Johnny Cash And The Tennessee Three – One Piece At A Time

Johnny Cash And The Tennessee Three – One Piece At A Time

Released in 1976 on Columbia Records, One Piece At A Time finds Johnny Cash delivering a characteristically direct and engaging collection of country songs, stories and wry observations, backed by the unmistakable sound of the Tennessee Three. Drawing on traditional country, honky-tonk and Cash’s gift for storytelling, the album balances humour and social commentary with more reflective material.

The title track is the record’s best-known moment: a comic tale written by Wayne Kemp about a Detroit assembly-line worker who gradually puts together a car by taking individual parts from the factory. Its ingenious premise and memorable narrative made it one of Cash’s signature novelty songs, while its distinctly working-class perspective gives the humour an unmistakably Cash-like edge.

There is plenty more to enjoy beyond the hit. The opening “Let There Be Country” is a spirited declaration of musical allegiance, while “In A Young Girl's Mind” and “Mountain Lady” bring a more tender, melodic side to the collection. “Sold Out Of Flagpoles” and “Committed To Parkview” return to Cash’s knack for character-led songs, with the latter offering a more sombre look at life inside a mental institution. The album closes with the bluesy feel of “Go On Blues”.

Produced by Charlie Bragg and Don Davis, One Piece At A Time is an enjoyable mid-1970s Johnny Cash album that combines the humour, humanity and storytelling that made him such a distinctive figure in American country music. A strong choice for Johnny Cash fans, classic country listeners and collectors exploring his Columbia-era catalogue.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Let There Be Country (2:58)

2. One Piece At A Time (4:00)

3. In A Young Girl's Mind (3:09)

4. Mountain Lady (2:43)

5. Michigan City Howdy Do (2:26)

Side B

1. Sold Out Of Flagpoles (2:45)

2. Committed To Parkview (3:14)

3. Daughter Of A Railroad Man (3:12)

4. Love Has Lost Again (2:24)

5. Go On Blues (2:23)