Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Listening to this CD reissue package brought back fond memories of way back when I rushed out to buy the vinyl versions of 'The Fabulous Johnny Cash' (1959) and 'Songs Of The Soil' (1960). Johnny had left Sun Records on somewhat acrimonious terms from legendary owner/producer Sam Phillips over Sam's refusal to let Johnny record gospel music. Whilst neither of these original LPs are gospel albums, they do contain some powerful sacred material and it would not be long before Johnny got his wish when Columbia issued his first ever whole gospel album. 'The Fabulous . . .' opens with the lovely and tuneful "Run Softly, Blue River". I always enjoyed the train song "One More Ride", but "That's Enough" is one of the most powerful gospel songs I've ever heard and one that has been part of my spiritual life ever since I first heard it. "I Still Miss Someone" turned out to be a song that many other country artists would record over the years, but the big single taken from the album was "Don't Take Your Guns To Town". The album concludes with a very nice rendition of the Jimmie Davis gospel classic "Suppertime". The big song from 'Songs Of Our Soil' was the classic "Five Feet High And Rising" also included is Johnny's version of the classic Roy Acuff gospel hit from the late 30's, "The Great Speckled Bird". There are no end of catchy tunes on this album like "I Want To Go Home" "Old Apache Squaw" and "My Grandfather's Clock". This album concludes with the very moving spiritual tune "It Could Be You (Instead Of Him)". This is simply a bargain way to buy two timeless albums from one of the pioneers of American music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.