When an album is released posthumously, particularly that of a legendary musician, it becomes a bit of a challenge for fans. Is this one last attempt to make money off the artist or is it songs they would have wanted released? John Carter Cash, son of influential country musician Johnny Cash, discovered and released “Out Among the Stars” March 25, which includes complete songs and features his wife June Carter Cashand Waylon Jennings.

Being that this was OK’d by his son, it’s a project that is a bit easier to accept. The album debuted number three in the Billboard 200 charts, a credit to his strong fan base and the standing he had in the music world.

The album has the feel that his older work had as it was recorded in the 1980s. Songs such as “Baby Ride Easy,” a duet with June Carter, draws fans back in time. The subject being the couple imagining themselves in the White House, amongst other occupations, will certainly have fans reminiscing on the incredible careers of the two. With smooth lyrics and classic Johnny Cash guitar playing, it brings out the best in them.

“Tennessee” does a good job of describing the pride Cash had for the place he spent a large part of his career and life. While it may not become the states “Sweet Home Alabama” or “California Love,” it is a nice shout out for the state where his singing career began. He describes life in “The Volunteer State” with vivid detail. The album doesn’t have as much of the dark tones that “The Man Comes Around” or “Johnny Cash VI.” It is not an album of reflection that those were, but rather tunes that Cash and friends churned out in their primes which makes it come off as a celebration of his career.

“She Used to Love Me a Lot” does however have melancholy tone that gave a glance towards the artist’s future music. As always, he gives a heartfelt but confident note to the song that can bring emotion out of anyone. With Cash’s aged but tender vocals, the song shows his romantic side or at least as much one can expect from the “man in black.”

The album features a remix edition of this song by Elvis Costello with a more rock sound. It widens the audience for the album if the household name isn’t enough to get spin out of music listeners.

Common themes in the album include lost loves, current relationships and outlaws. The lyrics are nothing less than what you’d expect from someone who made his name by being rebellious. The gem of the album might be the track that shares the album’s name, a cover of Adam Mitchell’s country classic. Cash’s ability to cover a song and make it his own is on display as he tells the tale of criminals in Texas with his distinct voice.

The instrumentals are dated but that only gives listeners a nostalgic feel. Overall, this album does Johnny Cash’s legacy justice and gives fans something new to add to their music collection. It may not make a greatest hits compilation but fans eager to hear more from Cash will certainly cherish these new songs. It also isn’t breaking the mold from previous Cash albums which in the end may be exactly what fans missing the country music legend want.