Jimmy Barnes is somewhat of a legend. Yeah, I know that term has been overused to describe musicians, actors, athletes, etc for years. But the Scottish born, Australia raised Barnes has reached that status on his own, due to his body of work over the last 30 or so years, from singing for the band Cold Chisel in the mid seventies to early eighties, and his solo career that followed. Barnes signature whiskey drinking, hard as nails voice, made him a superstar in Australia, and throughout Europe, but not so much in America. You have heard him if you are an avid rock music listener, as he had a few radio hits in the 80’s, his voice is that recognizable, and I’m happy to say is still very much intact. As a long time fan of his, I was pleased when I was presented a copy of Hindsight, which is a look back on some of his favorite material remade with a guest list of musicians including Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, Steven Van Zandt, guitarist Joe Bonamassa, as well as the soulful vocals from his daughter Mahalia Barnes.
The album kicks into gear immediately with “Lay Down Your Guns” featuring the Australian band The Living End. It’s a great bluesy groove that spotlights Barnes voice at his finest, as the band chugs out a shuffle beat. ‘Time Will Tell” featuring The Baby Animals backing Barnes, goes into a completely different direction, starting off with a drum beat reminiscent of Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks” that could easily be a hit on modern rock radio, as far as I’m concerned. I really enjoyed “Ride The Night Away,” which is a Steve Jordan penned tune and features the talents of “Little Steven” Van Zandt on guitar as well as a cool horn section and background vocals from Barnes’ daughters Mahalia and Elly May, and outstanding drumming from his son Jackie Barnes. Speaking of Mahalia Barnes, her duet with her dad on “Stand Up” is outstanding. She sounds like Tina Turner, and compliments her dad’s screeching vocals perfectly.
A big highlight for me is a re-working of “Working Class Man,” probably his biggest American hit, which I remember from the soundtrack of the movie Gung Ho in the mid 80s. This features the talents of pianist Jonathan Cain, as well some very nice lead guitar from Ian Moss. Just a great song, and delivered in its original key, a fine accomplishment by Barnes, considering that it’s been 30 years since it was first released as a single. “I’d Rather Be Blind” is straight ahead rocker and has Barnes dueting with singer Jon Stevens, currently the singer for Dead Daisies, and who sang with Australian band INXS after the death of their singer Michael Hutchence. This could easily be a lead-off track on any rock record but this release is literally filled with them. This is a terrific recording. Jimmy Barnes’ voice has incredibly stood the test of time, and fortunately for us, the listener, every track has something special. There is also a “Deluxe Edition” of Hindsight available that features a bonus disc and DVD. If you like hard-edged vocals with a terrific group of musicians behind it, along with a wealth of well crafted songs, this is the CD for you!
~ Junkman
