Classic Album Review-Johnny Cash “Orange Blossom Special”

Today, we take a look back at one of Johnny Cash’s classics. “Orange Blossom Special” was a 1965 release for Johnny that explores his folk side, and does so quite well, I might add. The album would climb as high as number three on the charts, while yielding two top ten singles, the title cut and “It Ain’t Me, Babe”.

I’ve always liked the title cut, particularly Johnny’s version. A true classic, indeed. A big hit for Johnny, peaking at number three in 1965. I like the tempo, quick, but not breakneck as it usually is in most versions; Johnny’s vocals are peak, and let’s not forget Boots Randolph’s sax playing. It’s also worth noting the back of the original album includes a story of Cash’s first meeting with the song’s composer, Ervin Rouse.

For the third time in the past week or so, we have an album that features “The Long Black Veil”. Again, while Lefty Frizzell has the definitive version, I am really liking Johnny’s version. It’s very different than Frizzell’s, but still retains that haunting sound that is necessary to make this song work.

Johnny Cash was an early supporter of Bob Dylan, in fact, I’ve heard that when Columbia considered dropping Dylan from the label due to poor sales, Cash threatened to leave the label, if they did. One of Dylan’s early songwriting successes was Cash’s version of “It Ain’t Me, Babe”. It’s funny, I used to not really care for this recording, however, as I’ve aged, the track has grown on me. It was a top five hit for Cash, and I think what I like is just how Cash’s vocals seem a perfect fit for the track.

Johnny Cash and prison songs go hand-in-hand, and a Johnny cash album that doesn’t include at least one, would seem incomplete. “The Wall” is the tale of a convict tormented by his crimes and a letter from his woman. He’ll try to climb “The Wall”, but he won’t make it. It’s a creepy, haunting track in the vocal chords of Johnny Cash, perfect for this track.

Johnny gives us some more taste of folk with his version of the Bob Dylan penned “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”, which had been a hit for Peter, Paul, & Mary. I actually think I like Johnny’s version, better. Good track.

Side one ends with “You Wild Colorado”, a track where he compares the features of the Colorado River to his wayward woman. Not a bad track. Just Johnny and a guitar really gives this song the perfect sound.

Side two begins with “Mama You Been On My Mind”. This is another very folk-influenced track. The harmonica of Charlie McCoy, as it is throughout the album, is featured prominently on this track, as is the sax of Boots Randolph. This is an okay track. Nothing particularly special. One can’t help notice, though, the similarity of the riffs played by Charlie McCoy, to the one he plays on “It Ain’t Me, Babe”.

Johnny covers a hit of Johnny Horton, next, “When It’s Springtime In Alaska (It’s Forty Below)”. With the help of June Carter, Johnny gives us a pretty decent version of this classic. Minimal background music really is what makes this track, as it puts Cash’s vocals squarely in the spotlight.

“All Of God’s Children Ain’t Free” is a thought-provoking tune from the pen of Johnny Cash. One might consider it a precursor to his later hit “Man In Black”; very similar in lyrical content and almost as good.

Next, Johnny gives us his take on the oft-recorded classic “Danny Boy”. In addition to the song, he also gives us a story that may be the background behind the song. Unlike most versions of this song that utilize big orchestras, lush arrangements, and large background vocal groups, Johnny does it in a very stripped down fashion, just him and a guitar, and it gives an almost over-recorded song a completely fresh twist. I’ll go as far as to say this is the best version of “Danny Boy”.

Of course, “Wildwood Flower” is a classic from the early days of country music, made famous by A. P., Sara, and Maybelle (Johnny’s future mother-in-law) Carter. As prominently as the Carters are featured throughout the disc, one is surprised they weren’t given more of spotlight on this track that is so much a part of their family history. Nevertheless, a good variation of an old classic.

Just as prison songs are an integral part of Johnny Cash, so are gospel songs, and here, Johnny doesn’t disappoint with his version of “Amen”. This one should get you up and going. A truly grand way to end a very good Johnny Cash album.

As for availability, no surprise that you’ll have no problems finding this classic. If you want a classic vinyl copy, you’ll find it pretty easily. And if you prefer digital, it is currently available as both a CD and MP3 download.

The album’s Standout Track? I think the title cut, “Orange Blossom Special” is the obvious choice, here. As for the album’s Hidden Gem, I’ll pick “The Long Black Veil”, though “Danny Boy” and “Amen” deserve strong consideration. As for the Weakest Track, I would give that to “Mama You Been On My Mind”. It’s not a bad track, actually, but just wasn’t quite as good as the rest of the album.

This album is a Johnny Cash classic, where he puts much emphasis on folk music, and does so very well, I might add. His vocals were perfect for folk-styled music. I rate this a 4.5 out of 5. Any thoughts?

By the way, we are not done with folk-country, as tomorrow, we’ll see how Eddy Arnold did with folk music.