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American V: A Hundred Highways
by
American V: A Hundred Highways Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 29 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 30 Ratings

  • Summary: The fifth and final of Cash's sessions with producer Rick Rubin was recorded shortly before the singer's 2003 death. Included among two Cash originals are covers of songs by Bruce Springsteen, Hank Williams, and more.

Top Track

God's Gonna Cut You Down
You can run on for a long time Run on for a long time Run on for a long time Sooner or later God'll cut you down Sooner or later God'll cut you... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Virtually every song sounds like a leave-taking, though the overall mood is reflective and restrained, in places almost easy-going.
  2. Filter
    93
    A hefty team was assembled to do this right... and do it right they do. [#21, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Paste Magazine
    90
    From beginning to end, it's as heartwarming and heartbreaking an album as you're likely to hear this year. [Aug 2006, p.86]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. Spin
    80
    Though his delivery veers between strength and frailty, he's in full control. [Aug 2006, p.83]
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  5. Los Angeles Times
    75
    If the force-of-nature power of his prime is often missing, in its place is an undeniable resolve and faith in his mission. [25 Jun 2006]
  6. Blender
    70
    Some selections are heartwrenching... But others bear the stain of sentimentality, denial, even exploitation. [Jul 2006, p.98]
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  7. Under The Radar
    60
    Highways is a far cry from what made this now deceased legend eternal. [#14]
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See all 29 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. DanaH
    Jul 5, 2006
    10
    Mesmerizing... Rubin did a good job in terms of arrangement of the 12 selections. This album could have been too heavy for most listeners to Mesmerizing... Rubin did a good job in terms of arrangement of the 12 selections. This album could have been too heavy for most listeners to bear, but just when you think you can't bear it any more, Cash's salt n vinegar humor or (surprisingly) gentle reflectiveness helps us get through. The Man in Black rides out in style ( on the 309)...… Expand
  2. cryhardhumor
    Jul 24, 2015
    10
    As Cash's voice finally begins to fade away after a life of pain and misery and recently-redemption; he puts power and emotion into the wordsAs Cash's voice finally begins to fade away after a life of pain and misery and recently-redemption; he puts power and emotion into the words and crafts them perfectly against equally powerful and emotional instrumentals. The album tell a story of life; pain, joy, and longing..it's all here.… Expand
  4. NickM
    Jul 6, 2006
    10
    absolutly amazing, this cd is extremely emotional, and extremely well done, it is music at its finest.
  5. andewb
    Jul 17, 2006
    10
    As far as final words go, this is truly fitting. Not a hard hitting goodbye that overshadows any of his earlier works but a gentle whisper As far as final words go, this is truly fitting. Not a hard hitting goodbye that overshadows any of his earlier works but a gentle whisper that leaves you reflecting on a lifetime of artistic achievment… Expand
  6. ChadM
    Sep 1, 2006
    10
    This is a phenomanally haunting collection of songs. I actually think it is the best out of the 5 Americana albums. You can hear him This is a phenomanally haunting collection of songs. I actually think it is the best out of the 5 Americana albums. You can hear him struggling on quite a few songs which really puts where he was at the time of recording in perspective. This is as good as any album released so far this year.… Expand
  7. DecepticonPom
    Dec 13, 2006
    9
    Unlike most of what I normally listen to, but this sent chills through me from the first play. The truly stunning sound of a man accepting of Unlike most of what I normally listen to, but this sent chills through me from the first play. The truly stunning sound of a man accepting of his own death. The Man In Black would have loved this album if he heard it recorded by another artist.… Collapse
  8. PatH
    Jul 16, 2006
    7
    While his vocals are sad and longing, it does not compete with the first three but better than 4

See all 17 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

35
#35 Best Album of 2006

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