Reviews (page 12 of 14)
Fun but not really for me
3.5
A classic for a reason, I guess. I'm not a country music fan, and most of these songs sound the same but they are comforting.
"I took a shot of cocaine and shot my woman down"... sang in a prison?! Safe to say Johnny knew how to cater to his audience Was not expecting to be tapping my foot to these songs
Assez entraînant, pas écouté jusqu’au bout car uniquement session live
Great for what it is, but not my thing.
Country isn't for me, but Cash is king.
Tons of humor from cash and charm to warrant a decent recording and what sounds like a fun time
No private session used for Spotify. The music is really basic, but hey when its Cash's deep timbre of a voice singing it makes it work.
7,6/10 country nice
Pretty solid, might like San Quentin more
It’s all right but I’m not a big fan
It was alright. Cool concept though. 3 stars
I obviously don’t completely vibe with country, but you can’t hate Johnny Cash. Great storyteller, and the atmosphere of this is really fun.
Country is such an easy genre to trash, and yet I can't imagine anyone actually *hating* this album. Johnny Cash is charismatic as hell, has the least twangy voice in the game, and is giving a heartfelt performance to an audience that is having the time of their lives. That energy is absolutely contagious. This won't really go into my rotation, but I had a good time and I'm sure even a Country hater could appreciate the live atmosphere here. Standout: 25 Minutes To Go
This was good, but basic. Fun album that is solid, but it isn't really a standout. Love how the crowd sounds and reacts/interacts. REAL! It sounds clean tho. It is a classic. Actual...3.5. Liked Songs: "Folsom Prison Blues" , "I Still Miss Someone" , "Cocaine Blues" , "Orange Blosom Special" , "Send a Picture of Mother" , "Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart" , "I Got Stripes" , "Green, Green Grass of Home"
I'm not a big fan of Johnny Cash's music in general, mostly because most of his songs just sound too similar. BUT this was a very good live album. 3.25
Very good
My partner's words: We listened to Elvis right after so I have a hard time keeping them apart, but I liked it. It sounds old. Didn't recognise any songs. Maybe one. I like his voice. It was nice that it was a live album. Don't think the songs were that different from each other, didn't notice it was a new one sometimes. I liked this more than Amy Winehouse. That was harder to listen to and I don't like her voice as much. I can listen to this again.
Enjoyed the commentary between songs.
Not bad, nice live.
Not a fan of live albums but you have to make an exception for Folsom Prison!
Another Johnny Cash live album, and once again from a prison, though this time, the infamous Folsom Prison. There's more songs in this performance, but less playful banter. In terms of a live album, it's alright, but Johnny Cash's live show is better with banter, stories, and his charming personality.
Not a country fan generally but I like the energy of these live prison albums
Fun album. 3.5 stars
3/5
A little misogynistic but so was 50 cent, Eminem, and Snoop..
Tolerable country. It's alright, some of the themes are interesting to some extent, but it mostly sounds the same. The vibe is fun and the interactions with the inmates are iconic. Best song: Folsom Prison Blues Worst song: Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog Cover check: Looks like a live album
Nice live album
3.5
This was a mostly solid album, but generally forgettable. That's just how most Cash is for me though. I like his style in small doses, and his hits are great. The live format works well and sounds really good for Cash. I liked Johnny's banter with the crowd between (and during) songs. Standouts were "Folsom Prison Blues" "Cocaine Blues" Pretty standard 3/5 for me here. Nothing great, nothing terrible.
Love me some Johnny Cash. One of the few country artists I can stomach and listen to without getting annoyed. Classic album with a ton of listens from top to bottom. "Folsom Prison Blues" is such a well known track (265M listens!), still being covered today, so influential all these years later. You can feel the energy in the room, it was the perfect song to kick this show off with. It's a great playlist for a bunch of guys locked up. "25 Minutes" sounds like it was a difficult one to get through, but it's a live rendition and he's feeding his audience. This is raw live stuff, you can hear the crowd, they included the announcements about prisoners who are needed elsewhere and his need for a glass of water. He's a storyteller, this must have been a real treat for the guys in lockup. Short songs, relatable to the prisoners. Most sound just like the one before it, not much variation, one trick pony. This may have redefined live albums released later on. It was enjoyable but I can't say it's a fantastic album or T1001 worthy. 3 stars
a live album is always fun and I love Green, Green Grass of Home.
had his own sound
The record defines what it means to have a good live audience. The charged reactions of the prison population throughout all this is just fantastic. I could take or leave the music, largely.
Cornelis Wreswijk but even older
- wild to know the applause was added in post production that makes it so much weirder. to know the actual audience was silent ‘for fear of reprisal’ - “my idiot sheet” - by jove the gal singing on jackson can really sing! - sometimes wished my voice sounded like johnny cash but i am. a skinny white woman
Yeah, ok
Listened for another list. Was decent. 3/5
decent! stage presence is great. not necessarily my type of music but objectively good
never was that big of a fan of country but I like the little tidbits where he talks to the audience or laughs mid song
It was kinda funny at times. I feel like playing at a prison is a nice gesture
It’s a good album, but I’m just not into Johnny Cash
You mean New Orleans can’t get artists to add your stops here but a prison can get Johnny Cash??
One great song.
This I never cared much about. I realize it was a social gesture, but I dont enjoy the music a lot.
There's no doubt that this is a great recording. I loved the live feel to it and the conversational approach from Cash really helps put you in the room. I started listening thinking I wasn't going to enjoy the country style and the album would feel a bit outdated. Actually I found myself quite engaged by the humour of the lyrics and the presentation. Not my genre but enjoyed the listen.
Classic, fun live album.
It's good, it's Johnny Cash. I like how human this album feels.
