3 Albums That Were Swan Songs for These Late Music Legends

When it comes to musical icons, one could argue that their career never ends, as their legacy keeps their music in circulation far after their final release or tragic passing. That being so, the last albums of icons are incredibly important, as they, in a sense, are goodbyes to the world they so heavily impacted.

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A fair share of musicians have “retired” from recording only to come back years later and release a new body of work. Some argue this is a regular PR tactic, though it also just might be a change of heart from the artist in question. Nevertheless, these three albums were the actual swan songs for these storied icons, as they recorded and released them before they passed away.

‘American IV: The Man Comes Around’ by Johnny Cash

On September 12, 2003, Johnny Cash passed away and left a legacy of invaluable importance. Roughly a year before his passing, Cash further bolstered his already sturdy legacy by releasing his final album, American IV: The Man Comes Around, on November 5, 2002.

Produced by Rick Rubin, the final Cash album tells the story of the storied figure’s life through allegory, yet a very vulnerable allegory at that. Through both covers and original songs, Cash celebrates his life, both the dismal and the joyful, in the most candid of ways. It is the perfect period to his life and career, and arguably the best closing album of all time.

‘Double Fantasy’ by John Lennon

John Lennon released his 1980 album, Double Fantasy, three weeks before he was assassinated outside the Dakota in New York, New York. While Lennon did not know this would be his last album, the effort in quality within it alludes to the fact that John Lennon treated every album as if it were his last.

Prior to the creation of this album, Lennon had not released an album since 1975. So, not only was this album his return to the music industry, but it was also his tragic and unexpected goodbye to the industry and to the world itself.

‘Hypnotic Eye’ by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Three years before his passing on October 2, 2017, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their final album, Hypnotic Eye, in 2014. Tom Petty was around the age of 63, though, despite his old age, the album’s sounds and sentiments suggest that his age was not limiting him.

The album consisted of the same youthfulness, vigor, and enthusiasm embedded in Petty’s early work. Consequently, upon its release, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Though, that is far from important in this context, as this would ultimately become the album that marked the end of Tom Petty’s living legacy and career.

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