If any artist did not have anything to prove in their later years, it was Johnny Cash. If any artist went out with a spectacular farewell, it was Cash and the several American Recording CD sessions he had. What makes Unchained one of the best of all these is the sheer power that comes from simple, acoustic grace accompanied by the low but serene vocals Cash was known so well for. Unchained spans a variety of songs that show Cash in probably his most energetic phase throughout the American Recording album releases. Just listen to the haunting, rolling melody of "Rowboat" that is followed up by the kinder, gentler "Sea of Heartbreak" and one can see that even though fifty years of triumph and tragedy has passed, he still has it and then some.
Cash absorbed many covers for his American Recording sessions, and the rock song by Soundgarden called "Rusty Cage" is one of the most exciting songs that could have ever been redone by the country western star. Cash's power as a man who was always telling a story that often had an unhappy beginning and ending is splendid with this track, and I would not be surprised if Soundgarden band members were enjoying it when they heard it as well.
Slower, softer moods are felt later on with many of the tracks and it only helps solidify this album as every bit a Johnny Cash treasure of modern day musical grace.
September 14, 2007Love, love, love it!! I love everything about Johnny Cash!! His last 10 years of work are by far my favorite and this album is one of one them!
July 5, 2007 |  | Memories are made of this |  |
I am not a fan of country music but I will make the exception with Johnny Cash who managed to transcend country music. I didn't really get into him until I heard American IV: The Man Comes Around with his haunting interpretation of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt". Since then I have made it a point to try to hear all of Johnny's work with Rick Rubin. I have to admit that "American IV" remains my personal favorite. Sadly to say "Unchained". I felt this album was not as strong as the last two albums Johnny did with Rick Rubin however it is not terrible as I might make it to be. I will say that on "Unchained" you can hear that Johnny was in better health. His voice is rich and full of life while the last two albums you can hear Johnny's exhaustion and grief (from the loss of his beloved June Carter Cash). The album does have plenty of songs that I liked. I think Johnny does a marvelous job at covering Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage". Just like "Hurt", he totally turns an alternative rock classic into a Johnny Cash song. Other favorites includes "Sea of Heartbreak", "Memories are Made of This", "Meet Me in Heaven", and "I've Been Everywhere". I wasn't too keen on "Rowboat", "Country Boy", and "I Never Picked Cotton". I just did not enjoy the melodies in those songs. Even though I consider "Unchained" my least favorite Johnny Cash cd w/Rick Rubin, it is still good and certainly a lot better than most country cds that are churned out day in and day out for public mass consumption.
June 21, 2007 | | I never picked cotton either, but this is a great CD | |
Great! I think this is a great and anyone should buy it. it is really moving, and Tom Petty is simply wonderful supporting in some songs. The only one i didn't really like was Memories are Made of This. But other than that itis a must have
March 7, 2007| | | Anything with Johnny Cash is Good. | |
I can never get enough of his voice. I miss him.
January 10, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
