Johnny Cash first teamed with mega-producer Rick Rubin in 1994 to release “American Recordings”, and they continued to work together until Cash’s 2003 death.  The sixth record of this collection, “American VI : Ain’t No Grave,” released this week features the final recordings the Man in Black made before his death.

Like the other recordings in the American series, Rubin adds a spare, stripped down production to some top notch material furthering Cash’s status as an American Icon.  The latest album features Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench in the studio, as well as help from the Avett Brothers’ Seth and Scott on the title song.

The difference between this recording and the others in the series is that Cash knew he was dying, and pressed on, choosing to sing about it. “Johnny said that recording was his main reason for being alive.  I think it is the only thing that kept him going,” said producer Rick Rubin.  Recorded after the passing of his wife June Carter Cash earlier that year, Cash used the sessions to keep him going as he mourned the loss.

The record itself is strong, continuing the strong legacy of the American Recordings.  Like the other albums in the series it consists mainly of cover songs, but Cash’s big voice and Rubin’s fitting production make the songs very much their own.  “Ain’s No Grave” starts the album, setting a heavy and reflective tone with a chilling quality I haven’t heard since 2002′s “Hurt”.  The first half of the album continues to be very strong with a great version of Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times”, and a very fitting “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound”.  The album tails a bit after the strong start, but all in all has some very solid material.

While not a standout recording, it is a fitting close to the American Recordings collection, and a nice cherry on the top of a legendary career.