The Essential Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash · 2002
105 min · 36 tracks · blues · rock & roll · traditional folk music
A compelling tapestry of storytelling and emotion woven through Cash's deep baritone and simple yet powerful instrumentation.
Why this album works
This album is significant as it encapsulates the breadth of Johnny Cash's career, showcasing hits that defined not only country music but also influenced rock and folk. It received positive critical acclaim for its comprehensive selection, reinforcing Cash's status as a cultural icon and helping introduce his music to new generations.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks short tracks for quick engagement storytelling that resonates deeply
- Context
- When 'The Essential Johnny Cash' was released in February 2002, Cash was experiencing a significant career revival following his collaboration with producer Rick Rubin on the 'American' series. This compilation arrived shortly after his critically acclaimed album 'American IV: The Man Comes Around', highlighting both his legacy and contemporary relevance in music's landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Elvis Presley· Waylon Jennings· Willie Nelson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Hey Porter 2:13
- 2 Cry! Cry! Cry! 2:23
- 3 I Walk the Line Standout 2:43
- 4 Get Rhythm 2:13
- 5 There You Go 2:17
- 6 Ballad of a Teenage Queen 2:11
- 7 Big River 2:31
- 8 Guess Things Happen That Way 1:49
- 9 All Over Again 2:12
- 10 Don’t Take Your Guns to Town 3:02
- 11 Five Feet High and Rising 1:46
- 12 The Rebel – Johnny Yuma 1:52
- 13 Tennessee Flat‐Top Box 2:58
- 14 I Still Miss Someone 2:34
- 15 Ring of Fire Standout 2:35
- 16 The Ballad of Ira Hayes 4:07
- 17 Orange Blossom Special 3:06
- 18 Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) 3:51
Disc 2
- 1 It Ain’t Me, Babe 3:03
- 2 The One on the Right Is on the Left 2:47
- 3 Jackson 2:44
- 4 Folsom Prison Blues (live) Standout 2:44
- 5 Daddy Sang Bass 2:20
- 6 Girl From the North Country 3:42
- 7 A Boy Named Sue (live) 3:46
- 8 If I Were a Carpenter 2:59
- 9 Sunday Morning Coming Down (live) 4:09
- 10 Flesh and Blood 2:36
- 11 Man in Black 2:52
- 12 Ragged Old Flag 3:08
- 13 One Piece at a Time 4:01
- 14 (Ghost) Riders in the Sky 3:44
- 15 Song of the Patriot 3:28
- 16 Highwayman 3:03
- 17 The Night Hank Williams Came to Town 3:23
- 18 The Wanderer 4:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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