Columbia Records 1958–1986
Johnny Cash · 1987
67 min · 20 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music
A retrospective journey through Cash's storytelling, marked by poignant melodies and a distinctive, gravelly voice.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- poignant storytelling through melodies
- wave-like pacing with highlights
- reflective moments for quiet introspection
- nostalgic themes of life experiences
- for late-night listening
Maybe skip if you want
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer upbeat party atmospheres
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A comprehensive compilation showcasing Cash's influential work without being a primary entry point.
- Themes
- Folsom Prison regret· American folk narratives· heartache and redemption
- Career context
- Released in 1987, 'Columbia Records 1958–1986' serves as a compilation of Johnny Cash's prolific career during his time with Columbia Records. By this point, Cash had already established himself as a major figure in country music, having produced timeless hits and evolved artistically since his debut in the late 1950s. This album encapsulates the breadth of his work over three decades.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
- If this clicks, go next to
- Water from the Wells of Home — Continues Cash's storytelling with fresh themes and collaborations, enhancing the retrospective feel.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson — Explores themes of heartache and redemption with a minimalist, storytelling approach.John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan — Shares the same narrative depth and folk influences, focusing on American life and moral complexity.Kristofferson by Kris Kristofferson — Features introspective lyrics and a gravelly vocal style, reflecting on personal struggles and societal issues.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Ring of Fire".
- 1 Oh, What a Dream 2:02
- 2 I Still Miss Someone 2:35
- 3 Pickin' Time 1:57
- 4 Don't Take Your Guns to Town 3:01
- 5 Five Feet High and Rising 1:46
- 6 Seasons of My Heart 2:27
- 7 The Legend of John Henry's Hammer 8:25
- 8 Ring of Fire Start here 2:35
- 9 The Ballad of Ira Hayes 4:06
- 10 Orange Blossom Special 3:05
- 11 Folsom Prison Blues 2:44
- 12 San Quentin #2 3:01
- 13 A Boy Named Sue 3:45
- 14 Sunday Morning Coming Down 4:08
- 15 Man in Black 2:48
- 16 One Piece at a Time 4:00
- 17 (Ghost) Riders in the Sky 3:41
- 18 Without Love 2:28
- 19 The Baron 3:36
- 20 Highway Patrolman 5:18
What to play next
This album is considered a Deep Cut in Johnny Cash's catalog. A comprehensive compilation showcasing Cash's influential work without being a primary entry point.
Water from the Wells of Home
1988
Continues Cash's storytelling with fresh themes and collaborations, enhancing the retrospective feel.
The Essential Johnny Cash 1955–1983
1992
A solid introduction to his earlier works, setting the stage for the retrospective style in the current album.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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