Rainbow
Johnny Cash · 1985
29 min · 10 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music
A reflective blend of country and folk, infused with Cash's deep voice and poignant storytelling.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- concise storytelling across tracks
- reflective moments of nostalgia
- quick-paced reflective listening
- poignant themes of life struggles
Maybe skip if you want
- seekers of lengthy epics
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Released during a resurgence, it showcases Cash's emotional depth and broad appeal.
- Themes
- societal taboos· hope amidst struggle· unwed parent compassion
- Career context
- By the time 'Rainbow' was released in 1985, Johnny Cash was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, largely due to his association with Columbia Records. This album followed his 1984 project 'Johnny Cash Is Coming to Town' and marked a period where he embraced a more introspective songwriting style, reflecting on themes of life, loss, and redemption.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
- If this clicks, go next to
- Believe in Him — Continues the reflective themes with a deeper exploration of faith and storytelling.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson — Shares a narrative-driven approach, exploring themes of heartbreak and redemption in country music.High, Low and in Between by Townes Van Zandt — Delivers reflective storytelling with a poignant emotional depth, similar to Cash's introspective style.Car Wheels on a Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams — Combines rich narratives with a blend of country and folk, echoing themes of struggle and resilience.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "I’m Leaving Now".
- 1 I’m Leaving Now Start here 2:19
- 2 Here Comes That Rainbow Again 2:52
- 3 They’re All the Same 3:11
- 4 Easy Street 2:48
- 5 Have You Ever Seen the Rain? 2:33
- 6 You Beat All I Ever Saw 2:56
- 7 Unwed Fathers 3:15
- 8 Love Me Like You Used To 2:46
- 9 Casey’s Last Ride 3:20
- 10 Borderline (A Musical Whodunit) 2:59
What to play next
This album is considered a Late Career Highlight in Johnny Cash's catalog. Released during a resurgence, it showcases Cash's emotional depth and broad appeal.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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