Johnny Cash – American IV: The Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash was an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Much of Cash’s music contained themes of sorrow, moral tribulation, and redemption, especially in the later stages of his career. He was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice, the distinctive sound of his Tennessee Three backing band characterized by train-like chugging guitar rhythms, a rebelliousness coupled with an increasingly somber and humble demeanor, free prison concerts, and a trademark all-black stage wardrobe which earned him the nickname “The Man in Black”. Cash is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold more than 90 million records worldwide. His genre-spanning music embraced country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk, and gospel sounds. This crossover appeal earned him the rare honor of being inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame. American IV: The Man Comes Around was released on November 5, 2002. It is the fourth in Cash’s “American” series of albums, and the last album released during his lifetime. The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. The majority of songs are covers which Cash performs in his own sparse style, with help from producer Rick Rubin. For instance, for the song “Personal Jesus”, Rubin asked guitarist John Frusciante to re-work an acoustic version of Martin Gore’s song, which featured a simple acoustic riff that stripped down the song to a blues style. He receives backing vocal assistance from various artists, including Fiona Apple, Nick Cave, and Don Henley.

180 gram Double Vinyl
Includes Download Code
Label: American Recordings
Cat. # 0600753463673