final studio album by Johnny Cash. 67 albums is quite a remarkable feat to achieve. This album is sombre and melancholic, a style that Cash will always be associated with. The general theme of the album is lifes’ struggles, love and loss. Cash’s style, like his voice, is unique. He includes many covers and makes each and everyone his own. I think many consider his cover of “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails better than the original. Spotify: Least popular song: >3.6M Most popular song: >552M plays. "The Man Comes Around" is about the second coming of Jesus. “Hurt” is a cover of the song by rock band Nine Inch Nails. The song is about the struggle of addiction and its unyielding grip on the addict. "Give My Love to Rose" is about a man who has been freed from prison. He accepts what he has done and the consequences. He obviously regrets the effect of his absence on his wife and child. He doesn’t make it home and while dying asks a stranger to "Give My Love to Rose", his wife. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a cover of the song by Simon & Garfunkel. It is about adversity. The bridge is a metaphor for someone helping the person in difficulty. “I Hung My Head” is a tale about the shame felt for (accidently) killing someone and the effects and consequences of that single action. “First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a cover of the 1957 folk song written by British political singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger (his then mistress, later wife). The song is best known for the 1972 version by Roberta Flack. The song is about the intense feelings felt in the first flush of love. "Personal Jesus" is a cover of the 1989 song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. The song is about mankind's need for a spiritual connection to something bigger. “In My Life” is a cover of the 1965 Beatles song. It is about love and how it shapes all aspects of our lives. “Sam Hall” is an old English folk song about an unapologetic man called Sam Hall, who is hanged for murder. “Danny Boy” is a 1910 song by Frederic Weatherly, sung to the tune of the Irish melody "Londonderry Air" in 1913. The song is about a father addressing his son about love and loss before he leaves home. "Desperado" (with Don Henley) is a cover of the 1973 song by American rock band the Eagles. The song is about a hard living man. The lyrics are a plea for him to reform before it's too late. “I'm so Lonesome I Could Cry” is a cover of the 1949 song written and recorded by American country singer-songwriter Hank Williams. The song is about the protagonist's deep despair and loneliness. I will always associate this song with Elvis. I believe Cash’s version conveys the despair better than anyone else's. "Tear Stained Letter" is about a man planning to write a letter to his soon to be ex. It tells of the loss and betrayal feels and the love he still carries. He means to convey his feelings and hopes she feels regret for his ill-treatment. “Street Of Laredo” is a traditional ballad about a dying cowboy reminiscing about his life. It is a melancholy reflection on his life, loves and mistakes made. “We'll Meet Again" is a cover of the 1939 song by English singer Vera Lynn (music and lyrics by English songwriters Ross Parker and Hughie Charles). We all know this song. The song is an optimistic tale of reunion to be had in the future. The song declares that the meeting will take place in an unknown place and time. I’ve always assumed the reunion referred to meeting in the afterlife, which contrasts to the jolly optimistic feel of the song. I didn’t like “We'll Meet Again" and I suspect it was added knowing it would be his last album. If that wasn’t the case then it was an amazing coincidence. Fantastically talented artist and an amazing album. Listen Again?: Yes and I’ll try some of his other albums. My Rating: ****
His covers may be worse than their respective originals, but they aren't bad. Johnny Cash's brand of country sure is among the most charming ones. Great album.
There's some belters on here, but its not all great
A really good album overall. And of course Hurt is an all time great cover.
Hay algunas excelentes y otras no tanto, pero se disfruta siempre.
bué chill, sombrio melhor musica: the man comes around/ we'll meet again
Breathtaking. Great stories in great songs of one of the greatest voices of all time. His voice was so good when he was old. 4.5/5.
king
Incredibly easy to listen to. Cash has an incredible voice and there is something so beautifully simple about this album. Hurt is one of my favourite songs released in my lifetime anyway but there were more gems on this album
shockingly good for an album of covers has hurt on it
That was an amazing album of so many classics & passionately sung.
There's a familiarity bias to Hurt & I Hung My Head. Some adaptations felt twee, others rousing. Would I listen again? Probably
Great vocals, great tunes. Of course the background of his impending death adds weight to the emotion, but a stunning album regardless.
Masterful collaboration between Cash and Rubin
Loved it back in 2003, has suffered a little from becoming too familiar but still some great stand-out moments
“Hurt” introduced a whole new generation to the man in black, and there are some other great takes on unexpected songs on “The Man Comes Around.”
I love when covers make the song something totally different. This is the case for most of the covers on this album. Hurt is a real standout. But Personal Jesus also stands out for just how different it is from the original.
7/15, 47%
Eigenlijk haat ik alles wat ook maar een beetje op country lijkt, maar wat staan er briljante dingen op dit album. Geweldige sfeer en stem!
This man makes me feel things. Best track is, of course, Hurt.
An impressive collection of older and more “current” songs by Cash himself and other artists. Though his voice never was very melodious, the wear of age and time has created an emotional quality that can’t be denied. Definitely worth a second listen and more. A great “first” album on this list to listen to. -CBT
Stirring and filled with emotion, it was quite something to hear, late career Cash making such potent music. Song choice is excellent (with a few exceptions) and Hurt is a brilliant, inspired cover.
Great tracks
Let's not bury the lead here: This recording of "Hurt" is one of the most poignant, emotional, impactful music ever made because of the song, the lyrics, the interpretation, but most of all because of who Cash is. Anyone else could not make this song do what it is doing. It is insane and a case study in music in itself. The rest of this album does not reach the height of "Hurt," but neither does almost anything else I've ever heard. Cash is like Elvis - almost a mythic persona . This album belongs on this list because of "Hurt;" it just must be heard by everyone. The other songs are good, and this whole album makes you go, why don't I just pick up a guitar - look at what you can do with one of those - sounds pretty easy on here! A few of the songs don't really soar that high, mostly the other covers like In My Life, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and Desperado. Still, Hurt alone makes this essential listening.
This guy was rock and roll before it was even a thing and this album is him taking modern rock songs and making them BETTER. Bought the CD when it came out. Amazing.
Really good! Hurt is a classic. Really liked his version of Personal Jesus. I didn't care for Danny Boy as I think that song should be sung by a tenor. Despite that, Johnny Cash is a legend and this is a solid recording.
