What Is Truth cover

What Is Truth

Johnny Cash · 1970

5 min · 2 tracks · blues

Stripped-down arrangements showcase Cash's deep baritone, blending reflective storytelling with poignant social commentary.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    What Is Truth — This title track encapsulates the album's core theme, presenting a haunting inquiry into personal and societal truths that resonates deeply amid shifting cultural landscapes.
  • →
    Sing a Traveling Song — This track features Cash's signature storytelling style, illustrating themes of journey and connection while showcasing his ability to blend traditional folk elements with modern sensibilities.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Cash's storytelling through stripped-down arrangements and thoughtful lyrics.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a sparse arrangement, primarily driven by acoustic guitar and Cash's vocal delivery, emphasizing the lyrical content.
  • Cash's vocal performance is deep and resonant, with a deliberate pacing that allows the listener to absorb the reflective lyrics.
  • The second track introduces a more upbeat tempo and a fuller sound, contrasting with the introspective nature of the first.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single gained attention for its lyrical depth, solidifying Cash's reputation during a pivotal time.
Themes
American experience· social consciousness
Career context
Released in February 1970, What Is Truth came during a pivotal phase in Johnny Cash's career as he was transitioning into a more introspective and socially conscious artist. Following his successful television show and string of hit albums, this record represents his willingness to tackle complex themes of truth and morality, reflecting the turbulent societal changes of the time.
Stylistic neighbors
Willie Nelson· Merle Haggard· Waylon Jennings
New to Johnny Cash? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 What Is Truth 2:37
  • 2 Sing a Traveling Song 3:06

What to play next

The Johnny Cash Show
Listen next

The Johnny Cash Show

1970

Continues the contemplative themes with live performances and storytelling.
Hello, I'm Johnny Cash
Go back to

Hello, I'm Johnny Cash

1970
Full Johnny Cash discography Where to start with Johnny Cash Artists like Johnny Cash
blues traditional folk music

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

John Wesley Harding

John Wesley Harding

Bob Dylan

Shares a narrative depth and introspective lyrical focus on the American experience.

Our Mother the Mountain

Our Mother the Mountain

Townes Van Zandt

Features contemplative storytelling and existential themes reflecting personal and societal struggles.

After the Gold Rush

After the Gold Rush

Neil Young

Combines folk melodies with poignant reflections on life and social issues, echoing Cash's contemplative style.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata