Reviewed by Dave Brassington

Anybody familiar with the Man In Black will know that he recorded a considerable number of gospel songs. On this good value 18-track compilation, we have an excellent selection ranging from some of Johnny's early tracks for the Memphis-based Sun Records from 1956 through to many of his '70s recordings for Columbia. The album starts very strongly with three of his old Sun tracks: "I Was There When It Happened", "Belshazzar" and one of my personal favourites "That's Enough". Over 50 years later, the stark sound of two guitars and a bass, allied to great songs powerfully sung still makes for a wonderful listening experience. We then move on to his Columbia recordings ranging from the very early "The Great Speckled Bird" to tracks he recorded in the mid '60s and '70s, many including various members of The Carter Family. One particular highlight must be his version of "Peace In The Valley" where you can hear the wonderful high voice of Anita Carter in the background, arguably one of the best female voices in any sort of music! Other standout tracks include the very catchy "He Turned The Water Into Wine" from his Gospel Road movie (still awaiting a DVD release!), "The Greatest Cowboy Of Them All" and the song that his great friend Carl Perkins wrote "Daddy Sang Bass" which gave Johnny Cash a no. 1 country hit in the early 70s. There are other Johnny Cash gospel CDs on the market, but this does represent tremendous value, having been released on the budget Camden label.

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