God vibe. Alle sangene va blues så gikk litt inn i kverandre, men et løye live album me snakkingå, sceneskifter, åg ønske om vann😝
Classic live album. It was also interesting to hear Cash's banter between songs, and the apparent enthusiasm of the audience. I hope they enjoyed it as much as they sound like they did.
Johnny Cash has never really been my jam, and I just generally hate Live albums, so I'm already going into this with a bad taste. However, you can't help but hear that some sort of history is being made on this recording that It's at least an interesting spin. Love the prisoner reaction to the lyrics and interactions between songs.
3.5 stars. Always classic
OK
Johnny is a legend of course. But not my hero.
Decent, but no cigar. ⭐⭐⭐1/2
Cocaine blues is a little overrated. 25 Minutes To Go is an enjoyable song with a cool songwriting concept, but imo not done as well as it could have been and gets a little tired, which loses its replayability for me. Top 5 (no order): Orange Blossom Special, The Green Green Grass Of Home, Give My Love To Rose, Greystone Chapel and The Long Black Veil. Honourable mentions: Dark As The Dungeon, The Wall, Send A Picture Of Mother, I Still Miss Someone Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog has its charm and humour but I wouldn't return to it. Same can't be said for Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart. Overall I think it must be remembered that this album is for the prisoners, and has a lot of social cultural value for that. 7/10
3.5
Not quite sure how to say this, but it’s a bit dissonant to hear in 2025 when the US government is disappearing people into overseas prisons. Everyone loves Johnny Cash, but that’s a problem because it means a lot of assholes also love Johnny Cash. Kinda brings the machismo, misogyny, and evangelical Christianity of these lyrics into sharper focus. Outlaw country, I guess.
Did Johnny Cash only do concerts at prisons? This is out 2nd prison live album on the list. The previous prison album (at San Quentin) got a 1 star from me. In hindsight maybe a bit harsh, but it felt more like a talk show than a musical performance. I didn't have that issue with this one though. I'm generally not a particularly big fan of Johnny Cash, and this album didn't change that opinion. But it was still decent, and there were some fitting jokes cracked in there. Weak 3 from me.
It's good overall and Johnny is great, but it's just not an album that I'm going to put on. I'm not a huge country fan and after you hear it once there's not a lot to get out of it again and again. Still better than "new" country of course, but it's just not something I go, "I want to hear that today."
Fuck!!! So good! They broke the mold when they made Johnny Cash. An absolute legend.
Its Johnny Cash, cant do much wrong.
A decent and very well known album but compared to other actual full albums. It’s not very compelling and well developed as a whole. Of course it being of the first live album to be recorded in prison is certainly a milestone of its own.
I really enjoyed this album. Kind of Bob Dylan but maybe more gravelly and country. Also the performed at a prison side of it really made it a unique listening experience 6/10
not bad, just not for me
Funny. Real. Delinquents. Fav Songs: Cocaine Blues The Long Black Veil
Hell yes. Classic. I've loved this one too.
The songs are alright, but Johnny’s energy is contagious so I didn’t mind it. The idea of someone singing about cocaine and murder at a prison while recording it for a live album is hilarious though.
Crazy theme about cocaine and crimes while criminals in prison applaud him. A good listen and definitely puts you in a badass mood.
Enjoyed the banter with the inmates. Good storytelling of jailhouse tails.
The man with the charisma. The moment he started singing you felt it. Loved the little banter he threw with the inmates. Also the moments he started laughing in the middle of the song. Made him feel human and approchable. Almost started laughing on the song where he was singing about the dog. So brutal but funny. Musicly it was just a man with a guitar but on his style, it worked just fine. Thought i would hate this coz i dislike country, but was happily mistook.
Orange Blossom Special I still miss someone Jackson I Got Stripes There are some pretty poignant songs but there is some slow kind of religious hymns that don’t speak to me
Not my thing, but it was good. First and last song were great.
Pretty good. Felt very similar to the last Johnny Cash album we listened to
This was good. However I can't help but compare this to San Quintin (which is better).
I was really dragging my feet to listen to this — country music freaks me out because I always get the sneaky, slimy feeling that the singer is secretly in the KKK or something. Luckily, a skim of Cash’s wiki page comes up clean of any controversies so I get to pretend that he’s a good dude (aside from the drug problems but I have more sympathy for that than disgust). Anyways, I was quite pleasantly surprised listening to this! Cash has a low, charming, smooth, cool, remarkable voice. It’s almost sexy but he’s old and dead so not quite. But I feel like he’s speaking to me (the prisoners) as a friend… leaning in and winking at me, sharing a sly grin or whatever. He sputters with laughter in the middle of songs for seemingly no reason, he relates to his audience of prisoners by joking about the wardens and what have you. And the fact that he’s performing in front of 1000-odd prisoners is charming in itself. He approaches them with this soft, friendly humanity. He isn’t condescending, he offers no motivational speech, he’s just there, joking around with them. Which I appreciate. I cringed a little at the fact that a lot of the songs were about being in prison since he never actually served time, but he apparently did quite a few nights for his drug habits and whatever, so I guess he’s qualified enough. And his music is certainly sympathetic, like the 25 mins to go song which actually made me kind of sad (the part about seeing the mountains or whatever) despite being kinda funny. A few of his songs are a little bit funny — the Cocaine Blues was deeply unsettling but also a good chuckle if you ignore the misogyny. I hope it’s ironic! Then there were quite a few songs that were just regular degular country, nonspecific to the setting of Folsom Prison. I liked those too — most songs were pretty short and sweet and catchy which I’ll always appreciate. Over all, an unexpectedly good album! A strong 3 since I’ll probably not listen much in the future, but if I wanna listen to country I know where I’m going.
