# John Swan – Believe **Review** — On Your Markus **Rating:** 5 out of 5 **Event:** John Swan **Published:** 15 August 2025 **Author:** Markus Hamence **Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/reviews/john-swan-believe/ --- *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. ![Swanee logo featuring a stylised black swan with wings spread and italicised text.](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. ![Album cover for "Believe" featuring a figure in silhouette wearing headphones against bold red and yellow typography on black background.](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*. ![Two men pose together against a black background, one in a black sleeveless shirt and white pants, the other in a grey jacket and jeans.](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. ![Man in black shirt and sunglasses positioned beside a professional studio microphone against a white background.](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/)** ![Album tracklist for John Swan's "Believe" displayed with song titles, featured artists, and collaborators on dark background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28470/website-tracklist-smaller.png) ![Three men pose together indoors holding a John Swan album cover and memorabilia.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/28563/530245894_1277506307158789_7464905020587128775_n.jpg) *JImmy Barnes, John Swan and Alan Barnes* [Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/embed/-rdn1I0FegY)