Now Playing: American VI: Ain't No Grave (2010)
Topic: Johnny Cash
Posthumously released, American VI: Ain't No Grave is the sixth album in the American Recording Sessions between Johnny Cash and producer Rick Rubin. This project began way back in 1994, and made for some of the best music made in his lengthy career. It seemed that Cash reached a new generation of fans in these American Recording albums - I would consider myself one of those new fans - and certainly only further cemented himself as one of the true greats. Unfortunately Cash passed away back in 2003 - but every few years another album resurfaces. Considering how ill Cash was in his later years, he was still very prolific recording music up until three months before he died - which is when his work for Ain't No Grave was originally made. The finished product released now seven years after his death is yet another reminder of how captivating and stoic The Man In Black has become. It's a reputation that was established long ago.
On a musical level, Ain't No Grave is as consistent an album as he has released under the American Recordings moniker. While I feel this record lacks the punch of American V: Hundred Highways, it is still obviously a very effective album. If anything, American VI possesses something that no previous album can at the same level. It is a sense of urgency in the voice of Cash, and in the music itself. While urgency certainly existed in American IV: The Man Comes Around, and in Hundred Highways, the intense level of it is palpable here in Ain't No Grave. This is the closest Cash has sounded near death, and from his voice, he seems to be completely aware of it too. It is a touching experience to listen to these last few albums, and he sounds perhaps the most world-weary here.
Despite being so ill Cash retains a warrior-like sound throughout. Each song is sung with the utmost of conviction. He sings about death, about faith, injustice, justice, redemption, and even references the calamities of big oil and corruption. It all seems so topical in 2010 even though it was recorded back in 2003. Cash often gracefully reflects on his own life lived and about saying his final goodbyes - and he says them with the utmost of dignity.
The best material on this album is in the opening half, but the latter half also makes a significant statement. The closing track, "Aloha Oe", is fitting and memorable in message. It is much stronger than the closing track on Hundred Highways, and no one has ever recorded a more touching and emotionally deep version of what seems to be a relatively light-weight song.
As with many of these American Recordings albums, Ain't No Grave is an essential listen. It is a compelling experience and a proper close to a monumental career. If this is indeed the final album in the series, it would surely be a strong way to make one's exit. Bravo.
TRACK HIGHLIGHTS:
"Ain't No Grave"
"Redemption Day"
"For The Good Times"
"I Corinthians 15:55"
"Aloha Oe"
-Kurt L.
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Updated: Tuesday, 1 June 2010 9:12 PM EDT
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