REVIEW: Johnny Cash – Songwriter

 

Honestly, who had a new Johnny Cash album on their 2024 bingo card?  Well, a newly-found unreleased album recorded in 1993, prior to the iconic American Recordings albums, was recently released via Mercury Nashville/UMe.  The aptly-titled, Songwriter features eleven songs written by The Man In Black himself and was updated and produced by his son, John Carter Cash and co-producer David Ferguson. 

The album opens with a one-two punch; as “Hello Out There” stands out with its Gospel-drenched cosmic atmospherics and catchy, echoing refrain and “Spotlight” features a bluesy guitar solo from The Black Key’s Dan Auerbach.  Additionally, Country music legends Marty Stuart, Waylon Jennings and Vince Gill also lend their talents to the album.  Elsewhere, Cash is triumphantly patriotic (“Drive On”, “Soldier Boy”) and deeply-emotional (“I Love You Tonite” and “Poor Valley Girl”), showcasing his versatile songwriting ability. 

With a new generation of country music fans turning back the clock to the classic country & western sounds, Songwriter sounds just as fresh and vital now as it would have if it had been released in 1993; a testament to Cash’s musical legacy.   

For more info: https://johnnycash.lnk.to/SongwriterPR

Watch the video for “Hello Out There” here: