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Musicbox
The legend of Cash
Just when the legendry Johnny Cash’s career had been somewhat revitalised by his collaboration with Rick Rubin on the American series of recordings, his shocking death in 2003 was a real blow to the music industry.
American V: A Hundred Highways, the fifth volume of this series, was recorded during the last few months of Cash’s life, during which he also suffered the loss of his beloved wife, June (she died three months before he did).
Hence, it is impossible to listen to the album without an almost awful sense of poignancy, yet it manages to steer clear of being disheartening.
Contemporary artistes such as Nick Cave, Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails have always been favourites for Rick Rubin/Johnny Cash collaborations. But this album includes some more traditional artistes such as Bruce Springsteen. Bruce can be heard on Cash’s version of Further On Up the Road, originally featured on the Springsteen album The Rising.
Opening number Help Me is an appealing song; it is basically a plea to God by a former non-believer as he stares death in the face.
One of the best songs on the album is the traditional gospel tune God’s Gonna Cut You Down (popularised by Moby as Run On), performed here by Cash as a dark blues number steeped in menace. Like the 309, Cash’s final composition, is in a similar blues element, although it is impossible not to be affected by the opening verse.
On the Evening Train borrows lyrics from Hank Williams and is a song about a man burying his spouse. The track throws an enormous shadow over the listener, and who else can sing the song better than a person who has suffered this loss himself?
Rose of My Heart is one of the few songs written by Cash himself, and is a tribute to his wife. The track is extremely beautiful and sneaks into your heart and refuses to leave.
The album closes with the track I’m Free From the Chain Gang Now, which is splendid and stately; an excellent composition from a true legend.
Although Cash was wheelchair-bound and almost blind when he recorded this album, the songs are lively, melodious and powerful.
The album will also be remembered for Rick Rubin’s masterful and subtle production throughout.—Shahzeb Shaikh
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