The mere thought of Joaquin Phoenix doing Johnny Cash [ tickets ] songs might send many old-school country fans scurrying for earplugs. Yet, even the biggest cynic would have to say that the actor doesn't embarrass himself--or, more importantly, Cash--on this soundtrack.

In some cases, as unlikely as this may sound to purists, Phoenix actually rises to the occasion and turns out very listenable versions of "Man in Black" classics. Included in that batch, one could argue, is the actor's renditions of "Get Rhythm" and "Ring of Fire."

The time period captured in the "Walk the Line" film extends from Cash's childhood to the release of the legendary live recording "At Folsom Prison" in 1968. Cash recorded his most accessible music during this period--works that have since been covered by everyone from Social Distortion to the Grateful Dead--and it would take a far worse singer than Joaquin Phoenix to completely screw up the likes of "Cry Cry Cry" and "Folsom Prison Blues."

The other actors/musicians featured on this soundtrack, including Reese Witherspoon in the role of June Carter and Waylon Malloy Payne as Jerry Lee Lewis [ tickets ], also receive passing grades for their efforts. Ironically, the best track to be found on this Cash-centric collection is the old Waylon Jennings [ tickets ]' favorite "I'm a Long Way from Home." Fittingly, that Hank Cochran-penned song is handled by Waylon's own son, Shooter Jennings [ tickets ].