Unchained (also known as American II: Unchained) is the 82nd album by the American country musician Johnny Cash, the second in his American series produced by Rick Rubin. It was released on November 5, 1996, through Rubin's American Recordings label. In contrast to the minimalist first American album (1994), Cash is backed by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on Unchained. It received a Grammy for Best Country Album and Cash was nominated for Best Male Country Vocal Performance for his version of "Rusty Cage."