Unchained
Unchained gives Johnny Cash a fuller band sound without abandoning the directness of his singing. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers provide much of the instrumental support, bringing a confident mixture of country, folk and rock to the songs. The wider palette creates some excellent performances, although it occasionally reduces the intensity that a simpler setting can bring to Cash's voice.
Rowboat makes the fuller approach immediately appealing. Acoustic and electric guitars give the Beck song a varied country-rock setting, while Cash keeps the delivery plain and melancholy. Sea of Heartbreak moves into a brighter mood, with Petty's harmonies adding warmth to the chorus.
Rusty Cage is the clearest change of shape. Cash follows the acoustic riff through the opening verses before the arrangement moves into a stronger rock passage. The transition makes the Soundgarden song feel different without losing its darker character.
The older country material fits naturally too. Country Boy and Mean Eyed Cat gain fresh energy from their return here, while Southern Accents receives a particularly dignified vocal performance. The variety feels useful when it brings out another aspect of Cash's delivery instead of merely showing how widely the song selection reaches.
Meet Me in Heaven pairs acoustic and softly picked electric guitar with clear keyboards. The title track takes a gentler approach, adding a string-like keyboard sound to its acoustic setting.
Not every choice is equally persuasive. Spiritual becomes a little drawn out, and some of the fuller performances feel less personally absorbing than the strongest moments. The band play with care, but excellent support cannot make every song an ideal match for the singer.
I've Been Everywhere provides an energetic finish. The quick stream of place names and lively rhythm give Cash an opportunity to show a more playful side. Unchained is rewarding for that range, moving between thoughtful ballads and brighter performances with a convincing band behind them. Its occasional loss of intimacy keeps it slightly below its most effective passages.