I guess when I'm listening on my own, I prefer a studio record. I've never listened to Johnny Cash in full but I did like the atmosphere of this album, sometimes a live album is okies. The lyrics are very good, very picturesque with a unique storytelling that's entirely Ca$h. However some of the songs sounded really similar I guess that's just the nature of Cash blues - whether they're the fast-paced ones or the slow ones. But I will give it to him for the lyrics. Faves: I Still Miss Someone Cocaine Blues 25 Minutes To Go Jackson
Great in small doses. The songs are all very similar though. I also deduct points for live and compliation albums. Its not the same as producing one great single standing album with several good songs
not really my type, didnt pay that much attention, but i liked some lyrics
Nice littlle album, recorded in a prison. The whole album has Fallout (the game) vibes because they use that kind of music from around that time. The album is live and there seem too be quite a lot of people, and they seem too enjoy it quite a lot, so that's great.
Outlaw country performed in front of a group of real outlaws who can't get enough. Highlights: "Folsom Prison Blues", "Cocaine Blues" (real crowd pleaser), "25 Minutes to Go" (good story song about an inmate on death row), "Jackson"
nice
I remember what a big deal this was for a major artist to make a live album at a high security prison. The group played well, but Johnny's acoustic guitar was horribly out of tune when he played solo. Weird someone in his group didn't whisper in his ear. But, his unique voice, songs and performance shine through.
Talk about your iconic albums! Insulting to him that he came after Mj Cole on my list... a bit droney and samey sounding but still so great.
Good songs. The live atmosphere is very present on the album.
Tough album to find.
So similar to the other Johnny Cash "prison" album which came a year later. Very much a "warts and all" live set, voice was creaking in places and the guitar hopelessly out of tune in others. But that adds to the appeal. Better than the San Quentin set. But not quite a 4
это было повеселее того, что я до этого слушала
A lively listen, Johnny Cash's live stuff always has great crowd interaction
You cannot deny the quality of the recording and the performances on this record, the interplay between the crowd and Cash is integral to the quality of the songs here. When the songs are good the is incredible with high points like Dark as the Dungeon, Cocaine Blues, Give My Love to Rose, Green Green Grass of Home and Greystone Chapel. There are a handful of middling to boring songs like Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog and Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart, both of which are gimmicky and lose the charm of their humour pretty quickly. Overall a pretty great live record where being live is the biggest strength of the album. Songwriting is usually pretty solid but has some low points and there isn’t enough variation across the album for me which feels like a poor criticism but I can’t think of any other reason why I found myself checking how long I had left on the listen. 3.5/5
Iconic album that's not quite my taste
I'm more familiar with his San Quentin live, but I've heard this one more than couple of times as well. Johnny Cash is one of the few country artists I can stand, or enjoy even, so I've no quarrels with listening him sing. It's a great and quite unique live record.
I really liked that, every song sounds the same but that's fine by me
I mean i knew he had live albums but I guess I'd never particularly thought about that version being on this 1001 albums..... I mean he puts on a damn good performance though
Well, I've now listened to some Johnny Cash. It's fine, for country, and he's got a good way with the crowd during the intercut bits, but it's basically not my kind of thing. Also, I don't know if most of his songs are about imprisonment and the death penalty, but if not is it a good choice for songs sung in a prison? No idea, but it definitely left me feeling weird.
Sad to say that I like the idea of this album a lot more than the album itself. Certainly some highlights, including the title track and the song written by the inmate, but most songs blend together.
Interesting concept and apparently worked out well for him. Entertaining at times, especially the crowd interactions.
prácticamente nunca he escuchado Country y para ser el primer referente que tengo del mismo no está mal, me gustó la premisa de ser una grabación en un penal, se pasó rápido para mí, no lo escucharía tan seguido pero de vez en cuando; es la definición de música country, todo el album te da las vibes, no es mi género pero me gustó.
I had to double check to make sure this wasn’t a duplicate. Another live prison recording. It’s exactly the same as the San Quentin just have different words. I get it but it’s not for me.
A fun experience even if one doesn't normally enjoy live performance
Johnny Cash has a good voice, I can’t deny. (although in this live album he had some major voice cracks idk if they were purposeful or not) But also his music is like , we get it bro, you’re an outlaw. Like he won’t let us forget that everyone wants to kill him and he’s always on the run from jail (bro died in his 80s from diabetes)
Solid. Insbesondere für es live konzert. Country wies muess sii. 3.4
This is fine, but why this plus San Quentin?
Very typical old school country album , but was still an enjoyable listen. Best folk’ are prison folk. Harmonica playing, hearing prisoners being called. All very unique.
• I don’t know when I have ever listened to Johnny Cash deliberately, but I’ve probably heard most of the popular songs several times. But, no, I don’t hate this. It’s successful country/pop crossover beloved by failsons everywhere. Bartenders who borrow money from their parents because they spent too much money on blow absolutely love Johnny Cash. Dudes who lie to their parents about flunking out of the out-of-state private college. All varieties of punishers at the bar. Absolutely insufferable people love Johnny Cash. But the fact is that it’s good and that’s why people like it (unlike bands that play a similar cultural role, like The Grateful Dead). This doesn’t “speak” to me in any way or whatever, it’s just enjoyable pop music from its time period. It’s seem kind of stupid to give this less than a 3. • Still, I think I’d need to rip a bowl and drink six beers to want to listen to this all the way through.
Just alright for me. Not a huge Johnny Cash fan in general but I did enjoy the live album and the prison vibe.
3/5 Storytelling was beautiful, not my taste still great
Had heard OF this album before, but never actually listened to it. Quite enjoyable banter with the crowd! Wouldn't listen to this regularly as I'm not a huge country fan, but really appreciate the novelty of this record.
It was decent, but probably more important as a moment in musical history than as a great Cash album
We enjoy Johnny Cash but this is not him at his best. We really just rarely enjoy a live album. The title track was enjoyable, though.
point1.
Pretty good
Good energy, fun to listen to. Setlist is honestly rather bad though.
The Good: Johnny Cash was not really in jail, he was just visiting The Bad: he needed to ask for a glass of water, due to cocaine abuse… The Ugly: the prisoners cheered him on Okay, so JC is viewed like JC by one too many persons. Could the man walk on water? No. Could the man turn water into wine? No. Was the man crucified? Well, not in the literal sense of the word, no. I had never listened to the entire recording before, and I have to say that I found myself in a little lul after a while. I was being rocked, ever so gently, to and fro, while I was wetting my diaper and sucking on my thumb. It was pleasant. But not so pleasant as to warrant all the accolades that he receives. Yet, let’s all be rebels, snort some cocaine, and then go shoot someone down! 3/12*
It was nice
that was fun! the music is admittedly not really My Thing but i can understand the appeal and i think it’s cool that cash, who relied on that “outlaw” image for a lot of his branding and song inspiration, was not only willing but eager to actually engage with real prisoners and give back to them in a way. it hearkens back to the function of music as a kind of oral storytelling, a kind of fully embodied entertainment as opposed to something more passive/something to have on in the background. fav tracks: jackson
I actually really enjoyed this. I liked hearing his interactions with the audience and the songs were charming to me.
Auch ein Live-Album, das nicht so schlecht ist.
Johnny Cash is solid live
I liked this Johnny Cash album more than some of his others. The boom-chicka guitar line is fun, but it does get kind of repetitive.
Jail songs for an imprisoned audience. I never gave liked country music, but this is a special album, Cash has a terrific voice and wry sense of humor which elevate him above the genre. This is fun stuff.
Great tunes and a great performance!
Johnny making cash in jail
An excellent historical document, not necessarily something I would have a desire to reach for very often though.
Storytelling
3.5 id say. Maybe a 4 if it wasn't live
Johnny Cash could sing the phone book and I’d love it, just preferably from a studio, not behind bars.
Johnny Cash being Johnny Cash. If you’ve never listened to Johnny before then this would be as good as any for a starter point (although I MUCH prefer the ‘American’ albums) but it won’t tick all the boxes and leave you panting for more as far as I’m concerned. It’s still country music, but set to the cheers and whistles of some naughty men.
It was fun to listen to
A lot of totally fine albums lately. I’ll say for this one, I used to think he really did shoot a man in Reno just to watch him die. Turns out, no, just a song.
I feel I would appreciate it so much more if I had been there.
Wow! Johnny Cash in prison! It’s fine, I guess.
One of those albums where every lyric is worth paying attention to, that's just ole' country. You have to love bluegrass and old time blues to give this album 5 stars. Is it quality listening? absolutely, but it's also kind of boring after a while. Favorite song, of course, Folsom Prison Blues. Greystone Chapel was a good surprise.
I had more fun with this than expected. I'm not really a Johnny Cash fan, but there is something endearing about a guy going on stage at a prison just to have fun and entertain some inmates. He plays a handful of the classics and does enough light crowd work to make it an entertaining listen. I won't put Johnny Cash on in my free time, but I can understand why this is on the list. It's a little unfortunate we got two Johnny Cash prison albums so close together as it would have been nice to break them up and it's possible I would have appreciated this more to hear it further down the line. 2.57 stars
Not usually my type of thing, but enjoyed the change in vibes. Listened to the live version and his voice is amazing. Liked two songs in particular.
205/1001
Jag gillar idén. Jag gillar rösten och hans glad mellansnack. Jag gillar musiken också på något sätt. Han har ju några riktiga hits i sin karriär. Kommer skivan spelas igen hos mig. Troligen inte men jag gillar det ändå.
Helt klart underhållande lyssning, även om det musikaliskt inte är helt fantastiskt. En del texter är rätt kul, särskilt i den här kontexten. Inramningen och att det är live är ju halva grejen.
enjoyable
even if you dont like country, you'll like johnny cash
Pretty nice to listen to, but I don't know if i'd really listen to all of it again. Standout Tracks: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues
i'm no country fan, so i won't rate only the music (a 2/5 maybe) bc i can’t ignore the impact this project had. (also the cover is iconic) fav track: cocaine blues
kind of a vibe
my favorite part was when he had cocaine and shot his girlfriend.
Gran idea grabar en prisión. interés histórico. Bien Johnny Cash
I find that the sound hasn't got much variety, but sure Johnny Cash has personality! Favourite song: Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog
This is #day53 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and... it's Monday, and it's country again. Or, is it? Diving into this record, you're learning there was someone who was doing punk before it was a thing. How come? Well, what could be more punk than playing a gig for prisoners in one of the U.S.’s highest-security prisons, something no one had done before? This is my first full Johnny Cash album, aside from a few select songs and covers like "Hurt" and "Personal Jesus." I agree, it's all about atmosphere: the cheers of the inmates, the warden's announcements, and Cash’s anecdotes create a cinematic experience without visuals. I like Cash's self-composed deep-voiced delivery as he tells poignant stories, like in "Green, Green Grass of Home." Still, his style gets monotonous over time, making it easy to lose track of the narrative. The concert also evoked in me mixed feelings due to the audience... some of these folks may have committed terrible crimes, while others... Well, I don't know. Either way, it's a daring act to perform in such a setting, and it makes me reflect on the complexity of the happening. I'm giving this a 3 out of 5. Looking forward to #day54.
I am probably too young to fully enjoy it. Onkel theo vibes hahahha Great voice tho Liked cocaine blues Liked the live setting
Not a Johnny Cash fan
A really great document of a renowned artist playing live music in a remarkable setting but it's music I just don't care about, and with all due respect, even if this album with its circumstance is a best version of this music, I still don't care.
