Song review: Johnny Cash - Well Alright

“Well Alright” by Johnny Cash has been described as a jovial and lightweight song, a departure from the darker, moodier recordings he is often known for. It was rescued from Cash’s low ebb in the early 1990s and is part of a posthumous album titled ‘Songwriter’, which features previously unreleased demos from 1931.

The song tells a charming and flirtatious tale of a romantic encounter at a laundromat, with lines like "I opened up the dryer and I set it on soft and light / She said ‘be careful with my silk and lace’ and I said ‘well alright’". The track is adorned with twanging reverb-heavy electric guitar, upright bass, and Cash’s signature boom-chicka-boom rhythm.

Critics have noted that while the song is enjoyable and does not deserve to languish in obscurity, it likely wouldn’t have had the same impact or success if released during the early '90s without the influence of producer Rick Rubin, who later helped revitalize Cash’s career. The song is a testament to Cash’s enduring legacy and the treasures that can still be found in his extensive body of work, even after his passing. It’s a delightful addition for fans and a reminder of Cash’s versatility as an artist