BTN News: In the annals of American music history, the tale of Johnny Cash’s remarkable reinvention during the 1990s stands as one of its most compelling narratives. Cash, a legend whose career was seemingly on the decline, found an unlikely ally in Rick Rubin, a producer better known for his groundbreaking work in hip hop. This partnership led to a profound revival of Cash’s career, breathing new life into his music and persona. Their collaboration resulted in the celebrated “American Recordings” series, where Cash’s deep, resonant voice was paired with raw, minimalist instrumentation, creating a hauntingly powerful sound that resonated with audiences old and new. But behind this well-known story lies a lesser-known chapter of Cash’s journey—one where he had his own plans to rejuvenate his career before Rubin entered the scene. This forgotten chapter has recently been uncovered in the form of “Songwriter,” an album that captures a different side of Cash, offering a glimpse into what might have been.
Before the world was introduced to the stripped-down brilliance of “American Recordings,” Johnny Cash was already working on new material, hoping to find a way to reconnect with his audience. In 1993, a year before Rubin’s vision would catapult Cash back into the limelight, the Man in Black took to the studios in Nashville, laying down tracks that he hoped would reverse his fortunes. These sessions, recorded at LSI Studios owned by his son-in-law, Mike Daniels, were a product of Cash’s own efforts to rekindle his musical fire. However, as fate would have it, these tracks were shelved when Rubin came into the picture, steering Cash in a new direction. Now, after years of remaining in the vault, these songs have been brought to light by Cash’s son, John Carter Cash, resulting in the release of “Songwriter.”
“Songwriter” is not just an album; it’s a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding Johnny Cash’s artistic journey. While it may not reach the towering heights of the “American Recordings” series, it offers an intimate portrait of Cash at a crossroads in his career. Under the production of David Ferguson, “Songwriter” draws from the well of Cash’s early influences, evoking the energy and spirit that defined his work in the years before his reinvention. The album is a sonic journey through Cash’s musical evolution, touching on the various styles and themes that had shaped his identity.
The tracks on “Songwriter” offer a retrospective on Cash’s career up until 1994. The album opens with “Hello Out There,” a song that showcases Cash’s signature outlaw spirit, with a touch of spiritual introspection. It’s a fitting start, capturing the essence of Cash’s struggle during this period. The song features the unmistakable guitar work of Marty Stuart, one of Cash’s longtime collaborators, whose contributions add an authentic, rootsy feel to the track.
The album continues with a mix of lively, upbeat numbers and soulful ballads. “Well Alright” and “Soldier Boy” hark back to the jumpy, driving rhythms of Cash’s early days with Sun Records, while “Sing It Pretty Sue,” revisited after its original recording in 1962, brings a nostalgic touch to the collection. These songs reflect Cash’s deep connection to the rockabilly and country sounds that first made him a star. Meanwhile, “Have You Ever Been to Little Rock?” and “She Sang Sweet Baby James” showcase Cash’s ability to deliver heartfelt country ballads, full of emotion and sincerity.
One of the album’s standout tracks, “I Love You Tonite,” adds a touch of swing to the mix, offering a loving tribute to Cash’s wife, June Carter. The song’s playful yet tender tone highlights a more personal side of Cash, one that is often overshadowed by his darker, more somber works. While “Songwriter” might lack the gospel influences that were a staple of Cash’s repertoire, it more than makes up for it with its rich, diverse palette of sounds.
To complete the unfinished work left behind by Cash, John Carter Cash enlisted the help of notable musicians to bring “Songwriter” to fruition. Among them is Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, who contributes a bluesy solo on “Spotlight,” and Vince Gill, whose vocals on “Poor Valley Girl” add an extra layer of depth to the album. These collaborations, recorded at the intimate “Cash Cabin” in Tennessee, infuse the album with a sense of continuity, bridging the gap between Cash’s past and the present.
The context in which “Songwriter” was recorded adds another layer of significance to the album. In the early 1990s, Johnny Cash was at a low point in his career. His albums were failing to make an impact, and his relationship with his record label, Mercury, was strained. His live performances, once legendary, were now drawing smaller crowds, reflecting his dwindling popularity. At one point, Cash was even approached to lend his name to a country-themed amusement park in Nashville—a project that ultimately never materialized but spoke to the desperation of his situation. It was during this turbulent time that Cash’s wife, June Carter, expressed her concern for his well-being, urging him to take a step back and reevaluate his direction.
In the face of these challenges, Cash decided to return to the studio, creating the body of work that would eventually become “Songwriter.” The album stands as a testament to Cash’s resilience and determination to keep his artistic flame alive, even when the odds seemed stacked against him.
While “Songwriter” may not carry the same weight as the albums that followed his partnership with Rubin, it is an essential piece of the Johnny Cash story. It captures a moment in time when Cash was searching for a way forward, grappling with his legacy while still trying to innovate. The release of this album adds yet another layer to the rich tapestry of Cash’s career, reminding us that his journey was far from straightforward.
Johnny Cash’s legacy continues to grow, and “Songwriter” is a valuable addition to the ongoing appreciation of his work. Alongside the “American Recordings” series and other posthumous releases like “The Music: Forever Words” and “The List,” this album provides a more complete picture of an artist who, even in his darkest moments, never stopped striving to create something meaningful. As time goes on, Johnny Cash’s influence only deepens, and with “Songwriter,” we gain a new understanding of the man behind the legend.