Couple of decent songs but fundamentally fairly boring can’t see listening to again
por que iría johnny cash a tocar a una prisión
Solid 3.5. A novelty for the time, but still a great performance
Iconic
Johnny Cash's best known live album. It's pretty good, and he's one of the only country acts that I actually like.
Definitely an incredibly cool time capsule but not my particular type of album listening experience
At least some of the audience reaction was added in post. So, the choices about where to amplify the crowd noise (‘Cocaine Blues’, for example) are…interesting. Also. JC’s choice of songs seem a little out of place for a penitentiary audience. But what do I know?
Classic. Some of the plotlines in the lyrics don't hold up well though.
Similar to other Johnny Cash live albums, liked the banter. Music was good.
I think it would be agreeable to say that Johnny Cash‘s prison albums were revolutionary and new and excellent example of his skill is both musician and showman. It’s hard to differentiate between live at Folsom and live at San Quentin. Both of them are great albums, have the same tracks and showcase the type of master he was known for, the interaction he had with the audience of prisoners and a Boy Named Sue is still a classic, but I can’t say this is any better nor worse than other live prison as I’m the same rank .
Good-ish for its time and the venue it is performed at
Musically, it's classic country/folk stuff. But the historical significance of this album is worth putting it on this list.
Folsom Prison Blues - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Dark as the Dungeon - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Still Miss Someone - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Cocaine Blues - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 25 Minutes to Go - ⭐️⭐️ Orange Blossom Special - ⭐️⭐️ The Long Black Veil - ⭐️⭐️ Send a Picture of Mother - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Wall - ⭐️⭐️ Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog - ⭐️ Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart - ⭐️⭐️ Jackson - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Give My Love to Rose - ⭐️⭐️ I Got Stripes - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Green, Green Grass of Home - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Greystone Chapel - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Total - 41/80 Percentage - 51% Rating - 2.55
Love Johnny's commentary leading into I Still Miss Someone.
Johnny always sounded kinda nervous and wired to me. In this set, he references taking some shots of cocaine, but that wouldn't make someone sound like this. Plus, you don't take shots of cocaine, you snort lines. Well, not you specifically, though it's possible you may, but that business is between you and whatever gods are present in your drug addled state. Anyway, sounds to me like he was more on methamphetamine than anything. Explains the shaky voice and the sweats, plus the fact that he was in Fulsom prison.
I'm not a fan of country music but I sure enjoy his lives.
probably didn't pay enough attention to review one way or the other - it was fine?
Interesting experience
Auðvitað klassík en ekki neitt sem færi í listann
Good stuff. Didn't are for Egg-Suckin and Flushed, otherwise really good live album. The songs with June are fantastic.
pretty sure my step-dad spent time in folsom...
An album I heared of so many times but had´nt listened to before. I can´t resist this iconic performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐ although it is not my prefered style of music! Because I generally question live-albums on this list I rate it down one star.
Definitely a very historic album and I'm glad I took the opportunity to listen to it. I enjoyed the "liveness" to this album with Johnny's banter to the inmates. After a while though I couldn't help but wonder when the album was going to end. A good listen but not my go-to genre/style. 6/10 (3/5)
At Folsom Prison is an iconic moment in music history, but as a listening experience, it can feel uneven. Johnny Cash’s raw charisma and outlaw spirit are front and center, and the live setting adds grit and authenticity. There is a unique electricity in the air, the kind you only get when a man sings to a room full of inmates about crime, regret, and redemption. Not every track holds up musically, and at times the pacing drags. It is more historically significant than consistently compelling. Still, when it hits, it really lands. “Cocaine Blues” steals the show with its speed, swagger, and dark humor. Cash sounds completely in control, delivering it like someone who has lived every word. A flawed but fascinating listen, and essential if you care about country, rebellion, or the blurred line between performer and prisoner. Favorite Song: “Cocaine Blues”
I don't think I've listened to this before. It's a really fun album, and Johnny seems like he's really relating to everyone around him. It makes for a great listen. Great songs, as well. And loved June Carter's performance on Jackson. Strong 3 stars. "These men have receptions: Matlock 850632 and Batshelter 839879"
This was alright. I think I’d have liked it more if I hadn’t already listened to a different prison album from Cash.
It was fine, a lot of the songs quite similar and I didn't find it as entertaining as the last prison album we had from him. Maybe the novelty of it being in a prison had less of an effect here.
It was good. I'm still not a fan of a live album.
Later versions better when combined with other gigs
I've already heard that one, but the mood of this album is something I really like.
It’s a concept album about death, murder and regret. An album that I think I respect more than outright love. It starts with a classic that built his legacy, but that’s the thing, nothing else rises to the same level for me as Folsom Prison Blues. But what gives the album its lasting charm is that Cash showed respect to his audience. The whooping and hollering, and even the booing when the warden periodically chimes in, adds to the humanity expressed by both Johnny and the prisoners. You actually sense they truly feel the stories of regret voiced in the tunes about crime and even fear at impending death by hanging. It’s interesting that it seemed only Johnny and B.B. King made these “prison concert” type of albums at the time, and both have representation of the style on several “greatest albums” lists.
Folsom prison blues Orange blossom special Greystone chapel
Well, Johnny Cash. It's nice, it's entertaining, but not really anything more.
Favourite song - Orange blossom special
The first of Johnny Cash's prison albums. It's nice enough, but I much prefer the San Quentin one. 3/5
The album is really a product of its time with all the references to trains etc. Amazing to think how quickly the world has changed.
Not really my vibe but I get it. A little boppy. I get how this became a classic. Different for the time, as far as performing at a prison, but Cash is also killing it for this crowd and he’s speaking down to earth to them in between songs. That alone is kinda cool. Plus tracks like Cocaine Blues are boppy.
I like JC but haven’t we had an almost identical album before?