Haven’t listened to too much cash besides the hits. This was a great album. His age adds a lot to his voice. Top picks: hurt and I hung my head
First Johnny Cash album I ever listened to and bought.
So his 67th and final album, and no surprise he reprised old tracks and covered othersb including 2 of his most played tracks. Instantly recognisable, instant classic, one star lost for being single paced
4.5 stars and a 6 for hurt - Cash's version of that amazing song is other-worldly. Truly inspired.
Mostly filled with covers but it's a fine parting gift from the Man in Black in his final years.
Thanks for the existential dread, Johnny.
The Man Comes Around, Hurt, Personal Jesus, In My Life, Danny Boy, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (same), Tear Stained Letter and We’ll Meet Again. Classic voice. A couple eh songs. Some great covers.
the man comes around, hurt, bridge over troubled water, i hung my head, we'll meet again. the other songs were ok
Really good, powerful. Got a bit teary-eyed at the end. Really felt the emotions from the stories told. Liked the spoken word parts from the first song. Smiled a bit whenever he voiced an "h" before a "w". + Hurt + Give My Love To Rose + Danny Boy + Personal Jesus + We'll Meet Again
Not gonna lie, I'm mostly here for the first two songs. But the whole thing is still pretty damn good.
A continuation of The Man In Black's return to essential relevance. And it has "Hurt".
Beautiful album. 4/5
HL: "Hurt", "Personal Jesus", "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "In My Life", "Give My Love to Rose", "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" Though I agree that it's a great cover, I picked up on Rick Rubin's clipping during "Hurt" and got a little annoyed that he produced this album Love it but it’s a drag April 6, 2023
I enjoyed this a surprising amount. Before I thought JC was ring of fire and that's it, but this was a lot more than that.
Legendary, takes a bunch of songs and made them undeniably his, what a dude
The good stuff here is absolutely incredible, but there's a fair bit of unmemorable filler in my opinion. Cash's Blackstar is emotional and heartbreaking at points, but a glorious swansong. A cold look back at one's life and what will come next. 01/04/23
Very good, unique and some great parts
It might be a bit of cliche, but "Hurt", together with "All Along the Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix are the best covers in the history of contemporary music. I don't even like Nine Inch Nails, but what Johnny Cash has done with this song is unbelievable. All the pure emotions just flowing out of the song, melancholy and sadness, just a tad of optimism at the end, and all of that sprinkled with a frail voice of Johnny makes it one of my favourite song of all time. Most of the album is being kept in the same style, with few old-style country songs here and there. His rendition of "Personal Jesus" is also very good. Old Johnny has an ability to add another layer of emotions to any song, even if that's a straightforward pop song. In summary - great covers, okay country original songs. A very solid 4.
Awesome album
Johnny's voice on this album is epic!
Such a great parting album. Excellent production. He's old here and his voice isn't its strongest but it's really a beautiful thing
American IV: The Man Comes Around is the 67th album by Johnny Cash - the fourth in his American series. It was the last album released during his lifetime, and is considered to contain the finest work of his late life. It was also the first non-compilation album of his that was certified gold and platinum since the early 70's, and won Album of the Year at the 2003 CMA's. The folk rock album is mostly cover songs of either Cash's own music or other popular songs. For example, "Hurt" was a beautifully meaningful cover of a song by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails originally written in 1994, but the song is now more associated with Cash. American IV was a joy to listen to in its entirety. I've heard some of the popular songs from this album before and loved them, but it's great to hear all these tracks in one listen. This critically acclaimed album should be given a listen by anyone and everyone. Beautiful, thought-provoking, and fun are how I would describe this album. RIP Johnny Cash.
This album is a beautiful mix of covers and original songs. I love elegiac feeling I get from this album. “Hurt” is probably the best cover of all time.
And behold! A pale horse - And his name that sat on him was death... and hell followed with him.
Hurt, Give my love to Rose & Personal Jesus are great The rest is ok Rubin should have reduced some of the filler A wonderful goodbye from a legend, nonetheless
Some interesting covers await you, dear listener. Johnny Cash has a voice that will forever be distinguishable and the emotions transcend the music
Not a relistenable one, but a great one-time experience (and an awesome set of song to be covered)
Classic Cash, lots of respect for this album.
Loved
I wouldn't have choen this necessarily but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed all the songs; some covers very unexpected, some long forgotten tunes. All in all 4*
Actually I thought some of it was cringeworthly overly sentimental but it was the album that got me into JC so...
Johnny Cash covering Depeche Mode? Yes please.
Johnny Cash has an amazing voice and these covers are gorgeous.
These covers are fascinating. Johnny Cash lends a humongous gravity to each one.
Gorgeous. Heartfelt, beautifully recorded, and such a wonderful collection of great songs.
Great album of classic Johnny cash songs like hurt and covers like personal Jesus and bridge over troubled water
Les albums de mecs mourants c'est toujours sympa pour bien commencer la journée (jpp)
ca brise un peu le coeur
Dark trudgy folk
I didn't like the other Johnny cash album on this list, but somehow this one really hit home for me. The hurt cover is beautiful, and although most of the songs are covers it doesn't feel lazy. The fact he died a year after releasing this makes it pretty sad though
With such an awesome voice, there is not much more you need than an acoustic guitar. I really liked it, but for the covers I liked the original songs better
Amazing voice, good covers
Not really a fan of country but I’m sure it was a good album
Somehow a classic. In spite of the monotone speak-singing, knowing where he was at that point in his life, this is absolute dark, somber excellence. Cover songs somehow made his own when he uses them as a personal reflection.
4.5
8/10. A pretty solid piece of work. Some of the covers weren't spectacular, but some were quite good, and I liked the original stuff.
Pretty solid collection of Cash putting his own spin on famous songs. A couple of the adaptations weren’t the best (I didn’t particularly like In My Life or Personal Jesus much compared to the originals) but it’s generally quite good. 8/10
A moving curtain-closer from a country/rock legend. Johnny was slower in pace here than earlier efforts but was as deliberate and powerful with both his lyrics and delivery as ever. Touching on his faith, legacy and hopes for the future, he made a clear statement on what he wants to be remembered by and forgiven for. He included a few interesting although potentially filler covers/tributes but also staked a final claim for the hearts of one last generation with the epic Hurt . The man comes around, Hurt, love to Rose, Danny boy 3.6
I’m not sure I’ve actually heard many songs by Johnny Cash now that I think about it. I know a few songs very well, but I’ve certainly never heard any of his albums in full. We’ll today I can change that - let’s listen! Songs I already knew: Hurt Favourites: I Hung My Head, Streets Of Laredo I went into this album hoping for greatness because my sister adores Johnny Cash and has loads of his records. This album wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but I will say I enjoyed it very much. The album is quite melancholic from front to back and is quite stripped back - this is mostly Johnny and his guitar with not much else in terms of instrumentation. The format of this really allows his voice to shine, and you can hear the pain behind his lyrics regardless of if it is an original or a cover. Overall, a very well put together album, and a delight to listen to.
Always good
This is an album I've been wanting to listen to. Just Johnny Cash in general but this one kicks off with the one two punch of The Man Comes Around and Hurt. TMCA I'm pretty sure was sampled on Behold a Pale Horse by Angels and Airwaves. Hurt is a cover, but still incredible. There are a lot of covers on this album but doesn't take away from his message throughout.
The Man in Black is Back. Johnny's famous album of covers, made in 2002! Cash passed away less than a year after this was released, and man, what a powerhouse album from such an acclaimed artist. Almost every track is a cover, including some really out-there picks like "Personal Jesus" and the crown jewel, "Hurt." No one would expect Cash to do a cover of NIN, let alone outshine the original. But Trent Reznor's right that the song is no longer his: Johnny Cash took it and made it something so much more powerful, meaningful. The music video is also incredible. The strength of that track alone, one of the finest things Cash has ever released, elevates this to at least 4/5 stars. The rest of it is fairly predictable covers, nothing crazy but they're done really well. Apparently there's a cover of "Big Iron" on the original release, but not the version I heard. I did really like the Spongebob-esque ukulele style of "We'll Meet Again." For a cover album, it's excellent. Favorite tracks: HURT, The Man Comes Around, We'll Meet Again, Personal Jesus, Bridge Over Troubled Water. Album art: For a last album he ever made, it's perfect. Strong, bold fond, disembodied head. No notes. 4.5/5
This was great. Will listen again.
The creaky voice and air of melancholy are just the thing this album needs. Sadly beautiful in its way.
Great songs. Good collection, but not really an album. Superb reinventions
Some of Johnny’s best work in years. All of the American Recording albums Cash did with Rick Rubin were fantastic and re-introduced the world to what Johnny Cash could do. Even with his voice shot of years on the road, he’s still able to deliver some of his most emotional vocal performances. He shouldn’t have tried Roberta Flack, though. 4/5
Incredible album that is very well put together. A couple of “why is this song here” moments and a couple of times where Johnny’s interpretation didn’t add much compared to the original but overall it’s fantastic. I’d rather it was a little bit shorter but it obviously deserves a place on this list. 4.5 stars
It couldn’t be more evident that Cash is singing his way out of this veil of tears here, which sometimes makes it all that more powerful (Hurt), but doesn’t always land (at its best I don't think his vocal style was ever right for Simon and Garfunkel, and doesn’t mesh with Apple’s accompaniment on Bridge Over Troubled Water). Nevertheless it’s a powerful swan song overall.
Rebirth of the CASH. How many times has Johnny Cash been brought low and Risen again? Enough to never count him out and yet, when this record hit I was in a place where I really had counted him out. This album was a Revelation at the time. I return to it from time to time. It'll give your shivers if you take the time to listen close.
Nice minimal renditions of good songs by the old master himself. Probably not the best of the American Recording series, but still worth listening to.
Love some old Johnny Cash
Soothing and calming Give my love to rose is charming yet heartbreaking Not my type of music but it was soothing to listen to and had interesting stories in the pov of a murderer! (I Hung My Head and Sam Hall)
Rating: 8/10 Best songs: Hurt, Bridge over troubled water
Powerful
This sounds like the death throws of an artist, but not in a mournful manner. The choice of songs is superb, with some sounding even better than the originals. The First Time I ever Saw Your Face, I'm So Lonesome, and even Personal Jesus. The production places the vocals right at the centre of the mix, where they should be. Cash was taking risks right through until the end, rather than playing the cabaret Country circuit. Ditch Danny Boy (no such thing as a decent version of this) and you'd have a five star album.
This is a record I feel like I can't possibly separate my biases from. I've read "Johnny Cash: A Life" and the story behind this record is really interesting, and the music is great as well. Ruminations on life from a man not long for this world. Very powerful. If I could make one complaint, I don't think the guest vocalists were necessary. They're all solid vocalists, but would've probably been better just being Johnny's album. Favorite tracks: "Hurt", "In My Life", "We'll Meet Again"
Powerful album. A couple covers probably shouldn't have been covered, but overall a fantastic, raw, intimate Cash.
The last of Cash was some of the best. So weary, so sad, so desperately hopeful.
Getting into the late stage of his career, Johnny Cash has released American Recordings in 1994. This came about from the encouragement of famed producer Rick Rubin, who sought to revitalize Cash's career. This would be Cash's first true solo album, with no backing band. Additionally, Cash would do a mix of originals and cover songs, hence the name American Recordings. This would be Cash's tribute to his favorite songwriters: Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Waits. Cash and Rubin would return to studio for another album, Unchained, and release that in 1995. Similar to American Recordings, Unchained would be a mix of Cash originals and covers, though Cash would be accompanied by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Following Unchained, we would get American III: Solitary Man in 2000, thus formalizing the American series of albums which has been a remarkably successful up to this point. American III, however, would mark a point in Cash's career of troubling health problems. Now 68, Cash's voice had become weakened, weary, and tired. American IV: The Man Comes Around is the last Johnny Cash album released before his death in 2003. It is a potent piece of work. It is perhaps best remembered for Cash's cover of Hurt, originally written by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails. It is a cover so raw and simple that it lingers and stays with you even after it's over. This is also an occasional instance where the cover becomes better-known than the original, which becomes a fun little bit of music trivia to whip out at any given time when people start talking about Johnny Cash. Regardless, I feel this is a proven example of how excellent Cash is at performing these songs. By giving his own voice and tender acoustic accompaniment, Cash makes it practically an honor to have one's song covered in the American series. Other songs here include the classic ballad Danny Boy with pipe organ, a duet with Nick Cave on I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, and an excellent original that opens the album: The Man Comes Around. This is truly an excellent display of talent so long into Cash's career. There is something to be said about an artist's final work before their death. Before Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker" and David Bowie's "Blackstar", we had Johnny Cash's "American IV: The Man Comes Around". Though his whole career is worth remarking, these final albums will be his legacy. The final song, We'll Meet Again, is sung with his son John Carter Cash and Laura Cash (no relation). It is a uplifting bookend to Cash's career, and to his life. Perhaps there is an afterlife, and we'll get to thank him again for his music. Thank you, Mr. Cash.
