Released in 1985, For The Working Class Man shook up the music industry locally and abroad with its seamless blend of hard rock, blues, and soul, reflecting Barnes’ working-class roots, musical influences, and his relentless, passionate, vocal style. Renowned for being the frontman of Cold Chisel, Jimmy Barnes would build upon his solo debut Bodyswerve (1984) and deliver an album of 12 tracks (several of which were remixed from Bodyswerve) that ultimately cemented his status as one of Australia’s most beloved rock vocalists.
Featuring blistering performances by all musicians, the spectacle of the album’s artwork most certainly lived up to its hype, for you’ll find yourself captivated from the very first note to the last. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible if it had not been expertly recorded. No, the album won’t win any audiophile awards for its production, but the grunginess of the recording perfectly matches the guttural tone of Barnes’ unique vocal presentation. That being said, the mastering of the album could be a little smoother.
Yes, the rough-around-the-edges approach works well, to an extent, and while I’ve been fortunate to have owned the album on vinyl as well, I’ve never truly been blown away by its sonic presentation. It's similar to Meat Loaf’s Bat Out Of Hell; an incredible album but one in which the listener has to accept that it sounds a certain way and even the most acclaimed editions aren’t going to be perfect. It’s moments like this that I lament the loss of tone controls, amongst modern stereo equipment, for that function, at least, allowed one to dial in the music to their subjective preferences.
That all said, the remastered CD-quality lossless edition, as delivered on Apple Music, is perfectly adequate and offers a solid sonic presentation that will appeal to most fans. If nothing else, at least it isn’t brickwall mastered as badly as Cold Chisel’s Circus Animals is; an incredible album made uncomfortable to listen to due to its ear-bleeding mastering.
I'd Die To Be With You Tonight kicks off the album with a high-energy rock anthem, driven by a melodic guitar riff and a compelling vocal performance that is amongst Barnes’ greatest. Complete with mid-80s Australian production values, and a radio-friendly sound, I'd Die To Be With You Tonight was always going to be a success on the charts but unknowingly became a trademark tune for Barnes.
Ride The Night Away was co-written by Steven Van Zandt (of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band fame) and Steve Jordan. As such, there’s a Springsteen-esque blue-collar rock feel that perfectly fits the album’s overall style and Barnes’ gritty vocals. Add to that the powerful driving beat, and anthemic chorus, and this song will stay with you well after the record has ended.
American Heartbeat is a hidden gem if there ever was one. Featuring a synthesised 80s production style, American Heartbeat would have been ideal for inclusion in any of the era’s films as it not only showcases Barnes’ ability to adapt to different styles, but it’s got a sonic signature that would have been ideal for films such as Top Gun.
Working Class Man is, arguably, the defining song of Barnes’ solo career; a song that has become an anthem for the Australian working-class spirit. The track’s uplifting yet gritty feel, coupled with its powerful chorus, made it an instant classic. While it is Barnes’ trademark tune, special mention needs to go out to the songwriter, Jonathan Cain (of Journey), for the American composer wrote one of the most beloved Australian tunes in all of recorded music history.
Without Your Love has a soulful element that Barnes would often delve into later in his career on releases such as Soul Deep. For now, however, this heartfelt power ballad is a lovely album-only number that showcases Barnes’ ability to convey vulnerability amongst raw power.
No Second Prize is a high-energy track filled with driving guitars and an unrelenting beat and is an idealistic counterpart to the song Working Class Man.
Vision is a killer bluesy number that sees Barnes alternate between smooth crooning and his signature raspy wail.
Promise Me You'll Call has a radio-friendly feel, with a catchy chorus and melodic hooks. While it may not be the standout or chart success that other songs on the album are, Promise Me You'll Call is an exceptional tune where Barnes’ vocal performance is amongst his very best. It’s songs such as this that ensure the album experience is coherent and memorable.
Boys Cry Out For War is rock and roll to its core. With a more aggressively charged musical and vocal approach, Boys Cry Out For War is one of the heaviest and most intense recordings on the album.
Daylight, with its funk and groove-focused rhythm, incorporating a blues-infused rock sound, ensures it's a standout; one that will see you coming back for more as Daylight lodges itself in your mind as an earworm.
Thickskinned is a deep cut featuring an old-school rock and roll vibe. The slightly rawer production works well with the song and Barnes’ vocal style, but it ultimately adds a little charm to the album as Thickskinned is a solid album-only tune.
Paradise is an ideal closer with a light-hearted styling that leaves you wanting more.
Ultimately, For The Working Class Man is a defining album in Jimmy Barnes’ career, showcasing his blend of rock, soul, and blues with raw energy and passion. Granted, the title track alone secured Barnes’ legacy, but the album as a whole is a powerful statement of resilience, determination, and working-class pride. Not only that, but it’s musically spectacular. The result is a record that is a classic release from the 80s, an essential listen, and one that has ultimately stood the test of time. There’s no doubt that For The Working Class Man is amongst Barnes’ greatest releases and worthy of inclusion in any record collection.