Songwriter captures the softness of Cash’s early career, but is unable to reach the heart string tugging heights of his American recordings.
Composed of demos Cash recorded in 1993, a few months before the first American recordings. Songwriter sees Cash at an awkward point in his career.
No longer the Country legend he was in 60s and 70s, Cash’s lyrics capture the career low he was in at the time.
The Songwriter demos were discovered by John Carter Cash in 2023, work immediately began on cleaning up the songs.
Everything except Cash’s vocals were cut, so a team of musicians were assembled to fill out the sound.
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys makes a surprise during lead single, Spotlight.
“Tonight, Spotlight”
Hello Out There kicks the album off, it’s strange blend of modern soundscapes, accompanied with Cash’s echoed vocals creates an underwhelming start.
Spotlight is a groovy blend of country and blues, this is mostly down to Auerbach bringing his own style to the song.
Drive On is the first of two original recordings later used in the American recordings. It lacks the bare bones nature of the later recording, but it remains a powerful tribute to veterans of Vietnam.
I Love You Tonite is a comforting love story for Cash’s wife: June. It’s got all the trimmings of a classic Cash ballad.
Have You Ever Been To Little Rock? is another tune that’s caught between time periods. Cash’s mundane exploration of life is welcome though.
“As I rolled up my sleeves, I said to myself, Well Alright”
Well Alright is the most comedic song on the album, but it’s a great throwback to songs like A Boy Named Sue and Chicken in Black.
She Sang Sweet Baby James is another romantic song that sees Cash reflect on his faith. Unlike his later reflection, it doesn’t pack the same punch.
Poor Valley Girl has lackluster backing vocals, but a great lead guitar line.
Soldier Boy sees Cash explore the dangers of young men joining the army, it’s a touching piece that shines because of Cash’s one of a kind vocals.
Sing It Pretty Sue is carried by Cash’s delivery of the line, “Sing it pretty Sue.” A song about lost love that fits well into his backcatalouge.
Like A Soldier is both the last song on the album, and an original recording of a song later used during the American recordings. It’s a punchy and loving conclusion to a mixed bag, but it’s not got the same depth as the later recording.
“I’ve done this before”
Songwriter is a mixed bag. An album that attempts to reinvent the sound of Johnny Cash using recordings he chose not to release.
Many of the songs lack the depth that Cash was known for and it’s a confusing listen.
For fans of Cash, it’s well worth a listen for songs like Spotlight and Well Alright alone.
It’s a miracle that new Cash music is released so long after he passed, but it’s not music that Cash wanted to release when he was alive.
Featured image credit: Alan Messer
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