Hymns of Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash

More of this Feature • CD Review: Hymns of Johnny Cash • Hymns of Johnny Cash Contest • Essential Johnny Cash CD Review • Carrying On With Johnny Cash & June Carter CD Review • Fabulous Johnny Cash CD Review • Orange Blossom Special CD Review • Ride This Train CD Review • Reviews by Jolene • CD Review Index • Johnny Cash 70th Birthday Special    Related Resources • American Milestones • American Milestones 2000 • 16 Biggest Hits - Part 2 CD Review • Ragged Old Flag CD Review • American III: Solitary Man CD Review    Community • FREE Country Newsletter • Country Chatroom • Country Forums    Elsewhere On The Web • Johnny Cash (Official)

Reviewed by Jolene Downs

Hymns By Johnny Cash is another re-release from Columbia/Legacy in celebration of Johnny's 70th birthday. It is his second album from the Columbia label, and is described as the album he went to Columbia to record. Sun Records was reluctant to let Johnny record a gospel album and it was something he really wanted to do.

Many of the songs are original songs and have the distinctive boom-chicka-boom guitar style that is one of Johnny's trademarks. "It Was Jesus" is a parable type song. Many stories are related followed by the statement, "and it was Jesus." "I Saw A Man" is a song relating different ways people see Jesus. "Are All The Children In" is a song done in the narrative style. It is the story about how a woman takes care of her children and her Lord takes care of her.

Johnny does a great job with the song "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Johnny uses his own distinctive styling for this song, but it is done very well. "Lead Me Father" is a song pleading with the Lord to guide him with all his daily decisions. "I Call Him" is unmistakably Johnny Cash. It reminds us that no matter what the problem we can call Him, and He will answer.

This is an album that is obvious close to the heart of Johnny Cash. It is done with a reverence that can be felt throughout the entire album. He has always shared his faith and this is an excellent tribute to that faith. It is great for people that don't like to listen to the same old Gospel songs. It is full of original material and is classic Johnny all the way through. It is a great addition to any collection.

Song List:

1. It Was Jesus
2. I Saw A Man
3. Are All The Children In
4. The Old Account
5. Lead Me Gently Home
6. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
7. Snow In His Hair
8. Lead Me Father
9. I Call Him
10. These Things Shall Pass
11. He'll Be A Friend
12. God Will
13. It Was Jesus