The Man in Black shows hints of gray on
American III: Solitary Man
, his first studio album since being interrupted by a series of serious illnesses in 1997. While the inevitability of aging has been the downfall of many of his contemporaries,
Johnny Cash
's dark convictions and powerful presence have gone from rough hardwood to solid stone. The stark beauty of his 1994 release
American Recordings
and the warm, friendly collaborations on 1996's
Unchained
combine to create two distinct moods: one of living-room jam sessions with invited friends, and another of stark solo (and near-solo) songs highlighting
Cash
's years and stories. Partnering once again with
Tom Petty
, the two join together on
Petty
's own
"I Won't Back Down"
and the
Neil Diamond
-penned title track.
also lays his lonesome hands on
U2
's
"One"
and reunites with fellow outlaw
Merle Haggard
on the stubborn
"I'm Leavin' Now."
These duets and well-known covers show an inviting side of
. But the real highlights of the album are those reminiscent of his
songs; they feature just the man and his guitar, with nothing else to clutter the story. The creaks and despair of the vaudeville song
"Nobody"
tell of a man who has become hardened by his solitude, while the
Palace
hymn
"I See a Darkness"
soars with the passion of a thousand gospel choirs, even though there are only two men singing. Although at times it is difficult to hear past
's growl or
Sheryl Crow
's young harmonies in the more popular songs
covers, these obscure prison songs and country ballads sound as honest and heartfelt as his own compositions. At age 68, his warm baritone may waver but his passion never does. ~ Zac Johnson