Unchained (Johnny Cash album)


Unchained is the 82nd album by the American country musician Johnny Cash, the second in his American series produced by Rick Rubin. It was released on November 5, 1996, through Rubin's American Recordings label. In contrast to the minimalist first American album, Cash is backed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Unchained. It received a Grammy for Best Country Album and Cash was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his version of "Rusty Cage."

Background

While Cash's first album produced by Rubin featured only his voice and guitar, Cash is backed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Unchained. There are guest appearances by country music veteran Marty Stuart ; Flea, on "Spiritual"; and by Lindsey Buckingham and Mick Fleetwood, both of Fleetwood Mac, on "Sea of Heartbreak".
Unchained focuses on cover songs written by other performers. In addition to three of Cash's own compositions, Unchained contained songs by Jude Johnstone, Tom Petty, Spain, Soundgarden, and Beck. The album also included a cover of the classic 1962 Hank Snow song, "I've Been Everywhere", written by Geoff Mack. From 2003 to 2009, Cash's version of "I've Been Everywhere" from this album Unchained has been used in several Choice Hotels commercials and has been the theme for these commercials. It was also used in a USPS commercial from 2021 to 2022. Cash's version of "I've Been Everywhere" has also been used as a soundtrack in Season 2 of the animated series The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy. According to biographer Robert Hilburn, Cash also recorded a cover version of Robert Palmer's "Addicted to Love" during the recording sessions for Unchained, but it was not released.
For Unchained Cash recorded new versions of two songs he'd recorded decades earlier. "Country Boy" was featured on his 1957 debut album Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!. He recorded "Mean Eyed Cat" the 1960 album Johnny Cash Sings Hank Williams.
The album was recorded over a six-month period with engineer Sylvia Massy at Sound City Studios.

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes.
;Production and technical staff