Johnny Cash

American V: A Hundred Highways

American Recordings

The final chapter in Johnny Cash’s recording career, American V: A Hundred Highways, was actually started immediately after the recording of American IV.  In what I think is brilliant foresight, producer Rick Rubin waited for the Cash “hubbub” to pass before finishing and releasing this final tribute. Waiting until now to release the project sets it apart from the major label compilations that have been hitting the shelves lately.  It also helped not to take away from the incredible spirit and character that is evident on this final album.  A Hundred Highways is by far the best of the series and in retrospect you can see how each album was a part of Cash’s turbulent life and the changes still occurring in his final days.

Although the entire album is amazing, I do have a few favorites.  Including the traditional spiritual “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” “Help Me,” and “I Came To Believe.” A Hundred Highways also includes the last song ever written by Cash, “Like the 309.” 

There is not much you can say about a man like Johnny Cash, but to quote Rubin, “These songs are Johnny’s final statement.  They are the truest reflection of the music that was central to his life at the time.  This is the music that Johnny wanted us to hear.”

- Ken W.