When reviewing Johnny Cash's latest album, American III: Solitary Man, one must keep in mind the question: Is it better to end one's career when you are ahead or slowly but surely sink into mediocrity? Johnny Cash is a man who influenced not only country but rock 'n' roll as well. He is the Man in Black; he is the rebel to end all rebels. His songwriting and singing reminds one of both white-paneled churches and dark back alleys.
Johnny Cash
American III: Solitary Man
American Records
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Yet for all his greatness, there are so many reasons why American III should never have been made.
The chief reason is that Cash's voice is not what it once was. For the past couple of years, Cash has been struggling with Parkinson's disease, which has left his voice frail and cracking.
Part of Cash's greatness was his wonderful baritone. Most of the songs call for a strong voice to rise above the sparse arrangements, but Cash's voice isn't what it used to be.
Even with the problems with Cash's voice, American III still had the chance to be a great album. As that Cash's American recordings tend to be completely dominated by covers, there is always the chance for real, innovative interpretations. With songs by Tom Petty, U2, Will Oldham and Nick Cave, one would think the chance to explore would be great, but that is not the case. The songs are almost the same as the originals. Tom Petty and Will Oldham go as far as to play on their own songs.
On the album, there are also a number of originals as well. "Before My Time," "Country Trash" and "I'm Leavin' Now" all try to capture the glory of Cash's past but never reach the magnitude of his older songs.
In the end, American III is just the work of man whose greatness cannot stop him from falling into mediocrity. And that is a pitiful sight to see.
