Johnny Cash - Disc of the day

Johnny Cash
Hymns

Johnny Cash My Mother’s Hymn Book (Mercury, 2004)

MOJO’s midnight mass is hosted by The Man In Black.

“This is some of my best work,” reflected Johnny Cash when he penned additional notes for the 2002 reissue of Hymns. Forbidden to record any sacred music by Sam Phillips while signed to Sun, Cash’s second album for Columbia saw him eschew his hellraising reputation for a return his god-fearing roots. Reaching back to the songs he’d sung in church as a child (his stark take on Swing Low, Sweet Chariot is a perfect melodramatic example), Cash also offered up five of his own co-written compositions including The Old Account, Lead Me Father and He’ll Be A Friend – three tracks where matters of faith are accorded a deep sense of righteous gravitas through Cash’s trademarked quaking baritone. While Hymns may not be a Christmas album per se (and Cash has recorded a large number of festive collections, most of which are cloyingly saccharine affairs), the 13 tracks included on the CD reissue make up what is one of his most consistent ‘50s sets. A reaffirmation of his religion, Cash would seek further solace in hymnal power throughout his career, last of all on the My Mother’s Hymn Book album produced by Rick Rubin and originally released as part of the posthumous Unearthed box.

Phil Alexander

Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 6:00 AM GMT 24/12/2007