Album Review: Johnny Cash, "American V: A Hundred Highways" (American/Lost Highway)

"American V: A Hundred Highways" serves as proof that some things never change. In this case, what remains the same as it ever was is that Cash is king.

Recorded in the months immediately before his death in September 2003, overseen once again by uber-producer Rick Rubin, this fifth volume in the landmark "American" series is stunningly great. It's greatness shouldn't be stunning, given that every release in this series has been excellent, but once again the pairing of Cash and Rubin is able to surpass even lofty expectations.

What's really remarkable about the disc is its frailty. Cash, who for years came across like the toughest dude on the planet, sounds like a broken man, nursing a broken heart, as he cradles such sparse beauties as "A Legend in My Time" and "Four Strong Winds." It's amazing to hear his very raw, wounded version of "If You Could Read My Mind," which sounds nothing like the lush hit originally done by Gordon Lightfoot.

Cash does a great job with all of the cover material, which includes renditions of songs written by Bruce Springsteen and Hank Williams. He also gracefully handles a pair of originals: the oldie "I Came to Believe" and the new tune "Like the 309." It's the latter that will really interest Cash aficionados; "Like the 309" is the last song that he wrote and recorded.

The singer was very prolific during his final months and Rubin has said that there's enough material for another record. Look for "American VI" to hit stores in 2007.