After reading many glowing reviews of this album (it garnered a Golden Ear recommendation in TAS) I finally bought this album; man, I'm glad I finally did.
First off, I have to report that Cash's voice isn't what is used to be; certainly some of the vigor and boom he possessed as a younger man is gone. Fortunately, it's been more than amply replaced by a wizened, battered maturity and a new sense of subtlety, not unlike weathered teak or an antiqued piece of bronze sculpture. Maybe it's the new waver in his voice, that sense of knowing weariness that infuses his singing- whatever it is takes this album to a whole new level.
"The Man Comes Around" starts the album almost ominously- it's a song about the Book of Revelations. He writes in the notes that it's inspired by a dream he had in England 7 years ago. In the dream, Queen Elizabeth tells him he's a "thorn in a storm." The song wouldn't leave his head tho it took most of the decade to write.
Also very powerful is his rendition of NIN's "Hurt." Where Reznor's song bristles with rage and angst, Cash's take on it is more weary and contemplative. The resulting portrayal of weary desperation paints a portrait of hopelessness even more powerful that NIN's excellent version.
I hung my head is indeed the Sting song from "Mercury Falling." While I liked the original, lyrically the song is a much better fit or Cash than it as for Sting. One "failing" of Sting, if I can stretch to calling it a failing, is that he's sometimes "too clever by half". But in Cash's hands the song is infused with a tremendous sense of honesty that doesn't ring as true with Sting. JC's version vividly conveys the scope of the deed described in the song and the terrifying finality of it. Great stuff.
If you can't imagine The Man in Black singing a Depeche Mode song, join the club, 'cause I couldn't either. But there it is- "Personal Jesus". A very interesting choice. Cash is a very devout man; his version of "Personal Jesus" sorta treads the line between an indictment of religious hypocracy and a rousing affirmation of faith. Amazingly enough, JC imbues the song with a raucous rythmic drive and energy that the original couldn't muster- with just piano and guitar!
Lastly, I'll admit that I'm a sucker for the old standard "Danny Boy." Until recently I'd have listed Cantus' superb version as easily my favorite, but now it'll have company. While the boom of Cash's voice has mellowed, a frail beauty has emerged; there's a profound sense of wisdom and longing which he seems effortlessly to infuse into a song. You won't need a few brews to get choked up on this one.
What else; a duet with Fiona Apple, one with Don Henley... there's a lot to like on this album. I know my mini review has gotten pretty long, but it's obvious that I highly recommend this album, even if you don't listen to country. Especially if you don't- I certainly don't. Johnny Cash, to me, is folk, an essential piece of Americana. This time all the reviews are right. Don't miss this one.
