Johnny Cash - Highwayman 2 (1990) | Album Review

Johnny Cash - Highwayman 2 (1990)

Johnny Cash – Highwayman 2 (1990): Complete Album Guide

Highwayman 2 is the second studio album by The Highwaymen — the legendary country supergroup made up of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson. Released in 1990 on Columbia Records, the album continued the group’s tradition of blending outlaw country with polished production and modern songwriting.

Building on the success of their 1985 debut Highwayman, the group returned with a more contemporary sound, updated production, and a mix of original songs and reinterpretations that highlighted each member’s unique voice and personality.

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📀 Album Overview

• Album Title: Highwayman 2

• Artist: The Highwaymen (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson)

• Release Year: 1990

• Label: Columbia Records

• Genre: Country, Outlaw Country

• Producer: Don Was

• Recorded: 1989–1990

• Length: Approximately 40 minutes

This album reflects the group’s evolution, incorporating late-1980s production while maintaining the storytelling spirit that defined their outlaw roots.

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🎵 Tracklist

1. Silver Stallion

2. Born and Raised in Black and White

3. Two Stories Wide

4. We’re All in Your Corner

5. American Remains

6. Big River

7. T.B. Blues

8. The Last Cowboy Song

9. City of New Orleans

10. On the Road Again

Each song features different combinations of lead vocals from the four members, offering variety and spotlighting their individual strengths.

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🎸 Album Credits & Personnel

Group Members:

• Johnny Cash – vocals, guitar

• Willie Nelson – vocals, guitar

• Waylon Jennings – vocals, bass

• Kris Kristofferson – vocals, guitar

Producer:

• Don Was

Musicians:

• Benmont Tench – keyboards

• Glen Worf – bass

• Paul Franklin – steel guitar

• Mike Lawler – keyboards

• Kenny Malone – drums

• Eddie Bayers – drums

• Mark O’Connor – fiddle

Backing Vocals:

• June Carter Cash

• Waylon Jennings Jr.

• Additional Nashville session vocalists

This modern production team helped shape the album’s polished, radio-friendly sound.

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🎉 Fun Facts & Trivia

🎤 Return of the Outlaws:
Highwayman 2 marked the group’s first reunion album after their hugely successful debut five years earlier.

🎵 Contemporary Production:
Produced by Don Was, the album features a more polished, late-1980s sound compared to the rawer feel of their first release.

🚂 Cash Classic Revisited:
The group re-recorded Johnny Cash’s signature song Big River, giving it a new group harmony arrangement.

🚌 Iconic Cover Songs:
City of New Orleans and On the Road Again are classic songs reinterpreted with the combined voices of all four legends.

🎸 Last Album Before Waylon’s Death:
This was the last Highwaymen album released during Waylon Jennings’ lifetime.

📀 Strong Fan Reception:
Though not as commercially massive as their debut, Highwayman 2 remains a fan favorite and an important chapter in the group’s legacy.

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