Johnny Cash

Unchained

First released1996

"Unchained" was recorded at Soundstage Studios in Los Angeles between 2011 and 2012, marking Johnny Cash's final studio album released in 2013. The album was produced by Rick Rubin, who had previously worked with Cash on his American Recordings series, continuing their collaborative relationship. The recording sessions featured a variety of guest artists including Chris Stapleton, Sheryl Crow, and Kacey Musgraves, with Rubin employing his characteristic sparse, intimate production style that emphasized vocal clarity and emotional directness. The album was engineered to capture live-feeling performances with minimal overdubbing, reflecting Rubin's philosophy of capturing authentic performances. "Unchained" showcased Cash's interpretations of covers alongside original material, released shortly before his death in September 2003 was a retrospective recognition, as the album actually came out in February 2013.