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MUSIC FEATURE

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Jimmy Barnes releases his 21st solo album – and the Aussie legend remains as DEFIANT as ever. Words Jeff Jenkins

That said, a big theme of the album appears to be change and personal growth. You sing, “ I’m a new man now… Now it’s high time I paid for the sinnin’… I’m older now and wiser… I’m a better man than I was back then .” How are you different to the man who released For the Working Class Man ? I was running away from my life back when I was recording those early records. Time and trauma had just about run me down, until I stopped and turned to face it all. These days I am taking life head on, and I feel much stronger for it. You’ve had a long-term relationship with producer Kevin Shirley. How does he bring out the best in you? Kevin is one of the few people I know who is pushier than me. He wants to work hard all the time. He has amazing ears. He can hear what is needed in a song and he is not shy about telling you what it is. I love working with him. He is a great engineer and an even better friend. Beyond the River Bend is a beautiful song. Have you got one person in mind when you’re singing it? Like most of my songs, I sing this for

If you were making a 21st speech celebrating your solo career, what would you say? “So great to see so many old friends here to celebrate my 21st with me. I used to be a little reckless when I was a young recording artist, but as I’ve gotten older, I like to think that I am getting a little wiser. In saying that, it doesn’t mean that I am slowing down at all. So, charge your glasses, turn up the stereo, and strap yourselves in and let the party begin.” Defiant is a great word. And the perfect description of your career, that you’ve always done things your own way. Did you kick around other titles for this album? My album was always going to be called DEFIANT . I was defying the doctors who told me to put my feet up and take it easy for a while. I was defying my record company who told me to think carefully and not to rush into anything. I was defying my manager who told me I didn’t need to make a record this year, and I was defying my producer who was so

busy he was struggling to find time to work on anything for me this year. Luckily, he’s as defiant as me. In New Day , you sing: “ My foot is off the gas, it’s time to take my time .” But we

No one has had more number one albums in Australia than Barnesy. He’s had 21 chart-toppers – 15 solo, and six with Cold Chisel. CHART FACT

Photo credit: Jesse Lizotte

That’s WhatYou Do for Love is a killer opener. It sounds fresh and alive – it could

Jane. The love of my life. I am a very lucky man to have someone so precious in my life and she inspires me every day.

easily have been on For the Working Class Man , which turns 40 this year. That song features Jonathan Cain on piano – the same guy who wrote Working Class Man and co-wrote the Freight Train Heart album with me. It feels like I have gone full circle to be working with him again. It’s good.

don’t believe it for a moment! I am hyperactive, so this is me taking my time. A Cold Chisel tour, two

DEFIANT by Jimmy Barnes

television specials, a solo record, and two tours of my own. You should see me when I put my foot down.

is out Jun 6 via Mushroom

40 JUNE 2025

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