Johnny Cash and his haunting version of Personal Jesus

Perhaps the most well known and almost universally acclaimed cover of any Depeche Mode song came via the legendary Johnny Cash.

His take on Personal Jesus is noteworthy for a number of reasons.

The recording, which formed part of the American Comes Around album of cover versions, was made just before his death in 2003.

(Cash’s version of the Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) ode Hurt is particularly poignant given his imminent passing).

Secondly, it’s an extremely good song in the old master’s hands.

And, perhaps most remarkably, it could quite feasibly have been a Cash-penned song from the 1950s or 1960s.

This is perhaps testament to Martin Gore’s ability to write and Depeche’s Midas Touch to produce a genre-specific piece of music.

9 thoughts on “Johnny Cash and his haunting version of Personal Jesus

  1. Kent says:

    Love this track, especially the piano. Can’t stop playing it! Cash is King!

    Reply
      1. Kevin says:

        good question! I have no idea 🙂 … Will dig about.

        Reply
    1. Pika Nai says:

      Could you please share the sheet music for the piano part with me. I can’t find it anywhere.

      Reply
  2. Kent says:

    The honesty and simplicity of this song tugs at my heart every time I listen to it.

    Reply
  3. James says:

    This version of Personal Jesus I understand, was arranged by John Frusciantie (a huge DM fan, like me) and presented to Rick Rubin/Johnny Cash. Mr Cash has always loved the song and did remark, “I wish I’d written this song” Martin would have been so chuffed to hear that not to mention the fact his song was about to be recorded by his idol. Yes, a great song and fantastic cover.

    Reply

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