Gospel Collection
At Sun Records, Sam Phillips didn't allow the Man in Black to record his beloved gospel songs, so when Johnny Cash moved over to Columbia he got down to the Lord's business rather quickly, recording two sacred records within his first three years at the new label. This 24-song collection combines 1959'sHymns by Johnny Cashand 1961'sHymns of the Heart, making it more cohesive and compelling than most of the other Cash gospel sets. Cash adds a few originals to a variety of older well-known and obscure gospel songs. Along the way, the steady churn of the Tennessee Two is embellished by piano and vocal chorus, but it's Cash's own solemn and earnest readings that truly make this collection an essential entry into his catalog.--Marc Greilsamer