Johnny Cash - Johnny 99 (1983/2014) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Although it went virtually unnoticed upon its initial release in 1983, this intriguing record momentarily put a halt to Johnny Cash's precipitous artistic decline and kept the promise of his resurgence alive. Recorded in Los Angeles with session men including Marty Stuart, Norton Buffalo, Jo-El Sonnier, and producer Brian Ahern, Johnny 99 focuses on the work of younger songwriters–Bruce Springsteen, Paul Kennerley, Guy Clark–and might be the lone oasis in an otherwise barren decade. The solemn opener, Springsteen's "Highway Patrolman," sets the tone as Cash turns a very restrained reading into an emotional powerhouse, supported by Hoyt Axton's baritone growl. The Springsteen-penned title track becomes a honky-tonk anthem as Cash delivers the Boss's lyrics with acute understanding. The touching Civil War ballad "God Bless Robert E. Lee," the tropical/topical "Joshua Gone Barbados," and the attractive duet with June Carter on Kennerley's "Brand New Dance" help round out a rather diverse (for Cash) collection. Aside from the occasional guitar effect and unnecessary keyboard intrusion (it was 1983 after all), this set marks a high point of a low period. –Marc Greilsamer

Tracklist:
01. Highway Patrolman (5:24)
02. That's The Truth (2:48)
03. God Bless Robert E. Lee (3:45)
04. New Cut Road (3:37)
05. Johnny 99 (3:37)
06. Ballad Of The Ark (2:57)
07. Joshua Gone Barbados (5:13)
08. Girl From The Canyon (2:42)
09. Brand New Dance (3:27)
10. I'm Ragged But I'm Right (2:35)