beautiful, I cried :'(
I do love this record. Love the production on it, love the takes on these songs. Bridge Over Troubled Water is a little off, but I still love hearing these. Good stuff.
Already own this album in physical format, which indicates it once held enough appeal for me to shell out some bunce. It's pretty great, no? A lovely selection of songs, some of the best cuts from NIN, Depeche Mode, Simon and Garfunkel, Ewan MacColl (his best ever?) and more. 'The Man Comes Around' (the track) remains a late career triumph. Given that it's a Rick Rubin production it was never going to be a bells 'n' whistles sound universe; sometimes I think the minimal orchestration is super-effective, other times I feel it's ever so slightly lacking. Do we need another 'Danny Boy'? Still, Cash's voice is akin to an old jumper - a bit ragged but warm and familiar.
Good collection of tunes and his voice fits the arrangements perfectly. Not the shit-kicking prison-pumping Cash that I prefer overall, but impossible not to appreciate the intent and execution here. Not so sure about "Personal Jesus" and "Danny Boy," but whatevs. Ending with "We'll Meet Again," kinda makes up for the missteps on the way.
Great, but capped at 4 for me because it's mainly covers. Still, he made each his own.
Hurt ist eine absolute Bombe. Der Typ bringt Emotionen auf eine Weise rüber, die mich total abholt.
Una de les tornades més celebrades i la base sobre la qual es basarien molts més comebacks a partir d'aleshores, la majoria (Neil Diamond, Black Sabbath, Metallica....) també amb Rubin com a co-protagonista. En aquesta sèrie de discos un Cash despullat prioritza la seva veu sobre un cançoner lluny de la seva zona de comfort... i excel.leix com poques vegades abans a la seva carrera. Aquesta quart entrega és la millor de totes, amb un clàssic modern que dona títol, i amb dues versions amb vida pròpia: 'Personal Jesus' i, és clar, una 'Hurt' que fa tota seva
Very enjoyable listen. Very haunting and interesting takes on a few covers, including Desperado, We'll Meet Again and I Hung My Head, in addition to the obvious Hurt.
The "Hurt" cover still really gets me. A great example of Cash's later career. I was listening to Rick Rubin talk about how he approached these albums with Cash, and he talked about how Johnny Cash is a very funny and lighthearted in person, but they were trying to get back to the myth of the mysterious "man in black" because that's what people really responded to in the past. Seems like they did it.
Pretty much the perfect way to reinvent yourself towards the end of your career. Put your faith in a visionary producer, open yourself up to unexpected material, strip it down to basics, reinvent said material (including your own) with the sheer weight of your life which is reflected in your voice. Johnny Cash was both incredibly open minded and supremely humble to be able to put his faith in Rick Rubin. Likewise, Rick Rubin had absolute reverence for Johnny Cash and knew just how to focus on his strengths without overdoing anything. Perhaps the oddest pairing of producer and performer I can think of, but man they made one of the best parting gifts to music of all time.
67th album he's done according to Wikipedia. Wow. This is a tough one, with titles like The Man Comes Around and Hurt those songs are 5s, some of the other songs are 4s for me. But you can definitely tell he's done, he's ready to go. Fiona's backup vocals were nice as well. In some ways I can only give it a 4 since most of the good songs are actually covers.
This is probably the first album I (and a number of other people, I'm sure) had gotten of Cash's material. I then went back and picked up a number of the American Recordings and a lot of this other stuff. Although this is a great recording and I like it a lot, I can't give it 5 stars. In my mind, a 5-star recording is a classic album, a truly great album. All the songs have to be at least likeable. There is at least one song on this album that is really really unlistenable. "Sam Hall" is debatable. It's mediocre at best. It makes me think of "A Boy Named Sue, " but not as witty. A lot of the other covers are really effective: "I Hung My Head," "Personal Jesus," "Hurt..." Man, he just owns "Hurt," doesn't he? "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is okay, I guess. I don't think there's anything he really adds to the song's original gravitas. Then... there's "Desperado." I mean, the original song is not a real toe-tapper to begin with. But... MAN. That version is SO depressing and somber I am almost ready to KILL myself every time it comes on. Cash sings that first line and zip, I have to skip that track. WAY, WAY too somber and morose. So yeah, the one song is just so depressing it makes the album miss its mark. Sorry, Johnny.
Highlights: Hurt (ofc), Personal Jesus (weirdly), We'll Meet Again
If this is what death sounds like then there’s no need to be afraid.
Incredible
Heartfelt with good and engaging vocals and simplistic yet at times intriguing instrumentals
Johnny Cash is the only old man's country voice that I'll listen to.
Really enjoyed this. I'm a Johnny cash fan anyway but I liked his take on these songs. Hung my head and streets of loredo were my favourites
What a great listen
This album is ridiculously good. Cash's version of Hurt and Hung My Head are definitive. 5/5
I love covers and already know a few songs from this album 1. The man comes around - reminds me of a bright eyes song 2. Hurt - great song and I remember this music video 3. Give my love to Rose - sweet classic country sound 4. Bridge under troubled water - i just love a good cover; the swells are nice 5. I hung my head - I love this one and didn’t realize it was a classic till now 6. First time ever I saw your face - a little sappy and slow 7. Personal Jesus - also didn’t realize this was a cover till recently 8. In my life - never heard this before but love the original and this version 9. Sam Hall - I like the funny songs they remind me of camp 10. Danny boy - it’s fine but i think better original 11. Desperado - a classic 12. I’m so lonesome I could cry - not my fave version 13. Tear stained letter - boppy I like the piano 14. Streets of Laredo - fine nothing special to me 15. We’ll meet again - a nice one to end on
Some really good covers here
When I took guitar lessons as a 9 year old, the song Streets of Laredo was in the songbook. I should probably mention that to my therapist. I can't say Give My Love to Rose is his best jailbird song since it doesn't have lyrics about shooting a man in Reno, but it’s a beauty. Bridge Over Troubled Water is one of the songs that defines Art Garfunkles' prowess singing. Paul Simon tries to sing it when he tours solo but the song sounds terrible. I love how Johnny and his barely existing vocal range sounds so darn good. Fiona Apple, who could nail these vocals, adds lovely accompanying vocals. The First Time I Ever Saw You is a song that I always hated. Johnny takes the weenie out of the Roberta Flack version. Personal Jesus and In My Life are excellent. I could keep going on about the other covers on this album. Until the mid sixties it was common to make albums full of songs that others wrote but once 1970 came around this was no longer fashionable. Johnny may be the only one who could pull this off in 2000. RIP Mr. Cash
As far as his more modern recordings go, this one is pretty good. I know this was one of his last albums released during his lifetime, but he still has the energy, spirit and that "voice", the quintessential performer until the end. This is what sets Cash apart from everyone else in the genre. Respect!
I hurt myself today
the songs on III are better and Hurt is way over-played, but this is still pretty awesome
More soulful than earlier albums but not his best
Great album, but lots of covers
One of my favorite albums growing up. As well as one of my first CDs. Love what Rick Ruban did with this. Opened the door to me becoming a huge JC fan.
Full of raw emotion, and also knowing this was the last album recorded by the man in black, male this his greatest work in my opinion. An iconic voice not only covering other artists songs, but reinventing them and making them his own
This is probably the closest I’ve come to giving a five but I really want a five to be close to perfect and there are few moments where the album doesn’t quite work. But my god, this album is still incredible, it contains some of the best covers ever recorded. It is the perfect end to Johnny Cash’s career and a perfect companion to learning about the final years and months of his life.
Powerful. But it's still elder abuse.
Had this CD when I was younger, good covers
A really strong release. He really makes the covers his own.
4.5/5
The 4th album of Johnny Cash's American Recording Series, and the last one published during his lifetime, this record contains mainly sparsely arranged covers, most of which are just acoustic guitar and Cash's unmistakable gravelly voice that is second only to Leonard Cohen's. This affords Cash much room for singing, and he delivers. The album contains - for me - the definitive versions of Hurt and especially Desperado, because he sings them with an absolute authentic, heartbreaking sincerity. Sadly not every song is on that level, some lyrics are quite weak (eg. Sam Hall), and the theme of the condemned man is present in too many songs with too little thematic variation. But that shouldn't distract from how great this album is. 4/5
There's been a few times on this list when I encountered an album made at the end of an artist's life that serves as a kind of goodbye message to the people who loved their music. This album is a bit strange among those, since it's largely a cover album, but god damn what an exit. He did definitive versions of some of these songs, especially Hurt. Not every song on this album is amazing like that, but they're all good. His voice held up to the very end, and for that we can be grateful 4/5
This is great - a solid 4 which is impressive given that so many of the songs are covers. Will very happily listen to it again, a great bunch of songs although it plays more like a collection of hits than it does an album. The opening track definitely my favourite, but it's a great opening 3 songs in particular.
I thought this was a complication but wiki tells me it's a cover album, its incredible and the cover of hurt is both haunting and beautiful
Wow. I am kinda stunned. I believe there are only three songs on this album that Cash wrote, while the rest are covers. How can someone perform others' work in such a beautiful way and create a presence like Cash does? You can feel in his voice that he's tired and weary, and that the end is nigh, but that doesn't keep him from delivering a performance for the ages. I've always liked Johnny Cash, but never got into him. I think it's time.
I loved this. I prefer the older Johnny Cash stuff because I think his voice is more refined and the songs are more accessible
"The Man Comes Around" presents like the opening to a play, pretty simplistic in the instrumental and vocals but there's a story being told here. The narrative is made engaging by the music but it tips the ear towards the story to come. "Hurt" actually reminds me of White Rabbit quite a bit, the song is entirely a crescendo right to the end. What is particularly engaging is the build up of the story. These songs are stories just as much as music. Overall, Johnny Cash is solid. Makes me feel like i need a Horse, Ranch and sad love story
I can see why this was added. A fairy spare recording of Johnny & guitar plus the occasional backup voice(s) & instrumentation. Feels very classic Johnny Cash & some nice interpretations of songs - I particularly liked Give My Love to Rose and Personal Jesus.
Right on the money
Although one of his last recordings, this is a great entry point to people new to Cash. A man in the twilight of his life producing a collection of covers that are super emotionally resonant. I don’t have much respect in general for covers, but these somehow have an aura of artistic integrity belying the fact that he’s just singing someone else’s work
Incredible reworkings of classic songs which Cash makes his own with his inimitable voice, now aged and fragile, which adds an emotive sense of wisdom and gravitas. Rating: 4/5 Playlist track: Hurt Date listened: 11/07/22
Classic. Just shows what interpretation can deliver
Touchant Prefs: The Man Comes Around, Hurt, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Personal Jesus, In My Life, Sam Hall, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, Tear Stained Letter, Streets of Laredo Moins pref: Danny Boy
A brilliant cover and end of the career album. Hurt is one of those covers that blows the original out the water Cash makes it his song. When the man comes around is also a brilliant song. Such a raw album deserves to be on the list.
Truly, an album you have to listen before you die! The lyrics, the guitar, his voice, all perfectly combined in this piece of art.
Country for people who don't like country, and everything that needs to be said about the Hurt cover has already been said. Astonishing song.
Such a special record. Cash's world weary voice is ideal for this selection. What an epitaph for the master
God Bless Johnny Cash!
