Scottish-born rocker Jimmy Barnes released his latest album, “Defiant,” on June 6, 2025. The album is Barnes’s 16th solo number-one album. Kevin Shirley was the mixing engineer and producer for the album. Barnes and Don Walker were both authors and composers of the songs.
Jimmy Barnes has had a music career that has spanned more than 45 years. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and moved to Australia with his family at a young age. He was the leading vocalist of the band Cold Chisel. Throughout his career, he has landed more number-one records than the Beatles and has sold more records in his country than any other artist. He has even been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame twice.
Barnes returns to music after a host of medical scares, including a life-threatening heart operation. Despite the hardships he has felt, this album is upbeat and positive. The lyrics are encouraging for listeners to listen to. It celebrates the struggles we all face as they make us better, stronger, and wiser people.
The album starts out with “That’s What You Do For Love.” Similar songs lament the things we do for love and put limits on what we do for love. On the contrary, this song celebrates these things and honors going above and beyond for those we care about.
“New Day” is one of two leading singles on the album. It is a song about moving on from the trials of the past and starting out fresh with a new perspective on life. We all change throughout our lives, and we all overcome obstacles at points. Knowing the struggles that Barnes has dealt with makes this song even more inspiring.
Overall, this album is the breath of fresh air the world needs right now. The message of the music is that it is important to fight for the things and people that mean the most to you. It is an overwhelmingly positive album with empowering anthems that will inspire listeners of any age. Barnes has a voice and style similar to Elton John, so those who are fans of his and similar musicians will find something to love on this album.
Track List:
1. That's What You Do For Love
2. New Day
3. Beyond the River Bend
4. Never Stop Loving You
5. Defiant
6. The Long Road
7. Damned If I Do, Damned If I Don't
8. Dig Deep
9. Nothing Comes For Nothing
10. Sea of Love
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