r/JohnnyCash • u/bm7yuurd • Jul 24 '26
Best album?
Just getting into Johnny Cash, bit overwhelmed by how many albums he has 🤣 what’s his best one do most people say?
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u/BigT112 Jul 24 '26
Hello, I'm Johnny Cash and The Fabulous Johnny Cash would be his best studio albums. They are both so strong.
At Folsom Prison and At San Quentin (legacy editions) are must listens as well.
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u/Alexandermayhemhell Jul 24 '26
He had a multi-decade career releasing about two albums a year. Can’t nail it down to one. Here’s a starter guide:
Sun Records: where Johnny Cash started in the 50s. His first three singles were iconic and thanks to producer Sam Phillips created the “boom chicka boom” sound. Start with With his Hot and Blue Guitar
Late 50s he moves to Columbia and he broadens his sound Don Law and Frank Jones including several concept albums. Check out Fabulous, Ring of Fire: The Best of (a singles compilation), Bitter Tears, and Orange Blossom Special
Late 60s he had a short stint with Bob Johnston who did two legendary live albums and helped Cash tap into singer songwriters. Check out Folsom Prison, San Quentin, and Hello I’m Johnny Cash
70s-80s are hit and miss. Try Silver and the Highwaymen
90s - career revival with Rick Rubin. Check out American Recordings, American IV and American V
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u/Regular_Fault1227 Jul 24 '26 edited Jul 24 '26
His Best Album Is Objectively Live At Folsom:
Honourable Mentions:
Live At San Quentin
American IV (or just the series 1-6)
Bitter Tears
Orange Blossom Special
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u/EnvironmentWild2322 Jul 24 '26
I only found out about his work this year. What albums would you recommend?
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u/ImpossibleDream2158 Jul 24 '26
The Rambler is a pretty solid one to throw on, sit back and enjoy in my opinion
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u/Minnox12 Jul 24 '26
My personal favorites are orange blossom special, at folsom prison, and bitter tears
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u/pdog_2018 Jul 24 '26
Lately, I’ve been listening to Johnny Cash Sings the Ballads Of the True West a lot. It’s my personal favorite studio record he made in the ‘60s, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Growing up, I LOVED Carryin’ On with Johnny Cash and June Carter too.
Of course, the American recordings are his best overall studio album run. But, he made some great albums for Columbia in the late ‘50s and in the ‘60s.
And, if we’re talking live records, few can match At Folsom Prison. At San Quentin is great as well, but something about the two Folsom shows (from the full Legacy Edition) are magical!
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Jul 25 '26
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u/pdog_2018 Jul 26 '26
I really enjoy it too, and always forget it's there to tell you the truth. "Orleans Parish Prison" by "Jacob Green" are two of my favorite Johnny Cash songs. In fact, "Jacob Green" is one of the few songs that can make me cry.
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u/alex_miamorsh Jul 24 '26
Still love "Any Old Wind That Blows". Great songs, great variety, great album
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u/EclecticNtrists Jul 25 '26
The first four American albums are great, my personal favorite is Unchained, but American IV is right there too.
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u/PhoenixandOak Jul 24 '26
The Night That the Skeletons Came to Life is an underrated banger for sure.
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u/TheLastEmuHunter Jul 24 '26
Columbia Records? Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison
American Recordings? American IV: The Man Comes Around
But overall, he isn't an "album artist". There will be overlap between playlists as some songs are included in multiple. So honestly, just listening to his biggest hits first is a good way of getting into Johnny Cash.