:: Jimmy Barnes - Double Happiness

Jimmy Barnes

Jimmy Barnes is a deserved icon in the Australian music industry and his place has been recognised with his upcoming induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame. In this album, Jimmy shows his versatility in reworking several old classics with some of his good friends in the Australian music scene. It is a 2-CD set of duets, and he pits his trademark roars and friendly growls alongside some talented singers. You may have already heard his duet with Melbourne band Dallas Crane, titled ‘Sit On My Knee’, which charted well. Jimmy’s children take their stage too. Mahalia Barnes, with a strong soulful voice puts much feeling into her music. She and her father sing ‘Gonna Take Some Time’. Elly May Barnes has her sweet vocals on the Jackson 5 hit ‘I’ll Be There’, and Eliza Jane Barnes joins her dad for ‘Settle For Me’. One of the really good acoustic tracks is ‘Same Woman’, and shows Jimmy’s son Jackie display his developing vocal talent too. Other names to combine with Jimmy include his brother John Swan (‘What Will They Say’), other son David Campbell (Wichita Lineman), and Tim Rogers (on the Rolling Stones-written hit ‘Out Of Time’). A couple of tracks to really listen out for are ‘Run’, where Jimmy combines with Mica Paris, and ‘Resurrection Shuffle’ with The Living End. They are superb renditions. There is plenty more to savour and Jimmy’s fans will love it. It is certainly an interesting collection of songs and great value for money.