International Superstar cover

International Superstar

Johnny Cash · 1972

63 min · 24 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A rich tapestry of country, blues, and rockabilly woven with heartfelt storytelling and Cash's iconic baritone.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt storytelling with
  • wave-like pacing through emotions
  • sing-along moments with friends
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • late-night reflective listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer longer immersive pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album helped solidify Cash's reputation with its eclectic mix and mainstream appeal.
Themes
prison culture· outlaw persona· American heartland· love and rebellion
Career context
By 1972, Johnny Cash was nearing the peak of his career, following the success of his live albums and hits like 'Folsom Prison Blues'. 'International Superstar' marks a moment where Cash solidified his appeal beyond country music, tapping into broader rock and pop audiences. This album arrived during a prolific period when he was experimenting with various musical styles while maintaining his outlaw persona.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
If this clicks, go next to
A Thing Called Love — Continues the exploration of love and life's struggles with Cash's signature storytelling.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings — Explores similar outlaw themes with a blend of country and rock, featuring heartfelt storytelling.
Nashville Skyline by Bob Dylan — Merges country and rock influences while maintaining a focus on poignant lyrics and Americana themes.
Kristofferson by Kris Kristofferson — Shares an introspective narrative style and a blend of country, rock, and blues elements reflective of the heartland.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "A Thing Called Love".

  • 1 A Thing Called Love Start here 2:35
  • 2 No Need to Worry 2:49
  • 3 Happiness Is You 3:00
  • 4 A Song to Mama 2:38
  • 5 Cotton Pickin' Hands 2:21
  • 6 San Quentin 2:32
  • 7 Jackson 2:47
  • 8 Rosanna's Going Wild 1:59
  • 9 Austin Prison 2:08
  • 10 Pick a Bale of Cotton 1:58
  • 11 White Girl 3:03
  • 12 The Shifting Whispering Sands, Part 1 2:53
  • 13 Kate 2:17
  • 14 The One on the Right Is on the Left 2:51
  • 15 You And Tennessee 3:07
  • 16 Hammers and Nails 2:40
  • 17 Tall Man 1:53
  • 18 I'll Be Loving You 2:09
  • 19 From Sea to Shining Sea 1:39
  • 20 The Folk Singer 3:05
  • 21 Mr. Garfield 3:45
  • 22 If Not for Love 3:05
  • 23 Mississippi Sand 3:08
  • 24 I Gotta Boy (and His Name is John) 2:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata