Johnny Cash recorded five albums for Mercury between 1987 and 1991 including one album of re-recorded oldies (Classic Cash) and four standard albums, these being Johnny Cash is coming to town, Water from the wells of home (an album featuring many guests), Boom chicka boom and Mystery of life. Those albums were of a high quality and could be described as typical of his normal musical style, but they did not capture the public imagination.
Johnny Cash is coming to town and Boom chicka boom have been re-issued as a twofer in America. I loved both of them first time round. Among the tracks from those two albums included here are Sixteen tons (the Tennessee Ernie Ford classic), Cats in the cradle (the Harry Chapin classic), W Lee O'Daniel and A backstage pass to a Willie Nelson show.
Water from the wells of home (also re-issued in America, but on its own) is represented by That old wheel (with Hank Williams Junior), Sweeter than the flowers (with Waylon Jennings), As long as I live (with Emmylou Harris) and Call me the breeze (with his son).
The final album, The Mystery of life, has also been re-issued in America on its own and is represented by four tracks including Beans for breakfast and a cover of the Bob Dylan song, Wanted man.
The Classic Cash album (not re-issued) is represented by just two tracks, possibly reflecting public disapproval of re-recorded hits, yet the 1988 version of Don't take your guns to town, which closes this set, makes a nice change from the original and works well.
Johnny's spell on Mercury was not his most successful but here is a selection of tracks from those five albums to remind us that Johnny recorded some great music back then.
From my point of view Johnny Cash was at the height of his powers in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, before getting a second wind in the late 1990s and just before his death in 2003.
Good stuff here includes Cat's In The Cradle, Wanted Man and Goin' By The Book, but too much else sounds like The Highwaymen, rather plodding than driving songs.
I decided to give 3 stars, but that is for the few songs of note, I suggest newcomers look elsewhere.