Masterful, and so late in life. "Hurt" is haunting.
really enjoyed this one, Hurt gets a hell of a lot of press but there's some great covers on here
Genre: Americana 4/5 In one of the biggest surprises so far throughout this exercise, American IV is a true triumph for Johnny Cash. A man known for pioneering Outlaw Country, the kind of music men sing to pass the times while locked away (Folsom Prison Blues, Orleans Parish Prison, etc.), pares it back to his roots. Those old country folk tunes he's sung for years, as well as some incredible renditions of a few non-country folk tunes, are given new life in the shape of a 70-year old crooner fighting to keep his career afloat. Rick Rubin produces one of the most heart-wrenching records I've listened to in quite some time. The recording sessions that birthed this album also birthed what may be one of the best covers of all time, Cash's rendition of Trent Reznor's Hurt. His voice writhes with age, but his emotions are felt with every passing lyric. A man who has lost a lot in his life, singing a song about losing it all and fighting to rebuild from the "empire of dirt" before him. Breathtaking. But that song isn't the only tearjerker in the setlist, as Cash's renditions of In My Life (Beatles classic) and Danny Boy are given the same tragic context as Hurt, a man reaching the end, pining for those he's lost and searching for life's purpose, and examining his own mortality. There were some songs on this that didn't reach the mark emotionally or thematically (Sam Hall, Streets of Laredo), and sound as though Johnny and Rick were just having fun with it, but considering Cash died very shortly after this was released, it was probably something he desparetely needed. I really enjoyed this album, and I hope those with close-knit families and those with a little bit of heart enjoy this too.
A real mixed bag. When The Man in Black picks the right tunes he's untouchable, however, some of the standards on here are a little cloying - even in the stripped back state. Best Tracks: When The Man Comes Around; Hurt; I Hung My Head
Mostly covers which surprised me, but they are all executed so well. Johnny Cash has a way of making songs his own whether he intends to or not, such powerful styles of singing and lyrical delivery. The guest appearances were mostly unnecessary in my opinion, however the Fiona Apple vocals on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" were fantastic. Johnny Cash still knows what the people want to hear after having a whole life behind him. Fave tracks: Hurt, Bridge Over Troubled Water, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry
I actually really enjoyed this - more than I thought I would at first. The song selections and sparse arrangements are great, thought some of them work better than others (Personal Jesus was a bit of and odd choice for his style imo). I was not aware of this series of albums by Cash, but I think this is a great idea. After a long and fruitful career, why not kick back and just play music for the fun of it, recording versions of songs you like with your signature twist.
Glad to get a non-live Johnny Cash album this time! It starts off fantastically with two songs I'd already had marked as favorites on Spotify. Unfortunately, those were the highlights of the album and it doesn't continue at that level of quality. It's still very enjoyable though. Cash's voice is iconic and the selection of covers is great, although I don't think all of them are executed equally well. As a whole, a good album. But I can't quite justify 5 stars.
It probably shouldn't work but it does...a Johnny Cash on death's door covers some unlikely songs with immense gravitas. Hurt and Personal Jesus are both epic in their way. All praise Rick Rubin.
I've heard Hurt before, of course, but not in context. And apparently I hadn't really listened to the peaking at the end, that twin to the overwhelming depth of the opening track of American IV. The production is simply disorienting, maximizing the complexity of the voice and few instruments. The arrangements get fuller as we proceed, but Cash's voice is dead center. I figure one's response to it mirrors one's opinion of the album. I am a fan of the Man in Black, and enjoyed a rock-solid hour of music.
"American IV: The Man Comes Around" is a beautiful album, especially with the rendition of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt", but not only that. The duet with Nick Cave in "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and the one with Fiona Apple for "Bridge Over Troubled Water" are very well produced and very delicate. "The Man Comes Around", the only new Cash composition on the album, opens and sumirises what the album will be, a great folk country record.
One of the most iconic voices of all time singing some of the best songs ever written less than a year before his death is grade A emotional manipulation, but goddamn if it doesn’t work
maybe 4.5/5
Solid. Personal Jesus and In My Life were the best ones for me. I don't think I'd listen to this kind of album over and over again. But it's Johnny Cash giving you his one-of-a-kind voice on a lot of great songs, I respect that.
Quite a moving, reflective set of covers sung by Johnny Cash's in his distinctive voice. He was an old man with not much time left when the record was made and this is apparent in the choice of material. It's stark but never depressing. Cash never has the greatest voice even in his prime but his personality, charm and delivery win the day. One observation, Cash always had quite an old sounding voice, so he doesn't actually sound much different from his 60's heyday. Minor quibble about the mastering, which sounds way over compressed, a common complaint from early 2000's recordings.
Jonny creates a dark brooding soundscape and makes his own a disparate set of covers. Somehow he brings them all into this one vision, tails off at the end but the pared back RICK Ruben sounds is great
Moving, reflective stuff from a man who lived a hell of a life
4.25
Stripped back covers recorded shortly before Cash's death. Many good choices, some very emotive (Hurt, In My Life), inspired (Personal Jesus) and Bittersweet (We'll Meet Again). His voice was still on point even if he could no longer play.
One of my favorites from cash. Beautiful album
Can't go wrong with johnny
Some really good tracks on here, particularly Hurt. I love the original and this cover is just as good. Some lame duffers later on, but pretty good overall.
Oooooh a big bag of milk leaking on my face. My needle dick jabbing her minge. Heaven.
-"Hurt" is obviously the popular ones and quite emotional. The change in perspective on the lyrics from Trent Reznor's heroin addiction to Johnny Cash's old age is very interesting. -I actually quite like "I Hung My Head" and "Tear Stained Letter" -Some of the songs get really sparse and slow for me, especially in the back half -Pretty good overall
All of these songs are so sad but good
A modern Cash classic. Fully of gritty guitar and vocals. Quite something. Top tracks: Personal Jesus, Hurt
Frábær plata. Ótrúleg dýpt í túlkun gamla mannsins.
Hurt is a 6 out of 5 and another 4/5 tracks (Personal Jesus, I Hung My Head) are fives, but there's some stuff that doesn't work, like Bridge Over Troubled Water and In My Life, and even Cash can't make Danny Boy seem essential again. So a four.
