With the steady churn of the Tennessee Two behind him, Cash introduced his unmistakable pared-down sound with these 18 late-1950s tracks. Cash"s stark lyrics and dark baritone find sympathetic support from Luther Perkins" bare-boned twang and his own persistent strumming. "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hey Porter," and "Big River" show Cash"s ability to build vivid imagery with simple lyrics. "I Walk the Line" and "Give My Love to Rose" exemplify his direct emotional appeal. Though his work and his sound remained consistent throughout his career, this compilation is the one to get if you want a one-disc introduction. It serves as both a collection of hits and an ideal demonstration of his minimalist style. --Marc Greilsamer