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10. American VI: Ain’t No Grave by Johnny Cash
Don’t know why the producers of this album switched from the cover art theme of “Johnny Cash, professional tough guy” to “Johnny Cash, creepy 7-year-old,” but it was still great to hear yet another of Johnny Cash’s American series. This is the second posthumous record and not, in my opinion, quite as strong as American V, but still a real gem. Cash’s baritone is frail, but his musical ability is not dim, “nor his natural force abated.”
He explores spiritual themes in songs like “1 Corinthians 15:55” and “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound.” He cheekily embraces the end on “I Don’t Hurt Anymore,” but still fiercely insists there “Ain’t No Grave” that can hold his body down. Some songs have nothing to do with death and dying, but are merely the kind of folky romp that Cash played all his life (“Satisfied Mind,” “Aloha Oe”).
All in all, a worthy album and a must-listen for fans of the Man in Black.
Top tracks: “Ain’t No Grave,” “Satisfied Mind”
