CDQuest: Johnny Cash - American IV

I have a playlist on my iPod that covers songs that are guaranteed to make me cry. It includes older songs such as Danny Boy and Going Home, as well as some newer ones such as Sometimes you can't make it on your own by U2. This list also includes the heart breaking Hurt by Johnny Cash, arguably one of the best cover songs ever.

I first came across the music of Johnny Cash in the film "Walk the Line". I purchased his Greatest Hits, which contained Hurt. I've since purchased most of the American Recordings series, and finally managed to get my hands on American IV - The Man Come Round. I think I may be adding one or two more songs to my sob story playlist.

The album starts with The Man comes round, a song full of imagery from the book of Revelations. It continues with Hurt, and then Give my love to Rose. Other notable tear jerkers include covers of Simon and Garfunkels Bridge over Troubled Water, The Eagles Desperado, and the classic Danny Boy, finishing with We'll meet again. This album is sad, and yet there is always an element of hope. He had a good life, and at the end of it, it is not surprising that there is an element of sadness and acceptance of death in this album.

Rating: 9/10. Note to self, don't listen to this album while driving again - it's very difficult to drive when you can't see through the tears