When it comes to defining the sound of rock music in the 1980s and beyond, few bands have left as indelible a mark as INXS. This Australian rock powerhouse captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious blend of new wave, rock, and funk elements that created an irresistible sonic landscape. From their breakthrough hits that dominated radio waves to their later experimental works, INXS demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound that made them one of the most successful rock bands to emerge from Australia.
Led by the charismatic and tragically lost Michael Hutchence, INXS crafted anthems that transcended generations and continue to resonate with music lovers today. Their catalog spans from electrifying dance-rock numbers to soul-stirring ballads that showcase the band’s versatility and musical prowess. Whether you’re exploring their music through quality headphones or discovering these timeless tracks for the first time, INXS’s greatest hits represent a masterclass in songwriting, performance, and production that defined an era while remaining timelessly relevant.
Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight” stands as INXS’s most commercially successful single and remains their signature song that perfectly encapsulates the band’s sultry, groove-oriented approach to rock music. Released in 1987 as the lead single from their sixth studio album “Kick,” this track became the band’s only number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and showcased their ability to blend rock sensibilities with dance floor appeal. The minimalist funk-rock groove, punctuated by Andrew Farriss’s iconic sliding guitar riff and Michael Hutchence’s seductive vocals, created an irresistible sonic template that influenced countless artists in subsequent decades.
Never Tear Us Apart
Among the most emotionally resonant tracks in INXS’s catalog, “Never Tear Us Apart” showcases the band’s ability to craft sweeping, orchestral rock ballads that tug at the heartstrings. Released in 1988 as the fourth single from “Kick,” this song features lush string arrangements courtesy of Chris Thomas and a hauntingly beautiful melody that builds from intimate verses to a powerful, anthemic chorus. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance on this track is widely considered one of his finest, delivering each line with a vulnerability and passion that transforms the song into a timeless declaration of devotion.
New Sensation
“New Sensation” exemplifies INXS at their most exuberant and celebratory, delivering a high-energy rock anthem that became synonymous with the late 1980s optimism. Released as the third single from “Kick” in 1987, this track combines driving guitars, propulsive drums from Jon Farriss, and an infectious chorus that demands audience participation at every live performance. The song’s production captures the band’s live energy while maintaining radio-friendly polish, creating a perfect balance between raw rock power and commercial appeal that helped it reach the top five in multiple countries.
Devil Inside
“Devil Inside” represents INXS’s darker, more introspective side while maintaining the irresistible groove that defined their sound throughout the “Kick” era. Released as the second single from the album in 1988, this track explores themes of temptation and inner conflict through Hutchence’s commanding vocal delivery and lyrics that balance darkness with playful ambiguity. The song’s distinctive guitar riff and pulsating bass line create a sense of tension that mirrors the lyrical content, while the production adds layers of atmosphere that give the track an almost cinematic quality.
What You Need
Before “Kick” transformed INXS into international superstars, “What You Need” served as the breakthrough single that introduced American audiences to the band’s intoxicating sound. Released in 1985 from their fourth studio album “Listen Like Thieves,” this track perfectly captures the band’s early fusion of new wave energy, rock guitar crunch, and dance-floor rhythms. The song’s insistent groove, driven by Garry Gary Beers’s funky bass line and Jon Farriss’s precise drumming, creates an irresistible foundation for Hutchence’s confident, slightly cocky vocal performance that exudes the charisma that would later make him a rock icon.
Mystify
“Mystify” stands as one of INXS’s most sophisticated and musically adventurous compositions, showcasing the band’s ability to create complex arrangements while maintaining emotional accessibility. Released as the fifth and final single from “Kick” in 1989, this track features intricate guitar work from Tim Farriss and Kirk Pengilly, whose interweaving lines create a shimmering sonic tapestry. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance conveys both sensuality and vulnerability, delivering lyrics that explore the intoxicating confusion of desire with a poetic sensibility that elevates the song beyond simple love song territory.
Original Sin
“Original Sin” marked a bold departure for INXS and stands as one of their most sonically adventurous and culturally significant recordings. Released in 1984 as the lead single from “The Swing,” this track features production from legendary funk pioneer Nile Rodgers and guest vocals from Daryl Hall, creating a dense, percussion-heavy soundscape that was unlike anything else in mainstream rock at the time. The song tackles themes of racial tension and forbidden desire with a directness that was unusual for pop radio, while the pulsating, almost tribal rhythm section creates an atmosphere of urgency and danger that perfectly complements the provocative lyrics.
