American IV: The Man Comes Around
by Johnny Cash
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Blender
    60
    His blunt, hauntingly direct performances open up new perspectives on a song. [#11, p.133]
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  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    Cover versions that once seemed inspired now feel somewhat obligatory.
  3. AllMusic
    50
    It is a relief to hear that although Cash's voice is clearly older and not the booming powerhouse it was in the earlier Sun and Columbia days, he's still got some punch left in him.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Cash's voice has always had its limitations, and on "Danny Boy" and the Beatles' "In My Life," they're all too apparent.
  6. The A.V. Club
    40
    His song selection has rarely made less sense.
  7. Q Magazine
    40
    The only top notch effort is the title track--Cash's first composition for years and among the best he's ever written. [Jan 2003, p.114]
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Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Most Discussed Album of 2002
25
#25 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 45
  3. Negative: 3 out of 45
  1. mclarge
    Sep 6, 2022
    10
    Every song hits the mark, it feels like Cash is singing some songs he's been singing his whole life, some songs he's singing for the firstEvery song hits the mark, it feels like Cash is singing some songs he's been singing his whole life, some songs he's singing for the first time, and some songs he hasn't sung in over 40 years.… Full Review »
  2. Radoniel
    Aug 16, 2021
    10
    In this last "in his lifetime" album, Johnny Cash delivers one of his best performances. The old, rusty voice is a gift that keeps on givingIn this last "in his lifetime" album, Johnny Cash delivers one of his best performances. The old, rusty voice is a gift that keeps on giving throughout this experience of an album.
    A legacy that's worth its name.    … Full Review »
  3. brockcheese
    Feb 3, 2020
    7
    Very traditional Cash with a collection of cover that highlights his storytelling ability and displays his versatility in adapting other's work.
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