Johnny Cash Songwriter 180g LP

Analog Planet Rated 9/10 Music, 9/10 Sound!

Johnny Cash recorded an album's worth of self-penned songs in 1993. Shortly thereafter, he released the American Recordings albums and re-established himself as one of the world's greatest songwriters, introducing him to a new generation of fans. Songwriter's unreleased 11 songs have been updated and produced by his son John Carter Cash and co-producer David Ferguson.

Cash's voice sounds rich, and most importantly, connected to the musicians. There is a roundness to the instrumentation and overall album feel. Sonically, creatively, and aesthetically Songwriter is a beautiful batch of tunes, delivering these 11 unearthed Cash songs in a classic-feeling, modern-yet-timeless country-tinged flavor. This music and recording sound just right.

Understandably, on first listen, Cash's vocal seems to sit detached from the album's instrumental backing. That is, until the heart rules the head, and the nuance of that iconic, gravitas-filled, deep bass-baritone - combined with masterful and varied examples of his songcraft - carve Songwriter a rightful place as a highly listenable chapter in his discography.