Johnny Cash. Not much needs to be said about the iconic singer of the 20th century. The late Cash has been known to effortlessly mix themes of rock and country into a fusion all his own. The sixth and final installment in his American series, Ain't No Grave, is a mind-blowing exit. Recorded and produced by Rick Rubin in Cash's final days, this album is hauntingly spiritual.
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Johnny Cash
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“Ain’t No Grave”
(American and Lost Highway)
Released February 23, 2010
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From the first notes of the title song, Cash's signature warble and bass tones resound through ominous lyrics of spirituality and strength. His voice is clear and strong in unison the powerful chords of the acoustic guitar. The fear invoking words of the cover of “Redemption Day” is a clear plea for personal and societal freedom, while “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream” is a pageantry wish for world peace.
The more familiar sounds of Cash are found in songs like “For the Good Times” and “Satisfied Mind”. The latter is clearly an autobiography, doing what Cash does best by bringing you into his songs with full sounds, soul and strings of preaching, “The wealthiest person is a pauper at times compared to the man with a satisfied mind.”
Cash makes sure every song has a story. Love and loss are prevalent in “For the Good Times”, a self-reminder to, “don't look so sad, I know its over.” With the passing of his beloved wife in 2003, he is no stranger to loss; his death following only four months after hers. The flowing melody and repetitive lyrics of “Cool Water”, another cover, undulate like ripples in a river. This choice to sing of the need for something missing, something refreshing, is a result of his deep spirituality.
Questions of life and what it will bring are sung in both “Corinthians 15:55” and “Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound.” The final song of the album, a country take of a Hawaiian favorite, “Aloha Oe,” is smooth and flowing. One song that stands out among the rest is “I Don't Hurt Anymore.” I can't help but wonder if this is meant to be a follow up to his impeccable cover of “Hurt” in 2002. He can be heard singing, “I've forgotten somehow that I cared so before, and it's wonderful now. I don't hurt anymore.”
Through this final yet eternal compilation, we feel Cash's pain of loss, his happy moments of love, his strong spirituality, and his hopes for the world. While a grave keeps Johnny's body down, his spirit will remain through his music, heart, and soul. Ain't No Grave is a must-have album for anyone looking to remain in awe of the late and loved Johnny Cash.
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