Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town cover

Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town

Johnny Cash · 1987

32 min · 10 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music

A blend of traditional country storytelling with a touch of rockabilly energy and soulful blues influences.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo storytelling
  • engaging narratives for road trips
  • nostalgic reflections on life
  • short tracks for quick listens

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer lengthy immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Released during Cash's revitalization, showcasing his enduring appeal and adaptability.
Themes
Hank Williams tribute· working-class struggle· Americana nostalgia
Career context
Released in 1987, 'Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town' came during a period of revitalization for Cash after his career had seen significant ups and downs. This album followed his acclaimed 'Rainbow' album from 1985, marking a continued exploration of themes related to Americana and personal narrative.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
If this clicks, go next to
Water from the Wells of Home — Continues the storytelling with a blend of country and introspective themes.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson — Shares a narrative-driven approach with themes of heartache and Americana storytelling.
Time Out of Mind by Bob Dylan — Explores similar themes of nostalgia and personal struggle with a blend of blues and country influences.
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams — Combines vivid storytelling and emotional depth, reflecting Americana and working-class life.
New to Johnny Cash? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "The Big Light".

  • 1 The Big Light Start here 2:43
  • 2 The Ballad of Barbara 4:22
  • 3 I’d Rather Have You 3:12
  • 4 Let Him Roll 4:28
  • 5 The Night Hank Williams Came to Town 3:23
  • 6 Sixteen Tons 2:47
  • 7 Letters From Home 3:21
  • 8 W. Lee O Daniel (and the Light Crust Boys) 2:47
  • 9 Heavy Metal (Don’t Mean Rock & Roll to Me) 2:51
  • 10 My Ship Will Sail 2:44

What to play next

This album is considered a Late Career Highlight in Johnny Cash's catalog. Released during Cash's revitalization, showcasing his enduring appeal and adaptability.

Water from the Wells of Home
Listen next

Water from the Wells of Home

1988

Continues the storytelling with a blend of country and introspective themes.
Columbia Records 1958–1986
Go back to

Columbia Records 1958–1986

1987

Sets the stage with earlier works, showcasing his evolution leading to this album.
Full Johnny Cash discography Where to start with Johnny Cash Artists like Johnny Cash
blues traditional folk music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata