Review by Markus Hamence, Friday 15 August 2025
Swanee’s Comeback Is a Family Affair
August 1, 2025 – that’s the day Believe hit the world, but only in physical form. No streaming, no algorithm – just pure old‑school love for music in hand‑held form (CDs and glammed‑up coloured vinyl). No mistake, Swanee is back and kicking serious goals with this heartfelt gem.
This double album isn’t just any release – it’s a tapestry of duets, woven with family, friends, fellow Aussie legends, and heartfelt intention. Of the 16 tracks, 15 celebrate collaboration – only one is a solo (and for good reason), though even that track is drenched in legacy and emotional weight.
The All‑Star Lineup
- Family first: Swanee duets with his brothers Jimmy and Alan Barnes – on Brother of Mine, they’re finally on record together as a trio. His niece Mahalia Barnes joins on People Get Ready, and his brother‑in‑law Diesel co‑writes and duets on the original Where Is My Soul.
- Friends and legends: Jon Stevens, Melinda Schneider, Colin Hay, Joe Camilleri, Wendy Matthews, Russell Morris, Rick Springfield, Dave Gleeson, Jack Jones, Ian Moss, Kevin Borich – and more – lend their voices and talents.
Songs reach across genres – from R&B standards like Cry to Me, soulful renditions like Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City, to folk‑tinged beauties like Caledonia, Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right, and even a stirring country‑rock groove in There Is a Road.
A Physical-Only Release With Soul
Swanee teamed up with Canberra’s Brian ‘Frog’ Harris of Songland Records to get this baby into the hands of fans. Frog’s vision? Physical media – because streaming doesn’t pay the bills – and belief that ‘if you don’t make it physically available, it’s got no chance of success’.
The strategy worked. Believe zoomed into the charts:
- #1 on the ARIA Blues Chart
- #2 in NSW/ACT physical sales
- #3 overall Physical Chart
- #5 Australian Artists Chart
- #5 Vinyl Chart
- #37 on the overall ARIA Top 50
“Swanee didn’t hide behind bravado – this is heart‑on‑sleeve territory…”
– Markus Hamence
A Legacy Wrapped in Emotion
Swanee didn’t hide behind bravado – this is heart‑on‑sleeve territory. In a deeply personal video, he shared that he’d wanted his late sister Linda to hear the album. “I broke down and cried when I heard the album. It touched me so much,” he said. That sentiment runs through the record like a spine.
Verdict: A Roaring Return That Tugs at the Heartstrings
Let’s be honest – this album isn’t about chart-topping gimmicks or streaming numbers. It’s an emotional masterpiece, a celebration of bat‑out‑of‑hell vocals, a masterclass in chemistry, and a love letter to family and fans alike. Whether it’s the gospel‑houser Bring It On Home to Me with Jack Jones, the grit‑ridden Dylan cover with Wendy Matthews, or the original sonic landscapes with Diesel and Kevin Borich, Swanee delivers with authenticity, warmth, and that unmistakable Aussie heart.
“No mistake, Swanee is back and kicking serious goals with this heartfelt gem…”
– Markus Hamence
Final Word for Fans of Arts, Culture & No‑Nonsense Soul
If you’re all about stories that matter, voices that still have that rock‑and‑roll thrill, and connections more authentic than your last weekend’s latte, Believe is for you. Not just an album – it’s a legacy, spun on vinyl and CDs, but stitched in emotion and friendship. Bravo.
Enjoy the ride – and don’t believe the hype. Believe the music.
Visit John via his website here!
