Johnny Cash

American III: Solitary Man (American Recordings ’00) Rating: A-
I’m no expert on Johnny Cash, but I do know what I like and am therefore qualified to comment on this album, the third such recording overseen by Rick Rubin (the common consensus is that the first American Recordings is the best one), and the first since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Cash’s glimpse into his own mortality no doubt played a part in the album’s solemn tone, and the disease has taken its toll on his voice as well, which wavers wearily in his weakened state. Yet such is the man’s presence that he still manages to completely transform well chosen covers such as Tom Petty’s “Won’t Back Down,” Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man,” U2’s “One,” Will Oldham’s “I See A Darkness,” and “Nick Cave’s “The Mercy Seat.” As Cash himself states: “the song is the thing that matters. Before I can record, I have to hear it, sing it, and know that I can make it feel like my own, or it won’t work. I worked on these songs until it felt like they were my own.” Mission accomplished, Mr. Cash, as I’d argue that these hip selections are the highlights on an album that also mixes together old and/or traditional country/folk tunes and Cash originals. Rick Rubin’s spare production rightfully highlights Cash’s matter-of-fact vocal delivery, while guest stars such as Tom Petty, June Cash and Sheryl Crow, Merle Haggard, and Will Oldham aid his cause without stealing the spotlight. Songs such as “Before My Time” sound all the more poignant due to Johnny’s recent brush with death, but the bare arrangements (most songs feature just an acoustic guitar and Cash’s voice, along with the occasional church organ or accordion) ensure that the album will age gracefully and belong to no specific time or place. Granted, this album offers little in the way of variety, and I could live without a few songs (“Country Trash,” anyone?), but at its best (the aforementioned covers, “Field Of Dreams,” perhaps a few others such as the fittingly moody finale, “Wayfaring Stranger”) The Man In Black delivers a pure collection of tunes that many a young whippersnapper would do well to emulate.

send me an email

Back To Artist Index Home Page