Cash And Friends Succeed On Wide-Ranging ‘Unchained’

Johnny Cash “Unchained” (American)

The second in a series of Johnny Cash albums produced by label head Rick Rubin is as brilliant and focused a work as their last collaboration, 1994’s “American Recordings.” In contrast to that record’s solo guitar arrangements, this time Cash enlisted several friends - Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Marty Stuart, Flea and others - to help him craft his vision of a modern country album. The material ranges from country standards like “Sea Of Heartbreak,” “The One Rose” and “I’ve Been Everywhere” to Petty’s “Southern Accents” to surprisingly effective interpretations of songs by modern rock icons Beck, Soundgarden and Spain to new and old originals by Cash. Any number of tracks offer airplay potential at Americana, college and adventurous country outlets, and the album’s first single, Soundgarden’s “Rusty Cage,” makes the Man in Black a contender for modern rock cult status. A man who found his muse two years ago and has been able to stay with it.

Luscious Jackson “Fever In Fever Out” (Grand Royal/Capitol)

Even ardent fans of New York alternative rock quartet Luscious Jackson were wary of the group’s decision to work with mega producer Daniel Lanois. Fortunately, the collaboration has yielded one of the year’s most transcendent albums - an irresistible mix of modern rock, hip-hop, lounge and forms of music that defy description. From the catchy, street-wise “Naked Eyes” and “Under Your Skin” to the sultry “Mood Swing” to the haunting, introspective ballad “Why Do I Lie” (featuring guest vocalist Emmylou Harris), “Fever In Fever Out” sparkles with creative brilliance and retro appeal. Any of the above tracks - plus equally appealing cuts like “Electric” and “Water Your Garden” - could score the group long-deserved airplay at college, triple-A, and modern rock radio. A new creative high from a group that broke barriers between rock and hip-hop, made vintage synthesizers hip again, and established an original blueprint for female rock groups.

Babyface “The Day” (Epic)

The prolific superstar artist/ producer’s latest collection is a set of pop/AC/R&B ballads virtually guaranteed to appeal to his wide base of fans across those formats and beyond. Tracks “Every Time I Close My Eyes,” “Talk To Me,” “I Said I Love You” and nostalgic ballad “Simple Days” are written, performed and produced with Babyface’s characteristic skill. Album features an impressive cast of guests, including Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton, Mariah Carey, LL Cool J, and Kenny G.

2Pac a.k.a. Makaveli “The Don Killuminati/The 7 Day Theory” (Death Row)

As tortured as its title, this posthumous release by 2Pac is a tired exercise in self-justification from an artist trapped by his rep and running out of ideas. Even its most transparently provocative track, a thinly melodramatic ode to a gun titled “Me And My Girlfriend,” jacks its melody from Stevie Wonder’s “Pastime Paradise.” With this release, the sad passing of the late gangsta rapper loses much of its pathos and simply seems pathetic.

Terri Clark “Just The Same” (Mercury)

Terri Clark’s sophomore outing shows her rapidly becoming the leader and role model for what might be termed the “country grrrl” audience - independent-minded young women who know what they want and take no guff from any guy. Songs like “Something In The Water” address such issues perfectly. Clark wrote or co-wrote eight of the 11 cuts here, and her sensibility shines through. She also writes lush ballads like “Keeper Of The Flame” and barroom anthems such as “Twang Thing” and “Neon Flame.” She has carved out a niche as a big-voiced, unafraid writer and singer.

Reba McEntire “What If It’s You” (MCA0

This is the first album recorded in Reba McEntire’s new Starstruck Studios in Nashville, and in many ways it’s both a departure and a return for her. Instead of Tony Brown, her usual producer, she turned to John Guess and herself for direction. She also decidedly returns to country, after last year’s album of pop covers, which confused and disappointed many fans. After 20 years in the business, though, she remains in control and sounds here very much like the Reba McEntire who galvanized the country world years ago and made it safe for spunky, independent female singers and producers. Since she doesn’t write, she’s always paid close attention to song selection, and the lineup here doesn’t disappoint. There isn’t a stronger set of country songs out there. Such writers as Robert Ellis Orrall, Cathy Majeski, Mark D. Sanders, Tim Nichols, and Trey Bruce deliver the groceries in a big way.

Michelle Shocked “Kind Hearted Woman” (Private)

Michelle Shocked’s first album since completing her masterful trilogy of American roots music in 1992 with “The Arkansas Traveler” is a comparatively stark album that brings to mind the creative soulsearching periods of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. The album is highly personal, often bleak, and not for the faint of heart. With characteristic forthrightness, she tackles such tough subjects as death, mourning, and the struggles of the working class, most touchingly on “Stillborn,” “Homestead,” “Cold Comfort” and “Winter Wheat.” A challenging album for both artist and listener, and one that sacrifices airplay in the name of artistic exploration. A transitional phase in the career of one of the industry’s most gifted singer/songwriters.