# John Swan – Believe

**Review** — On Your Markus  
**Rating:** 5 out of 5  
**Published:** 15 August 2025  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/john-swan-believe/

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*Review by ****[Markus Hamence](/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.

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28473/Swanee-Header-Logo.webp)

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.

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28469/Swanee-album-cover.jpg)

## 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*.

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28562/504307116_1016935523974771_8035399282869297949_n.jpg)

*JImmy Barnes and John Swan*

## 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.

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28472/swanee-livingcolour-47.jpg)

## 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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Enjoy the ride – and don’t believe the hype. Believe the music.

**[Visit John via his website here!](http://www.johnswan.net.au/)**

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28470/website-tracklist-smaller.png)

![](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28563/530245894_1277506307158789_7464905020587128775_n.jpg)

*JImmy Barnes, John Swan and Alan Barnes*