Mycket nostalgi för ett par låtar, vänder inte upp och ner på världen men jag gillar det starkt
4, close to 4.5, but not quite
So much sorrow. Glad I listened to it, but these covers are so sad. His voice just oozes calamity, redemption, sadness. Simplicity at its best. Best cover: Hurt
I think it's a bop man. By bop I mean it feels like my fucking soul is being syphoned out of me slowly. I have listened to a lot of Cash. And like, hearing him so fucking old is kind of hard to listen to. Also it's fucking rad he covered Personal Jesus. Fucking neat that one. Much prefer his cover of im so lonesome I could cry. Anyway I fuck with this album, I don't exactly think it's a 5 out of 5. But it's def solid as fuck.
Some fantastic songs on this album. Hurt is definitely one of those songs that was done much better as a cover (by cash) than the original. Not quite as uptempo as his earlier music but still great
This is a really great album. I have heard a couple of the songs before the rest were 'new' for me. There are a lot of cover versions on the album mixed with a couple of Johnny Cash originals. His cover versions are amazing - especially Hurt. Standouts: Hurt, I Hung My Head, In My Life, The Man Comes Around, Danny Boy, Desperado, I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. 4/5
Probably would be upped to a 5 if I had a nice glass of whiskey with me as I listened. Really great stuff.
Desse álbum, eu apenas conhecia a "Hurt", já que é um dos clássicos do Cash. Além dela, gostei muito de "I Hung My Head" e o cover maravilhoso de "Personal Jesus" do Depeche Mode. Na verdade, esse não é o único cover do álbum, tem também o "In My Life" dos Beatles, "We'll Meet Again" do Ink Spots e pesquisando, descobri que mesmo "Hurt" é um cover e o último sucesso do artista. Para referência, fica aqui esse link: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/johnny-cashs-11-coolest-cover-songs-162155/hurt-nine-inch-nails-167363/
The Man in Black - Johnny Cash walked tall & lived & performed on his own terms. I preferred Elvis covering "Bridge Over Troubled Water", but again, Cash does it in a style that was true to himself. A good album with an unusual variety of songs.
Lots of good renditions here. I really like the sound of Johnny's voice in this record. While it's nice to sometimes make a cover sound true to the original, I like that authentic feel of switching it up every now and then.
Aside from "Hurt", obviously, the stand out tracks are Cash's own compositions or where it is just him and a guitar. A couple of the covers miss the mark ("Bridge Over Troubled Water", "Danny Boy", "We'll Meet Again" once it broke into a singalong). Some are wrecked; either by an infernal pianist noodling in the background ("Personal Jesus"), or by some awful co-vocalists - Fiona Apple and Don Henley I am looking at you. Overall, though a really enjoyable listen; I just wish they'd have cut out the unnecessary collaborators.
Whether it's the last works of a legend looking back over a long life, or someone let grandad do the karaoke, this is better than it should be. Hillariously some unwelcome duets and bizarre choices of arrangement manages to shoot themselves in the foot. A potential five star album given away.
Of all the guest stars, I think I was most surprised to hear Mrs Mills on piano
Prachtig album, kon dit meer verwachten als gedacht
It was a good listen
I first heard portions of American IV: The Man Comes Around shortly after the album came out. I was beginning to dig into some of Johnny Cash's work, and learning to play a couple classic songs. I like this album, and it was a great discovery for me. I reference songs from this album in at least two other reviews on this 1001 album list. I remember seeing Cash on the TV frequently growing up, and it was great to hear what he was doing so late in his career. It was still a year or two before the biographical movie about Cash came out, so there was plenty of room to explore on my own. This album seemed like a reward for exploring his older catalog. Favorite tracks inlcude: "The Man Comes Around", "Hurt" and "Tear Stained Letter". The track I enjoy the least is "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". I'll blame that on Nick Cave, 100%. There are covers on this album that I don't like as much as the originals, but there are covers that I DEFINITELY like more than the originals too. I'll probably listen to all of this album again.
I'm so sad
4/5 it won me over!
great listen, and covers. Was surprised how much i enjoyed this album.
Despite the album having lots of covers, this one deserves a 4 since Cash really put his own personal stamp on each of them
Although it's an album of covers, there is something so very poignant about it. Thrilling, exhilarating and at times quite depressing.
Gran recopilación de canciones para un estilo muy personal con una gran voz. Inconfundible estilo.
dobar album, par odličnih pjesama
CASH. MONEY.
Love almost every song.
Some of the best covers ever made, but don't overlook the originals. What a legend. Best track: Hurt
Some good, recognizable covers. Cash has a great voice. I don't know. Not much to say, other than I enjoyed it a lot. Like that he puts his own spin on the songs
Like this album, not the cheeriest but I like it
Not bad, better than what I thought it would be.
Not bad, Personal Jesus and Hurt were the clear highlights in 50 mins of covers and some originals. I'll give it flowers, but probably won't listen again. 2.5/5 -> 3/5
Bummer after bummer. Listen to this album if you wanna get more depressed than you already are.
The Man Comes Around and Hurt are incredible, but there a lot of 'eh' covers on this. Trim it down a bit and it's much higher.
Overall it was great, but the lyrics were a bit childish and repetitive in my opinion
As a collection of songs, particularly from a legend approaching his death and reflecting on some favorite songs from his life, this is poignant and (against all odds) very enjoyable. It just doesn’t quite cohere as an album. It’s classic Johnny Cash in the sense that it’s very self consciously trying to sound exactly like what people think an old cowboy would sound like, while also serving up some covers of pop music from the previous few decades.
The Beatles again!?
It's amazing how Cash has the talent to take other people's songs and make them so uniquely his.
I appreciate this album for what it is but it just makes me so damn sad.
I don't listen to very much Johnny Cash. Album made me feel sad and introspective. Standouts are Hurt, I hung my head, and tear stained letter. Cash's performance feels despondent and full of grief.
its country its fine
Has some incredible covers, but his voice definitely felt like it was losing shape.
