"Seven Year Ache" by Rosanne Cash

Song#:  0575
Date:  04/25/1981
Debut:  89
Peak:  22
Weeks:  20
Genre:  Country Crossover



Pop Bits:  As the eldest daughter of music legend Johnny Cash, it had to be difficult to make the choice to go into the family business as there would be a lot to live up to. But before Cash even put out her first LP, she had already been on tour with her dad singing background and doing some lead vocals. Her second LP got her on the map with three Top 30 country songs, but it was her third release "Seven Year Ache" that made her a legit star. This title-track single became one of three #1 country songs from the album and it even crossed over onto the pop chart. The LP was also #1 country and went gold. Eventually, Cash would get 11 #1 country songs and a second #1 gold album and a Grammy for Best Country Performance, Female in 1986. Although the hits stopped coming when she moved towards a contemporary folk sound with 1990's deeply personal "Interiors," her successive albums have garnered critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. This would be her only pop chart entry.

ReduxReview:  I remember liking this song back in the day but didn't really think much of Cash until her excellent LP "King's Record Shop" in 1987. And then "Interiors" bowled me over. I've been hooked ever since. She's an excellent songwriter (she wrote this single) and I think her voice is sadly beautiful. This was a solid single and still holds up very well.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Cash's first album was never issued in the US. Her self-titled debut was mostly recorded in Germany and released in Europe on Ariola Records. It got the attention of Columbia Records and her US debut "Right or Wrong" came out in 1979.  2) A few of the tracks on her debut album were done in Nashville and produced by Rodney Crowell. They continued their work together and ended up married in 1979. They divorced in 1992. Her tumultuous relationship with Crowell provided inspiration for her intimate "Interiors" album in 1990.

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