February 23 marked the release of what probably will be the final studio album of Johnny Cash. Rubin, who produced the record, brings Cash back from the grave. The title is certainly appropriate for this album, released seven years after Cash's death.
When I put my headphones in and listened to the first track, I did get a strange feeling. After the man being dead for so long and not hearing anything new in years, it was odd hearing his voice in a new way. Odd, but very welcome.
The title track, "Ain't No Grave," is by far the best song on the album. Rubin's work is evident the most in the first few tracks, and he does a great job in choosing the proper accompaniment to Cash's voice. Shaking shackle chains are used to keep the tempo, the very chains that can not "hold the body down."
There are a few other strong songs in "Redemption Day" and "For the Good Times." Another track of note is the last song Cash ever wrote, "II Corinthians 15:55," a song exemplifying the power Christ has given his followers over death. "O, death, where is thy sting, O grave, where is thy victory?" Cash sings out with confidence. Other albums in the American Recordings series contained spiritual songs, but not nearly so many as "Ain't No Grave." It is a fitting epitaph, however, to a hard life, and it is noteworthy that both the final songs Cash recorded and wrote were about overcoming death and seeing his Savior.
In reality, the album is seems more of an extension of American V, not surprising since they both contain selections from the same recording sessions. American VI stays true to the standard of the previous albums, however. While not quite as well done as V, American VI gives us a final listen, a glimpse into Cash's final months. Definitely worth the buy.
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