Disappear
“Disappear” represents INXS’s ability to craft radio-friendly rock anthems even as musical trends shifted in the early 1990s. Released in 1990 as the lead single from their seventh studio album “X,” this track combines the band’s signature groove-based approach with a more polished, mature sound that reflected their evolution as artists. The song features a memorable chorus hook, layered harmonies, and production that balances rock edge with pop accessibility, creating a track that worked equally well on rock and top-40 radio formats.
Suicide Blonde
“Suicide Blonde” showcased INXS embracing a grittier, more guitar-driven sound that aligned with the changing musical landscape of the early 1990s. Released in 1990 as the second single from “X,” this track features a swaggering, blues-influenced riff and a strutting rhythm that gives the song an undeniable swagger. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance is confident and slightly menacing, perfectly matching lyrics reportedly inspired by his relationship with Kylie Minogue, while the production maintains the band’s characteristic polish without sacrificing edge or authenticity.
Don’t Change
“Don’t Change” represents INXS in their early form, delivering a powerful rock anthem that has become one of their most beloved songs among longtime fans and Australian audiences. Released in 1982 from their third studio album “Shabooh Shoobah,” this track captures the band’s youthful energy and earnest emotion with a driving beat and an anthemic chorus that encourages authenticity and self-acceptance. The song’s straightforward rock arrangement, featuring prominent guitar work and Hutchence’s passionate vocal delivery, showcases the band before they fully embraced the funk and dance influences that would later define their sound.
Beautiful Girl
“Beautiful Girl” demonstrates INXS’s continued vitality and ability to craft compelling singles well into their career. Released in 1992 from their eighth studio album “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” this track features a more experimental approach than their earlier hits, incorporating world music influences and unconventional instrumentation. The song’s production showcases the band’s willingness to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the melodic sensibility that had always been central to their appeal, with Hutchence’s vocal performance conveying both warmth and a hint of melancholy.
By My Side
“By My Side” showcases INXS’s ability to create intimate, emotionally direct ballads that strip away production flourishes in favor of raw emotional connection. Released from the album “X,” this track features a relatively simple arrangement that allows Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance to take center stage, delivering lyrics about devotion and connection with genuine feeling. The song’s understated production approach creates a sense of vulnerability that contrasts with some of the band’s more bombastic hits, revealing a different facet of their musical personality.
Bitter Tears
“Bitter Tears” represents INXS at their most musically adventurous, incorporating elements of gospel, rock, and soul into a powerful statement about pain and redemption. Released in 1991 from the “X” album, this track features a choir that adds spiritual depth to the proceedings and creates a sense of catharsis as the song builds to its emotional climax. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance ranges from restrained verses to powerful, almost primal expressions of anguish in the chorus, demonstrating his range as a vocalist and his ability to convey complex emotions through performance.
Kick
The title track from INXS’s most successful album, “Kick” serves as a statement of intent and a celebration of the band’s irresistible groove. Released in 1987, though not as a major single, this track captures the essence of what made the “Kick” album so successful an infectious rhythm section, memorable hooks, and production that balances raw energy with commercial polish. The song’s insistent beat and layered instrumentation create a sonic landscape that demands physical response, whether dancing or simply moving to the irresistible groove that drives the track forward.
The One Thing
“The One Thing” marked INXS’s first significant commercial breakthrough in the United States and remains one of their most recognizable early hits. Released in 1982 from “Shabooh Shoobah,” this track combines new wave energy with rock guitar crunch and a memorable saxophone hook that became one of the band’s signature sounds. The song’s production captures the raw energy of the band’s live performances while adding studio polish that made it perfect for radio play, striking a balance that would become crucial to their success.
Mediate
“Mediate” stands as one of INXS’s most experimental and innovative tracks, featuring a rapid-fire, stream-of-consciousness vocal delivery over a minimalist funk groove. Released as a single in 1988, this track was famously recorded as a spontaneous studio creation that captured Michael Hutchence improvising lyrics in a single take over an instrumental track. The song’s unconventional structure and approach to vocals created something entirely unique in the INXS catalog, demonstrating the band’s willingness to take creative risks even at the height of their commercial success.
Elegantly Wasted
“Elegantly Wasted” represents INXS’s final studio album with Michael Hutchence and captures the band attempting to remain relevant in the changing musical landscape of the late 1990s. Released in 1997 as the title track of their tenth studio album, this song combines elements of electronic music with the band’s traditional rock approach, reflecting the influence of dance music and trip-hop that dominated mid-90s music. The track’s production is notably more modern than their earlier work, incorporating programmed beats and electronic textures while maintaining the melodic sensibility that had always defined INXS.
Heaven Sent
“Heaven Sent” showcases INXS crafting a soaring, radio-friendly rock ballad that balanced emotion with accessibility during their early 1990s period. Released from the “Welcome to Wherever You Are” album in 1992, this track features lush production and a memorable chorus that demonstrates the band’s continued ability to write compelling hooks. The song’s arrangement builds from intimate verses to a powerful, anthemic chorus that showcases both the band’s musical sophistication and their understanding of song dynamics.
Not Enough Time
“Not Enough Time” served as the lead single from “Welcome to Wherever You Are” and represented INXS’s attempt to maintain commercial relevance in the grunge-dominated early 1990s. Released in 1992, this track features a more guitar-driven sound than some of their previous work, with production that incorporated contemporary elements while maintaining the band’s melodic sensibility. The song’s lyrics about time slipping away and missed opportunities resonated with audiences navigating the uncertainties of the era, while the infectious chorus demonstrated that INXS hadn’t lost their ability to craft memorable hooks.
Taste It
“Taste It” represents INXS embracing a rawer, more aggressive sound that aligned with the harder-edged rock that dominated the early 1990s. Released in 1992 from “Welcome to Wherever You Are,” this track features distorted guitars, a driving rhythm section, and Michael Hutchence delivering vocals with a sneering intensity that differed from his typically smoother approach. The song’s production incorporated elements of industrial and alternative rock while maintaining enough of the band’s signature sound to remain recognizable as an INXS track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was INXS’s biggest hit song?
“Need You Tonight” stands as INXS’s biggest commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988 and becoming their signature song. The track’s minimalist funk-rock groove and seductive vocals made it an instant classic that defined the band’s sound for mainstream audiences. The song remains their most recognizable hit and continues to receive significant radio play on classic rock stations, often serving as the introduction to INXS for younger listeners discovering their music through modern earbuds and streaming platforms.
When was INXS most popular?
INXS reached their commercial peak between 1987 and 1991, with the release of “Kick” in 1987 marking their breakthrough to massive international success. This period saw the band achieve multiple top-ten singles, sell millions of albums worldwide, and establish themselves as one of the biggest rock acts of the era. The follow-up album “X” in 1990 continued their success, though the changing musical landscape of the early 1990s began to present challenges for the band’s commercial dominance.
Did INXS continue after Michael Hutchence died?
INXS did continue performing and recording after Michael Hutchence’s tragic death in 1997, though the band’s dynamic and public perception changed significantly. The remaining members recruited several different lead singers over the years, including a reality TV search for a new frontman, and released new material with varying degrees of commercial success. However, the band never recaptured the magic of their Hutchence-era work, and they effectively retired from active touring and recording in the mid-2010s, though individual members have remained involved in music through various projects.
What genre is INXS considered?
INXS is generally classified as rock, but their sound incorporated elements of new wave, pop rock, dance-rock, and funk, making them difficult to categorize into a single genre. The band’s willingness to blend different musical styles and incorporate contemporary production techniques helped them maintain relevance across multiple musical eras. Their genre-fluid approach influenced countless artists and demonstrated that rock music could embrace dance rhythms and electronic elements without sacrificing authenticity or energy.
What are the best INXS albums to start with?
“Kick” (1987) is universally recommended as the essential starting point for anyone exploring INXS’s catalog, as it contains their biggest hits and represents the band at their commercial and creative peak. After “Kick,” listeners should explore “X” (1990) for a slightly more experimental sound, and “Listen Like Thieves” (1985) to hear the band developing the style that would make them superstars. These three albums provide a comprehensive overview of INXS during their most critically acclaimed and commercially successful period.
How did INXS influence modern music?
INXS’s influence on modern music can be heard in countless artists who blend rock energy with dance rhythms and electronic production elements. Their success demonstrated that rock bands could embrace funk grooves, synthesizers, and dance-floor sensibilities without being dismissed as inauthentic or commercial sellouts. Many contemporary rock and alternative artists cite INXS as an influence, particularly in their approach to songwriting that balances artistic ambition with accessibility, and their understanding that great rock music should make people move as much as it makes them think.