Penultimate studio album from the Man in Black. American III: Solitary Man was originally released in 2000 and was Johnny Cash‘s third project with producer Rick Rubin. The legendary country singer’s baritone voice is set over minimal production in a similar manner to his previous releases for Rubin’s American Recordings. There are some unexpected, brilliant duets, most notably with Tom Petty on a cover of Petty’s classic “I Won’t Back Down” and with fellow country legend Merle Haggard on “I’m Leavin’ Now.” The title track is a cover of Neil Diamond‘s standard from 1966; other covers include U2‘s “One” and Nick Cave’s “The Mercy Seat.” Fourteen tracks in all.
- black vinyl pressing
- printed inner sleeve
- original release year: 2000
- music label: American Recordings 2014
reviewed by Hank Ohs 05/2016
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