Never been the biggest Johnny Cash fan but I found this engaging and I love the idea of him playing in prisons for some reason. He has a good bit of fun with his banter with the inmates and delivers his brand of country rock with humour and conviction.
A couple great songs. Overall johnny has one style.
Classics from the man in black! Good sets, and amazing quality for a jail house live recording.
This album feels interchangeable to the San Quentin prison album so it's going to get the same rating. Same gimmick. Same simple song structure with lyrics crafted for a specific audience. Cash's charismatic stage presence can really be felt. It's a shame there isn't more variety in sound here because I do really enjoy Cash's voice. I just grow bored of the similarity after a few songs.
Fun to listen to. Not life changing but good lyrics with a rowdy crowd
I know it's a classic. I prefer Cash's later stuff, though.
Good. 3
Toinen Johnny Cashin vankila keikka. SIllein aika jännä kaikkien välipuheiden kanssa. Muuten ihan ok perus Cashia. Kyllähän kaikki kappaleet kuullostaa vaan aika samalta eri sanoilla. Parhaat: Folsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, Cocaine Blues
no soy muy fan del country.... pero admito q hacer un concierto en una prisión y grabarlo pffff me parece TAN CAMP que le subo la puntuación
Such a distinctive voice
Very cool that Johnny did this. The record itself is ok, but the idea behind it - fantastic.
Boring but still a classic
Obviously iconic, but I'm not one for the country muziks.
Good ol Johnny. Such a classic voice. Listen again: yes Purchase for my collection: yes Favourite Song: Cocaine Blues
Rollo.
lol lyrics are from a different time altogether! Took a shot of cocaine and shot my woman, good lawd. Those prisoners mustve had a great time though.
Sounds like a real entertainer - would have been cool to be at one of his live shows.
wasn't sure at all at the start, but it's decent. not really my kind of thing, but a really cool live performance
Obviously a legendary album, but aside from the iconic songs from it like Folsom prison blues, cocaine blues, Jackson and a few new (to me) ones like the wall it wasn't anything crazy. 3.4
If you want a bit of Johnny Cash this is ideal
Second Johny cash album . While the first one was one of his later works , something didn't ignite in me to like him more than I did. This piece of work made a litlle but insignificant change on my opinion of his music. Though this was better than the last one . All I could say for now.
Nothing different from the san Quentin album. Same lyrics trump music. Great interaction with the crowd
I was never a huge fan of Johnny Cash but this wasn't too bad.
Not my usual listen by any means but it was at least listenable. 3*
I recently got the At San Quintin album which is obviously very similar. I preferred that - there seems greater variety and a bit more swing to it. This is still pretty decent, but I’m much more likely to listen to San Quintin
Cool guy!
Not very different from the San Quentin one, so I guess I'll give it the same score.
I was a little surprised to see two Johnny Cash live-from-a-prison albums on this list. Looks like they were released within about a year of each other too. But interestingly they only share one track, so the content is almost entirely unique. Anyhow, I like Cash but it's not one of my favorites.
Since this was his first "live concert in a jail" album, I thought I'd like it more than San Quentin. But, instead I think is seemed less novel and thrilling
I went into this with high expectations after enjoying the live San Quentin album - but the classics here (Cocaine Blues, Jackson, Folsom Prison Blues) don't resonate as much as other versions I've heard. &, oddly enough, the prison theme to the songs starts to wear thin. But Johnny Cash operating at less than 1000% is still pretty great.
По музыке ничего выдающегося. Некоторые тексты, на мой взгляд, могут заслуживать осуждения. Но исполнение в тюрьме действительно меняет восприятие записи. Так что альбом интересен скорее как культурная единица, чем музыкальная
Classic, although dated..
alright
This is one of those that is obviously classic and a massive album, but I don't connect with it at all. I don't love Johnny Cash's music - it just doesn't do it for me.
Jeg synes simpelthen at San Quentin pladen var bedre! Der var mere gang i den, han var sjovere ind imellem sangene. Produktion var måske lidt mere skraldet på den anden, men jeg følte mere at jeg *var* der. Den her er stadig meget god dog. Jeg ved sgu ikke lige om jeg synes der behøvede at være to live Johnny Cash-fængselsplader på listen?
больше тюремных альбомов! особо не нашла разницы с другим, а также между всеми песнями этого. кажется, что он долго поёт одну и ту же и общается с людьми. холсом, но не моё)
Incredible idea for a live album. Beautifully recorded. Bad ass as hell to sing about murder to murderers. "How does that grab you Bob."
I really respect the album, its history, and what it means, but the music and instrumentation doesn't do that much for me. Just not a country guy. Cash is cool though.
Feel like this probably hit harder back when it was first released. Still a good album mind you, just not as powerful as it originally was. Gets an imaginary extra point for going to a prison and singing the inmates songs about being locked up, the death penalty and the long arm of the law. Very funny situation tbh
Great artist!!
I don’t normally like to listen to live recordings but I enjoyed this one. Songs were short with just a little talking. Johnny was obviously happy to be performing again.
Classic, one of the most recognizable voices in music. A hint of playfulness and grittiness in his lyrics and tone. Would I play it again?? Maybe
Don’t do drugs and don’t go to prison 🎶
Nice
Good album every song was very much the same.
Good album. The interesting situation/dynamics tends to inflate the quality of the actual music, but it is still solid. Singing about incarceration and the death penalty to those folks at that time must’ve been something. This would never happen today. Historically, a 4-5. All in with the music, perhaps more of a 3.
I liked it but every song sounded like “bones are their money” from ITYSL but that’s probably my fault
Great concept for a live album and overall a great album. Enjoyed that they left in the banter between songs. Gave it an authentic feel. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
real jailhouse rock. a bit distractingly fun to work to (did more dancing than working). also Johnny Cash really loved coke
Great album, classic songs. Not my go to music but solid songs
More of a novelty / snapshot in time / historical piece than something I'd want to actively re-listen to (besides Folsom Prison Blues). Might be OK to put on for old-timey, western, "Better Call Saul" vibes. UPDATE 8/19/26 upgrading from 2 to 3 based on consistent calibration (this was only my 12th album)
Não. Espero não ouvir mais isso, mas a voz dele é boa.
I didn’t finish it because it’s pretty long, but the first half of the album really trapped me. It’s very good and easy to like.
3. Country music not my thing
Baritone voice smooths Over the hurts and pains of Confinement and loss
I remember as a teenager becoming aware of this album and the single Boy Named Sue which up until today I thought was on this album. Having updated myself I now know the chronology of the single but that gives an idea of my lack of knowledge of Jonny Cash. Country music was never to my taste and I have largely dismissed it. But I have listened to this album through and really enjoyed it. Just about every track is a toe tapper and I loved a lot of the gallows humour contained in the lyrics. I also thought that given that it is a 55 year old live recording with limited resources and technical recording equipment, that the overall sound of the recording was good. Especially that it managed to capture the feel of what was an unusual concert. The context of the concert does bother me, wondering why serious criminals should be entertained in this fashion. Surprising it was ever allowed in the 60’s and more likely to be done in these woke times. That aside and assessing its musical value only I enjoyed the album and can understand why those of the Country Music persuasion value this album so much.
Johnny Cash's At Folsom Prison captures the raw energy of his legendary performance. While some songs may feel repetitive, Cash's interaction with the audience and the warden announcements add authenticity to the recording. It's a gritty and memorable album that showcases Cash's undeniable talent and charisma. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 2 STAND OUT TRACK - Folsom Prison Blues
I did like this but not thaaat much. I understand the importance of it, pretty bananas that they let him do a show in the prison. some of the songs I really liked because they're classics but other songs were a bit of a drag. Giving it a 3 cos i ain't that bothered. Made me want to watch Walk the Line though
Yes, he's a true American original with an instantly recognizable voice-of-God sort of singing style, but one finds him a hammy, even cringey showman. And what does he find so amusing about murder ballads? The production is rudimentary and the playing not exactly virtuosic and yes, we get it, you're recording a live album, so no cussing. One imagines it was a bit of a location joke – you just had to be there.
It's ok not a big Johnny Cash fan. The vocals are pretty average although I think Cash's strength is live performance so hearing the people at the prison and hearing Cash interacting with them made the album experience much more entertaining
Well... If I had to guess which of the prison albums Johnny Cash had recorded first, I would have guessed San Quentin (which, as you all remember, we already reviewed, and was released after this one). Somehow that seemed less of a put-on, there was a feeling of gritty unease and a riotous vibe to the audience that seemed to genuinely teeter on the edge of being unsafe. This one, between the material and Cash's pandering to the audience, just strikes me as a little less honest. It doesn't help that his voice is not in top form. So, I suspect a lot of my response to this album is colored by my own perceptions and having heard the other. Had we listened to them in reverse order, would I have flipped the reviews? I don't know, but as of right now, I liked the first one better.
I love being flushed down the toilet of your heart :)
this is true country music. my mom tells me how lame johnny cash is but i tell her time and time again, him, along with the likes of dolly parton and willie nelson are the true faces of country music. in johnny's case he tells all sorts of stories about his time as a criminal, and he has plenty to tell. despite the genuine stories and interaction with the audience, unfortunately i can only really call this album fine... even as someone that calls this type of country good, for me it's only alright.
Johnny Cash is a Legend and his personal style is pretty good, for me this CD was a little slow with the same "groove" (maybe was my mood while listening it at work), buy anyway I would recommend to listen it.
Classic Johnny Cash. I love how raw and genuine he sounds.
The best type of country there is. JC is a boss. Love the live aspect. A little swoony for repeat listens, or maybe I’ve already listened a lot, hence the 3 stars.
I never got into Johnny Cash until the past few years. I like it, but not something that'd be in my regular rotation.
Was one Johnny Cash album in prison not enough? Or was there nothing else to fill out the list? I guess this list really needs an overhaul.
Johnny Cash hates Condors
This seems like a classic album. I do like Johnny Cash, although I haven't heard this album. Showcases his talent for live performance. I know a few of the songs already and it's good to hear them live.
Da hört man sich sogar ein Country\Westernalbum an.
Country music, not my cup of tea, but I like the lyrical work of the album.
Never listened to this album all the way through before but it was fun. Not something I normally listen to but I can appreciate it for what it is.
Okay. Gets a little old and repetitive.
3 and a half stars
Great story. Great man. Decent album. I find with a lot of really prolific singer-songwriters most of their stuff is only ok.
I'm not a country guy, that's all I have to say, nevertheless the album is ok
It's probably more "historically important" than "good" but that is not to say it's bad. Johnny Cash has a cool voice, and the songs here are pretty good. His banter is interesting. It's a fine listen, but maybe not one worth hearing repeatedly.
I feel nothing
I usually don't like live albums but I found this one to be alright, could do without the random announcements though. Johnny Cash's voice is amazing as always but a lot of the songs have a "samey" feel to them.
This was fun. But not really my thing. I did like folsom prison blues and green grass of home
i had never listened to the full album before. it was good. i couldn't believe some of the lyrics that prisoners liked and cheered for.
More a curated novelty barnstormer than the weightier San Quentin album, this is fun and Cash’s voice imbues drama into even the daftest of notions. Cracking band behind him, one pretty mean misogynist song-line, and a lot of songs about being and dying in jail.
3.5
Same as the last other ones.
1= classic, can’t go wrong 2= tad slow for me but not a bad song 3= the song hits home too hard atm minus points 💔💔 4= vibey asf, wish i was doing cocaine too pal 5= great song but idk why he’s on about beans 6= reminds me a bit of rusty shackle, mint 7= cheer up mate 8= slow and depressing 9= icl i got bored and stopped listening overall= 6/10 gets an extra point for being a dilf
11/17/2023 Si Bob Dylan cantara narco corridos. Very good.
mellem 3 og 4 et sted
3.5/5
best track - dark as the dungeon worst track - jackson
We already got At San Quentin so I wonder just how different this one is to include two live albums. After listening, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the other one. More fuel that more than one live album is unnecessary.
Felt like I was watching Buster Scruggs again. a nice experience The album starts with a lot of fast paced songs and then slows down. I enjoyed both styles and loved Johnny's storytelling throughout. This album has a great atmosphere thanks to the enthusiastic crowd and Johnny's showmanship throughout. Makes you wish you were in prison that day.
good makes me sad. jonny cash needs to chill
I can see the popularity, just not my cup of tea.
Rollo.
Entspannter, dadurch teils eintöniger, Outlaw Country.
Folsom Prison Blues - Alright. I've never listened to Johnny Cash before and I know it has charm to certain people but I didn't like this one. It felt too old 'country' style, with the yeehaws and stuff. Unfortunate but it is what it is, I suppose. Orange Blossom Special - Not one of my favourites, to be frank. I don't typically like country music and harmonicas even less, so I'm not really surprised. All comes down to preference. The Long Black Veil - Quite liked this. Definitely one of my favourites in this album, despite my general dislike of country music. The slow and depressed tone and mood was great. Jackson (With June Carter) - Loved June Carter's voice here. One of my favourite tracks, if not my favourite on here. Green, Green Grass of Home - My favourite solo song on here by far. I Got Stripes - Same as what I can say for "Give My Love To Rose". June Carter as backing for the lyrics sounds great with Cash. Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog - Same as "The Wall", to be honest... The Wall - I didn't really like this one. Didn't feel too memorable, just felt like *a* country song. 25 Minutes To Go - A much more sombre one at the beginning but picks up. Especially enjoy the storytelling as time progresses. One of my favourites so far, as it's my fifth song on the playlist. Dark As A Dungeon - Very nice. This was the second one I listened to in the album (due to the YouTube playlist I was using being structured like that) but it's very, very good, even with Johnny accidentally laughing midway through and all. I Still Miss Someone - Similar to "Dark As A Dungeon". Short but pretty decent. Cocaine Blues - Feel's a bit too old-country style for me, same as Folsom Prison Blues. Not bad though, like the rest of them though. Send A Picture Of Mother - It was just OK. Not much I can say about it. Give My Love To Rose (With June Carter) - Again, June Carter made the song much better. The duo make the songs just so much more emotional. Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart - Like "Send A Picture Of Mother", it didn't really inspire any feelings in me. It was a song. That is all to me. It was just alright. Greystone Chapel - A very good end to the album.
About as good as C&W gets, and that's still only a 3
I would have to listen to this again. Probably the lyrics are good :). On a first listening (I do not regularly listen to us-folk). Within his genre, a classic I guess :)
ok
I only gave Johnny Cash a first proper listen after my sister told me how much she liked him. He was always on my radar, but I hadn’t really actively listened to his music until then. I’ve since found that I quite like what I’ve heard, so I’m looking forward to hearing today’s album. Songs I already knew: Folsom Prison Blues Favourites: Cocaine Blues, Jackson Until I started these reviews, I never really saw the appeal of live albums. This is further proof of past-me being an idiot, as it makes for a really fun listen. You can hear and feel the excitement in the crowd, and the charming times he forgets the lyrics and needs to come back in can make you feel like you’re there enjoying yourself with everybody else. Overall, this was a good bit of fun and I enjoyed the twangy rockabilliness of it all.
I get it but I also don't.
Good live album, just not quite as much pop as San Quentin. Johnny Cash has such good stage presence.
One's of the mind that it's unnecessary to include more than one of these prison records. Same old cussing jokes and making a big deal about the recording and asking for a water; one wonders about the production choice of including or whether it might have been an attempt to build solidarity with the audience. Yes, the songs are generally good (if a bit flat and direct) and yes it was good to have back the Man in Black. There's a sameyness after a time, though one recognizes it's silly to criticize a one-of-a-kind artist for not being versatile. He's not the world's most subtle showman, is he, nor its most mellifluous singer? The chuckling tarnishes "Long Black Veil." For love songs, one prefers "Give My Love to Rose" to the one about the egg-sucking dog, which could be personal preference. "Greystone Chapel" and "Green Green Grass" also decent. This is the better of the two prison records, though, SQ one is the more raucous. The bad, obvious jokes and overall silliness makes it a bit hard to take seriously.
Love the authenticity of the album. The little quips, mess ups and off hand remarks make it. June Carter is a beast. Parts of this are a bit boring and like listening to old church songs.
Cash me resulta muy repetitivo desde el punto de vista musical, pero algunos de los temas estan bastante buenos. Los discos de estudio tienen menos energia, este es un caso de que en vivo suena mejor que en estudio, le pone mas onda. Folsom Prison Blues, 25 minutes to go, son buenos temas. 3/5 para mi.
Having only heard the studio stuff, it was nice to hear the lighthearted attitude of Johnny Cash while performing, and the times he broke into laughter while recording. Notable songs for me: Dark as the Dungeon Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart Greystone Chapel
3/5 - pretty repetitive, generic, nice ballads.
Not the biggest fan of country, but Cash is okay, still not my favorite though.
Tykkään myöhemmästä vankilalivelevystä enemmän, koska siinä kuuluu enemmän vuorovaikutusta yleisön kanssa. Paljolti liian rauhallinen tunnelma. Mutta ei Cashin vahva tulkinta on tietty aina vähintään vähän vangitsevaa
72/100