Is Look at Them Beans a good place to start with Johnny Cash?

Yes, Look at Them Beans is recommended as a starting point for new Johnny Cash listeners. A laid-back collection of storytelling songs infused with Cash's signature deep voice and an understated country-blues vibe. Released in 1975, Look at Them Beans was Johnny Cash's 34th studio album, coming after his celebrated live recording At Folsom Prison. By this time, Cash had established himself as a prominent figure in country music, blending traditional styles with modern themes, and was navigating a shift towards more personal and narrative-driven songwriting.

Who is Look at Them Beans for?

Look at Them Beans works well if you're into reflective storytelling with warmth, steady pacing for relaxed listening and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Look at Them Beans?

Look at Them Beans has 10 tracks, running approximately 30 minutes.

Look at Them Beans

Johnny Cash · 1975

30 min · 10 tracks · blues

A laid-back collection of storytelling songs infused with Cash's signature deep voice and an understated country-blues vibe.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Look at Them Beans — The title track exemplifies Cash's storytelling prowess, combining humor with a reflective narrative about life's simple pleasures and frustrations.
→
No Charge — This song stands out for its poignant lyrics about parental love and sacrifice, showcasing Cash's ability to convey deep emotional truths in a straightforward manner.
→
Texas - 1947 Start here — Opening the album with a nostalgic look back at a specific time and place, this track sets the tone for Cash's evocative storytelling throughout the record.
→
I Hardly Ever Sing Beer Drinking Songs — With its humorous take on country music clichés, this track allows Cash to playfully critique genre stereotypes while still embracing his roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

49 /100

Foothills

Higher than 22% of albums we've rated

Cash's storytelling shines through in this laid-back collection, though it lacks the commercial impact of his earlier works.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, with most tracks maintaining a relaxed groove that complements Cash's deep voice.
Storytelling is central, with each song presenting a narrative arc, often using conversational lyrics and vivid imagery.
Several tracks incorporate subtle instrumental arrangements, primarily featuring acoustic guitar and light percussion, which support rather than overshadow the vocals.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

reflective storytelling with warmth
steady pacing for relaxed listening
short tracks for quick enjoyment
suitable for casual gatherings
gravelly vocals with intimate charm

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high-energy tracks
prefer long, immersive albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Continues Cash's storytelling legacy but lacks major chart success.
Themes: everyday struggles· American working-class life· humorous country stereotypes
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released in 1975, Look at Them Beans was Johnny Cash's 34th studio album, coming after his celebrated live recording At Folsom Prison. By this time, Cash had established himself as a prominent figure in country music, blending traditional styles with modern themes, and was navigating a shift towards more personal and narrative-driven songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings