American III: Solitary Man Songs Ranked
American III: Solitary Man is a studio album by Johnny Cash. It was released on October 17, 2000, by American Recordings. It is the third album in Cash’s American series. Between American II: Unchained and American III: Solitary Man, Cash’s health declined due to various ailments, and he was even hospitalized for pneumonia, and the illness forced him to curtail his touring. This album contained Cash’s response to his illness, typified by a version of Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down”, as well as a version of U2’s “One”. Changes to Cash’s voice due to his health problems are noticeable on most tracks when compared to his most recent preceding albums. Graeme Thomson has characterized “Solitary Man” as an act of emotional preservation. Here are all of American III: Solitary Man songs ranked.
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10. Wayfaring Stranger
“The ominous closer, “Wayfaring Stranger,” however, hammers home the point that this legend indeed has just one life — something that, in his old age and state of health, could be taken from us at any time.
9. Mary of the Wild Moor
“Cash seems much more at home telling the tragic tale of “Mary of the Wild Moor,” his commanding voice adding emotional weight to the plight of a grief-stricken family.”
8. Before My Time
“Cash appears to be at peace with his own mortality. On “Before My Time” he sings: And there was some old song that said/I will love you before I die/Before my time. He knows that music will go on long after he leaves, and has no doubts what he contributed in between.”
See more: Johnny Cash Albums Ranked
7. Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)
“A harsh challenge to a lover makes up track number 8, “Would You Lay With Me”. This is a solo by Cash, it’s just him and his guitar. I enjoyed it very much, though I thought it didn’t really belong in the album.”
6. I See a Darkness
“The highlight however is ” I see a Darkness” in which Cash teams with the songs author Will Oldham to create a confession of despair and fear which somehow ends up being one of the most uplifting songs of recent memory.”
5. One
“When Cash covers modern artists he brings out a different patina within the song, one with hues of struggle and faith. I will never hear “One” by U2 with as much pleasure again, because I will simply pine for this version with Cash’s confident vocal and Benmont Tench’s bass notes on piano (sorry Bono).”
4. Solitary Man
“Then there’s the second track, Neil Diamond’s “Solitary Man.” I’m no Neil Diamond fan, but if I were him, I would give up singing and start writing songs for Johnny Cash. There can not be a better version of “Solitary Man” on this earth. The single guitar played with Johnny’s low voice is and will be unmatched. Most of the later tracks are not as well known as these two, but every track is very good and several are excellent. (I wish I could get a glimpse of Johnny Cash’s music collection; based on these selections, I’ld guess that he listens to a little bit of everything.)”
3. I Won’t Back Down
“Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down” Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers support on this one, and it’s a great song to show that Cash, even at age 68, still has the same power in his voice(back in the 50’s it was like a freight train, they used to say.”
2. That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)
“It’s a melancholy song about a family man trying to work for his family. This one has an atmosphere about it a really enjoy. It’s slow and and easy. Good song.”
1. The Mercy Seat
“Nick Cave’s “The Mercy Seat” is track number 7. If this was the only song in the whole album, it would still be worth every penny I paid for it. That’s how good this song is, it’s definitely my favorite of the whole CD.”
