Almost three years after the death of The Man In Black, on the auspicious date of July 4, 2006, the fifth (actually sixth, if you include Unearthed) album in the justly acclaimed Johnny Cash American Recordings series was released (and it's apparently not the last one, either.)

It is certainly the mellowest of these records, with perhaps the least surprising track listing, and it boasts no "pop crossover" guest appearances. It also delivers a heavier dose of old time religion than the others did (except, of course, My Mother's Hymn Book in the Unearthed box set.)

But American V: A Hundred Highways is essential listening for all Johnny Cash fans, whatever you may have coming to you "when the man comes around." And it's a very fine album, in its own understated, elegant, twilight way.

It's no secret that Rick Rubin's production on American V was completed years after Cash's vocals were recorded, but this is a seamless, natural mix with no traces of posthumous studio trickery. Mostly, there's a warm, genial, campfire glow to the proceedings, with predominantly unobtrusive acoustic instrumental backdrops behind the sometimes wavering but always awe-inspiring Voice of Cash.

The only touch of menace can be sensed on "God's Gonna Cut You Down," which is the one time Rubin gets a little more adventurous with his production (to great effect, actually.) Otherwise there is a gentle, almost folky vibe throughout that perfectly complements these heartfelt songs.

Sometimes things even arguably get mushy to the point of squeamishness, as in Gordon Lightfoot's Muzak standard "If You Could Read My Mind" and the awkward pop poetry of Rod McKuen's "Love's Been Good To Me" (which Sinatra couldn't sing convincingly, either.)

Overall, though, American V respectfully and lovingly completes and realizes the last artistic statement of a legend. Listening to this album, it's hard to believe that Johnny Cash isn't still among us, still singing, still recording. Thanks to Rick Rubin, in a way he still is.