CD reviews: Jimmy Barnes

The fourth instalment in Australian legend Jimmy Barnes' deeper exploration of soul is possibly his best, perhaps because he has dug out lesser-known tracks here (the notable exception is The Dark End of The Street).

This approach allows him room to better inhabit the material, as opposed to merely paying homage to sources of inspiration.

Soul Searching is aptly named, Barnes' voyage helped by the expert musicianship of a clutch of Nashville session men as well as The Memphis Boys, whose credits range from Elvis to Dusty Springfield.

Even Steve Cropper (Booker T. & the M.G.'s) turns up.

Enough said.

• Jimmy Barnes. Soul Searching. Liberation.

• Four stars (out of five)

Single download: If Lovin' You Is A Crime (I'll Always Be Guilty)
For those who like: Dan Penn, Bobby Womack

- Shane Gilchrist