American IV: The Man Comes Around was recorded at SoundEmporium Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, primarily in 2002 and early 2003. Producer Rick Rubin oversaw the sessions with engineer David Ferguson, continuing their collaborative approach from previous American Recordings albums. The production featured sparse arrangements that showcased Cash's weathered voice and acoustic guitar, often utilizing live or near-live recording techniques to capture authentic performances. Cash, then in his early seventies and dealing with various health issues, recorded many vocals in intimate single-take sessions that emphasized emotional delivery over technical perfection. The album notably included Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt," which became one of his most acclaimed late-career recordings and was accompanied by an iconic music video directed by Mark Romanek.
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American Recordings — 440 063 336-1 · Lost Highway — 440 063 336-1
Original US vinyl pressing is well-regarded among collectors for its warm analog presentation of Rick Rubin's sparse production, though pressing quality consistency has been noted as variable.
2 releases share this master.
American Recordings — 440 063 339-2 · BMG Direct Marketing, Inc. — D145851
American Recordings — 063 339-2
American Recordings — 0060253727735
American Recordings — 170 368-2 · Lost Highway — 170 368-2
American Recordings — 077 356-2
American Recordings — 88697 80374 2
American Recordings — 440770830
American Recordings — 440 077 083-0