Man In Black - JOHNNY CASH***

The Preacher Said Jesus Aid/Orphan Of The Road/You've Got A New Light Shining In Your Eyes/If Not For Love/Man In Black/Singing In Vietnam Talking Blues/Ned Kelly/Look For Me/Dear Mrs/I Talk To Jesus Every Day

With the release of this LP country legend Johnny Cash would become widely referred to as the ‘Man In Black’. This album may not appeal to all fans with its inclusion of spoken word narration and preachy sentiments. (US:56 UK:18)

“With a sparse, sharp sound, here Cash never sounded better; and for that reason it's no surprise this album is often cited as one of his best. Sadly, however, with so much story songs and spoken word, Man In Black doesn't hold up too well on repeated listens, and is actually pretty light on classic songs.”

“Despite getting off to a rough start, Johnny Cash's Man In Black ends up being a good record, and probably the last through and through consistent one he would make.”

“An impressive and a bit underrated album by Cash. He seems to bring different elements together from previous albums: religion, politics, outlaws and country tragedies. It is all put together with the boom-chicka-boom sound, which returns here and relieves Cash from the pompous sound of the TV show.”

“The opening song The Preacher Said Jesus Said, with its grating narration by Billy Graham, is difficult to stomach. Cash's born again Christian sentiments get the better of him, and it certainly wouldn't be for the last time. If you can look past that first track, the rest is a lot more rewarding. The beautifully honest Singing In Vietnam Talking Blues is an autobiographical account of a performance for US troops fighting in Vietnam.”

“This was the first album after the ending of the highly successful Johnny Cash TV Show on ABC. Man In Black the song, explained perfectly the persona and character of Johnny Cash. He would forever be known by that moniker. The album is one of Cash's best, certainly from the 70s, but perhaps of his career. Opening with The Preacher Said Jesus Said with the Rev. Billy Graham, and continuing on with song after song of commentary of the turbulent times, as well as some incredible story songs.”

“Cash pulls the listener in two directions. On the one hand, he speaks for the weary and downtrodden for whom he casts himself in black. The other half of the album is filled with a unique set of gospel tunes.”