It’s no coincidence that David Campbell’s new album Back in the Swing dropped just before Mother’s Day. It’s just the sort of thing mums and grandmas across the country would love, the old standards delivered faithfully by one of Australia’s favourite breakfast TV personalities. This album is all that, but so much more.
Mother’s Day releases often feel coldly calculated. Put together a collection of songs Mum would love, get some inoffensive act to sing them, and wait for the cash to roll in. They’re pleasing enough to listen to, but they typically lack the heart and soul David puts into this and every one of his recordings. There’s an irresistible energy about his cover of “Buona Sera” and a flirty playfulness in his take on “Come Fly With Me.” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” isn’t a natural choice for an album of standards, but his jazzy version makes so much sense. I’m not sure anyone has recorded a more powerful rendition of “For Once in My Life.” But me, his cover of “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning,” recorded with Aussie rock legend Ian Moss, is the standout. Their voices compliment one another beautifully and they feed off one another so well.
Mother’s Day might be over for the year, but Back in the Swing is actually climbing the charts again. It currently sits at number 10, three weeks after its release. Those strong continued sales are a testament to this album’s enduring appeal. It’s not just one for the mums, although I’m sure they’ll love it too.
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia