American IV - The Man Comes Around

iTunes Review

Unflinching in the shadow of his own mortality, Cash closed his nearly half-century recording career with American IV. The regrets and triumphs of his life can be heard in every bruised, ragged note he sings here. Few albums by any artist have been this starkly confessional. When Cash applies his darkly resonant voice to songs like Trent Rezner's "Hurt" or Sting's "I Hung My Head," the effect is devastating. His own tune "The Man Comes Around" has the frightening grandeur of an Old Testament prophecy. There are glimmers of hope amidst the bleakness as well. Cash offers "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "We'll Meet Again" as testimonies of unshakable faith. Producer Rick Rubin keeps Johnny's voice in a tight audio spotlight, accenting his performances with bare-bones folk and rock. With dignity and courage, Cash makes American IV a final statement of sorrow, acceptance and, ultimately, redemption.