Any peeps from Australia and New Zealand will be more than familiar with the voice of Jimmy Barnes, as Cold Chisel were heroes down under. Of his solo albums, this is his best effort and he is joined by an amazing bunch of muso’s to help him along. The record company gave Jimmy the big push with this one. Mike Stone produced most of the record however, Desmond Child did his thing on two tracks. Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Randy Jackson, Huey Lewis, and Joe Lynn Turner all appear, so no expense was spared.
I’m not sure if anybody has ever called Jimmy Barnes smooth, but this record is a very slick and smooth sounding record with a killer blues tone to the proceedings. There is not a bad moment on the whole record if we are being honest, but as usual it’s the more up tempo rockin’ tracks that do it for me and Lessons In Love is one of the best melodic rock tracks you will ever hear. Not only does Jimmy sing his ass off but Neal Schon lays down the perfect guitar accompaniment and has you wishing they had held back on the fade out.
So many good songs on one record should be a criminal offence, and why Barnes never reached mega status is a massive head scratcher for me. Every wannabe vocalist should listen to this to see how it’s done. Great record.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