Listened
Omg so sad
Good, but I still like the county songs over the slow version of popular songs
American Recordings 440 063 336-1 (US) vinyl rip: As this is the first Cash album I've ever listened to, and really the most I've heard in one sitting, I had no idea what to expect. I wonder if he chose the songs to perform all on his own? "Hurt" is definitely better than the NIN version. I can't imagine any other version of "Personal Jesus" than his. He sounds like a man that's lived a long, painful life on every track. "Sam Hall" is a killer rerecording. I like the anger.
It was good, particularly for the genre
not a bad listen, but a few other cash albums I would put on before this one. Still this puts a solid end note on his legacy
Hit and miss imo
noloescuche me dio alta paja
3 and a half. Some class some dross
First track is killer, but the album starts to get a bit maudlin towards the middle and end. Interesting (if sometimes strange) cover choices on here.
Solids got a few classics
Yes, its pretty neat that Johnny Cash covered Hurt in his old-man-gravely-warbly-whistly voice but thats about all it is. When the man comes around is a banger though
Correcto
Classic and meaningful but also not my first choice/ preference for many of the songs
I've never been a fan, but I loved the rendition of Personal Jesus, and I've always liked Danny Boy
3.5 ⭐️. In which Cash gives the sickness of mortality to some immaculate songs.
It’s pretty nice. I love Johnny Cash but his older stuff that I’ve heard is more my style. 3.5
Review - a classic "guy does an album right before he dies" record. Really good performances from a very old Cash, great choice of songs. A few duds here and there but basically very good. Score - 7/10 Need to listen? - YES
What an incredible and diverse set of covers thrown together. I’m never going to like songs about cowboys of days gone by, but I was definitely moved the rawness and emotion of his voice against this weird selection of songs that have been stripped back so far. All felt very vulnerable and poignant.
Bueno, de chill. Interesante voz, me gustó escucharlo pero no lo volvería a escuchar. Buenos covers
Alright
Hurt is an incredible song. The rest is Johnny Cash butchering songs after songs. In my Life is the worst offender. He couldn't even make a good Marty Robbins song.
Ah johnny what a legend. A mix of complete devastation & country bops. Wasn't sure if i was up or down. Enjoyed the ride.
I like his voice 👍 I like guitar 🎸
Oh my glob the prophecy from nine inch nails came true
Of course I'd heard the cover of "Hurt" before -- it was impossible to miss. It had been a while, so this time through it gave me goosebumps. So does the original -- I think this one is slightly overpraised, especially by Trent Reznor. I've never been close to as keen on the Personal Jesus cover... a strictly-worse version of the Depeche Mode classic. As for those I hadn't heard before, I enjoyed this version of In My Life... but couldn't stand the Bridge Over Troubled Waters cover. All in all, there are too many of those old cowboy/gunslinger tracks here too. It would have been far more interesting if he'd chosen more tracks like Hurt and Personal Jesus to truly get his take on music popular long after his heyday. The Hurt cover was a massive success, but I don't think the rest of this is essential.
Some interesting cover versions and originals- some work and some don’t so much
3.5-5 Bra, men rar mix. Noen skips. Veldig interesang historie bak.
2.5/5 good album, not my fave Johnny Cash album, and tbh Hurt by NIN is better, sorry, not sorry.
Now that I have some distance from this record I feel like it's not as good as the other recordings Johnny Cash did with Rick Rubin. Give me back the Heartbreakers as the backing band.
Not bad, he's just really depressed
Oude lul geworden
The new takes on old tunes by an old man near death sometimes work, but not often. Sometimes sounds forced and unnecessary in many cases. Can't help but compare to Leonard Cohen's final album You Want it Darker. Cohen's is much more powerful performing his own new music.
Okay Mr cash. Let's see this. Mostly covers eh? You can hear the age in his voice it's doing a great service to this music I think. Very mournful tone. I like it. I don't think I wanna listen to it again. Favourite: Hurt Least favourite: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Some good old American music. Probably liked this more than I expected. I liked the Lucy gray sounding song and it was fun hearing the original version of hurt. Probably close to a 4 but realistically a 3
As RYM dark, gloomy, sad, but yet still has uplifting chords uts a big contrast, Johnny Cash man its okay I smoked a doob w oscar for his birthday today :)
Meh
6/10 Esta bueno, medio raro por momentos pero sin ser malo
5/10
In a way Johnny's voice isn't fantastic in and of itself but is very comforting to listen to. Feels like a grandfather sharing a story or something. Can't say this is one I would listen to on repeat, but It wasn't too bad and I enjoyed the selection of covers as well.
This was a good album but it definitely wasn’t great. I can see how people really love this album I am just not the hugest fan of Cash’s Music. However there were 2 very amazing songs in Hurt and I Hung My Head. The best part of the album is the emotion he displays in the songs. He really makes the listener feel the story he is telling which is always so fun to listen to. I think the lows outweigh the highs unfortunately. Sam Hall was a terrible song I have no clue what the vision was there. There was also just an inconsistency with the tracks that was hard to overlook.
Good.
Look, there’s some very good stuff here, but some of it veers a bit too close to Cash Karaoke for me. The version of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ an example. ‘Hurt’ is fantastic, as is ‘I Hung My Head’ and ‘Personal Jesus’. ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘In My Life’ can definitely pass. A great document but perhaps could have been better.
ok
I really enjoyed this one, but some remakes were hard to listen to.
Legend Johnny Cash's voice was getting a little bit shaky but I'm glad that he did this series of albums before he passed away. Overall this volume was an enjoyable listen but I didn't care much for about half of the songs. I get that they were pushing the envelope with their song selections but the effort was met with mixed success. Many of the songs sounded like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. This would have been better as a single album with some of the chaff having been removed. (For me: Bridge Over Troubled Water, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face, In My Life, Danny Boy, Desperado, We'll Meet Again.)
This album is a mixed bag for me. The Cash originals and lesser known covers are the strength of the album. The Man Comes Around is an amazing start to the album, and Give My Love to Rose and I Hung My Head are excellent also. The more famous covers are either mediocre (Hurt, Bridge Over Troubled Water, In My Life) or bad (Desperado and especially Personal Jesus). A shorter, tighter collection would have been more effective. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall not bad but not the best, I don't think I will get hung up on any song. It has some covers I wasn't not expeting like beatles cover (but beatles original is better.