"Unearthed" by Johnny Cash. It was released in November 25, 2003
"Unearthed" is a posthumous box set by American country music artist Johnny Cash. It was released in 2003, two years after Cash's death. Here's a perspective on the album:
1. **Comprehensive Collection:** "Unearthed" is an extensive collection that includes five CDs, each dedicated to a different theme: "Who's Gonna Cry," "Trouble in Mind," "Redemption Songs," "My Mother's Hymn Book," and "Best of Cash on American." It covers a wide range of musical styles, including country, folk, gospel, and covers of other artists' songs.
2. **American Recordings Era:** The box set is a compilation of material recorded during Cash's time with producer Rick Rubin for the "American Recordings" series. It includes alternate takes, unreleased tracks, and covers, providing a more in-depth look at Cash's creative process during this period.
3. **Emotional Depth:** As with much of Cash's later work, the songs on "Unearthed" often have a profound emotional depth. Whether he's singing his own compositions or covering songs by other artists, Cash brings a sincerity and gravitas to the performances.
4. **Variety of Covers:** The collection includes a variety of covers, from traditional folk songs to contemporary artists like Sting and Beck. Cash's ability to reinterpret songs and make them his own is evident throughout the set.
5. **"My Mother's Hymn Book":** One of the discs, "My Mother's Hymn Book," stands out for its focus on gospel and hymnal music. It reflects Cash's deeply rooted Christian faith and showcases his powerful and emotive delivery of spiritual songs.
6. **Legacy and Reception:** "Unearthed" received positive reviews from critics, who praised its breadth and the opportunity it provided to delve into Cash's later-period recordings. It's seen as a valuable addition to Cash's discography and a testament to his continued artistic relevance in the final years of his career.
In summary, "Unearthed" serves as a comprehensive and revealing look into Johnny Cash's later creative output. It showcases his versatility as an artist, his emotional resonance, and his ability to connect with a wide range of material. For fans of Cash's "American Recordings" era, the box set is a treasure trove of musical gems.