Review: Johnny Cash - Out Among The Stars
[Legacy, 2014]
Rating: 5/10
By Marlena Scott, News Editor
Key Tracks: “Out Among the Stars,” “If I Told You Who It Was”
There are two Johnny Cashes: a fresh and in-your-face country Cash, and a tired, bitter Cash. Both charm listeners with a flawless bass-baritone, appealing to every achy heart. Cash passed away in 2003 shortly after the death of his peach June Carter Cash and recorded 60 songs in the last four months of his life.
To think that was the end of his legacy is disproven with the release of a “lost” 1980s record, Out Among The Stars, which was found by Cash’s children in a storage vault. Cash infamously battled a drug addiction throughout his life that cast a dark shadow over his music and performances. Out Among The Stars catches Cash at a time of recovery, and his voice reflects this.
Beyond its novelty, this record is solid country, featuring homegrown lyrics mixed with a little bit of blues and a lot of harmonica. It can get rather redundant though. Not to mention that the third Cash introduced with this record might be too pleasant.
The track featuring Cash’s late wife, “Baby Ride Easy,” is upbeat and carried by string plucks. It’s unclear what they’re singing about, and it’s a little headache-y. It conjures up visions of a lot of dust, with maybe a semi truck and some line dancing.
The opening title track tells a dark story about a criminal in Texas. Cash bellows, “He can’t find a job / But lord, he’s found a gun.” He laments the thought process of the young man, and reflects upon the portrayal of his death on the news all over the state. Who knows if the man is real, but the story feels so. The song is simple, but captivating. With a haunting chorus over a traditional country rhythm, our dark Cash is present again.
The dark is addressed in a shabby way when Cash talks about heartbreak, as in “After All.” Simplicity comes back to bite, and it’s just boring.
A curious addition, “If I Told You Who It Was,” reflects upon an evening spent with a popular female country star. He goes on to tease his listeners in a charming, fun way, saying the audience wouldn’t believe him if he told. This is what the genre is about: amusing songs telling stories. Dolly Parton, maybe?
Out Among The Stars is an important record. A record that’s fun and significant in reflecting the legacy of Johnny Cash. But stumbling upon this new release won’t change lives.
