10. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face Johnny Cash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdSIlVZhsDw This song has to be here, because the words read like a poem that nail the milestone moments in love, starting with the words, "The first time ever I saw your face, I thought the sun rose in your eyes, and the moon and stars were the gifts you gave." which peerlessly captures the first rush of love. But the story goes further - centred on three crucial moments in any love affair, the first time you see each other, kiss and spend the night together. Many artists have recorded stunning versions of this song, not least Roberta Flack, whose version is incredibly fragile and heartfelt, but Johnny Cash gets the nod, because the way he delivers it sounds so defiant and love struck at the same time. Taken from the last album released in his lifetime, this was overshadowed by his version of 'Hurt' by Nine Inch Nails from the same record, and as wonderful as that is, for my money 'First Time' eclipses it. It's warmer, more heartfelt and more powerful as a result. It's so devout it sounds like a hymn. His version is a beautiful tribute and celebration to his muse and the love of his life, his wife June Carter, and there's a pathos in the fact that she died less than six months after this was released, with Cash himself passing away shortly after.
Ed Nash
Contributor
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash
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