INXS, the Australian rock band formed in 1977, left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique blend of rock, pop, and new wave sounds. With the charismatic Michael Hutchence at the helm, the band released numerous hit singles and albums throughout their career, captivating audiences worldwide with their infectious melodies, dynamic performances, and thought-provoking lyrics. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most popular INXS songs of all time, each showcasing the band’s musical prowess, creativity, and enduring legacy.
1. Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight,” the lead single from INXS’s 1987 album “Kick,” is a seductive, funk-infused rock song that perfectly encapsulates the band’s signature sound and style. The song’s pulsing, dance-friendly beat, driven by a hypnotic bassline and infectious guitar riff, sets the stage for Michael Hutchence’s sultry, commanding vocals, which ooze with raw passion and desire. The lyrics, a bold and unapologetic expression of lust and longing, are delivered with a sense of urgency and intensity that perfectly captures the song’s themes of sexual tension and unbridled attraction. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of fervor and abandon, urging the object of his affection to succumb to their mutual desire. “Need You Tonight” was a massive commercial success, topping charts worldwide and earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The song’s iconic music video, featuring the band members in a series of stylized, visually stunning vignettes, perfectly captures the song’s sexy, edgy vibe and has become a classic of the MTV era. With its irresistible groove, provocative lyrics, and electrifying performance, “Need You Tonight” remains INXS’s most enduring and beloved hit, a testament to their ability to create music that is both danceable and deeply sensual.
2. Never Tear Us Apart
“Never Tear Us Apart,” from INXS’s 1987 album “Kick,” is a powerful, emotionally charged ballad that showcases the band’s versatility and songwriting prowess. The song’s lush, orchestral arrangement, featuring sweeping strings, piano, and a subtle, pulsing beat, creates an atmosphere of grandeur and romance, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s heartfelt, impassioned vocals. The lyrics, a poignant and poetic expression of undying love and devotion, are delivered with a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that is both deeply moving and universally relatable. As the song builds to its soaring, anthemic chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of intensity and emotion, declaring his unwavering commitment to his beloved and their unbreakable bond. “Never Tear Us Apart” was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence and his then-girlfriend, supermodel Helena Christensen, in a series of intimate, beautifully shot scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of love, passion, and emotional connection. With its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and stunning vocal performance, “Never Tear Us Apart” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
3. New Sensation
“New Sensation,” from INXS’s 1987 album “Kick,” is an upbeat, infectious pop-rock song that perfectly captures the band’s energetic, feel-good vibe. The song’s catchy, guitar-driven arrangement, featuring a lively beat, bright horns, and an irresistible “na na na” hook, is an invitation to dance, sing along, and embrace the joys of life and love. The lyrics, a celebration of the exhilarating rush of falling in love and the transformative power of human connection, are delivered with a sense of joy, optimism, and unbridled enthusiasm by Michael Hutchence, whose charismatic vocals are the heart and soul of the song. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, the band’s tight, dynamic performance and Hutchence’s soaring vocals create a sense of euphoria and release that is both infectious and unforgettable. “New Sensation” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most popular and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring the band members performing in a vibrant, colorful setting, perfectly captures the song’s fun, upbeat spirit. With its irresistible melody, joyful lyrics, and electrifying performance, “New Sensation” remains a beloved classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both instantly accessible and deeply satisfying.
4. Devil Inside
“Devil Inside,” from INXS’s 1988 album “Kick,” is a dark, introspective rock song that showcases the band’s ability to explore more complex, psychological themes in their music. The song’s brooding, atmospheric arrangement, featuring a haunting guitar riff, ominous bassline, and a driving, insistent beat, creates a sense of tension and unease, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s intense, introspective vocals. The lyrics, a powerful and poetic exploration of the dark, destructive impulses that lurk within the human psyche, are delivered with a sense of raw, unflinching honesty and emotional depth that is both unsettling and deeply cathartic. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of intensity and anguish, expressing the pain and struggle of wrestling with one’s inner demons. “Devil Inside” was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence in a series of surreal, symbolic scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of psychological turmoil and inner conflict. With its haunting melody, provocative lyrics, and powerful vocal performance, “Devil Inside” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s willingness to explore the darker, more complex aspects of the human experience.
5. Mystify
“Mystify,” from INXS’s 1987 album “Kick,” is a dreamy, sensual pop song that showcases the band’s ability to create lush, atmospheric soundscapes. The song’s shimmering, ethereal arrangement, featuring a pulsing bassline, delicate guitar work, and shimmering synths, creates a sense of mystery and enchantment, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s smooth, seductive vocals. The lyrics, a poetic and evocative expression of the intoxicating, all-consuming power of love and desire, are delivered with a sense of tenderness, intimacy, and emotional depth that is both deeply moving and universally relatable. As the song builds to its soaring, melodic chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of beauty and expressiveness, inviting the listener to surrender to the magic and wonder of love. “Mystify” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence in a series of dreamlike, surreal scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of love, mystery, and enchantment. With its gorgeous melody, poetic lyrics, and stunning vocal performance, “Mystify” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both deeply romantic and emotionally resonant.
6. Suicide Blonde
“Suicide Blonde,” from INXS’s 1990 album “X,” is a funky, danceable rock song that showcases the band’s ability to create infectious, groove-laden music. The song’s tight, rhythmic arrangement, featuring a driving bassline, sharp guitar riffs, and a pulsing beat, is an invitation to move, dance, and lose oneself in the music. The lyrics, a playful and provocative exploration of the allure and danger of a mysterious, seductive woman, are delivered with a sense of mischief, swagger, and raw, unbridled energy by Michael Hutchence, whose dynamic vocals are the driving force behind the song. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, the band’s tight, funky performance and Hutchence’s electrifying vocals create a sense of excitement and release that is both irresistible and unforgettable. “Suicide Blonde” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most popular and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence and a group of sultry, seductive women, perfectly captures the song’s themes of attraction, danger, and sexual energy. With its infectious groove, provocative lyrics, and electrifying performance, “Suicide Blonde” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both danceable and deeply compelling.
7. By My Side
“By My Side,” from INXS’s 1990 album “X,” is a tender, heartfelt ballad that showcases the band’s ability to create emotionally resonant, beautifully crafted music. The song’s gentle, acoustic-driven arrangement, featuring delicate guitar work, soft percussion, and subtle orchestral flourishes, creates a sense of intimacy and warmth, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s soulful, emotive vocals. The lyrics, a poignant and sincere expression of the unwavering love and support of a devoted partner, are delivered with a sense of vulnerability, gratitude, and deep emotional connection that is both deeply moving and universally relatable. As the song builds to its soaring, melodic chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of tenderness and expressiveness, conveying the depth and sincerity of his love and commitment. “By My Side” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring ballads. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence and his then-girlfriend, supermodel Helena Christensen, in a series of intimate, beautifully shot scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of love, devotion, and emotional connection. With its gorgeous melody, heartfelt lyrics, and stunning vocal performance, “By My Side” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
8. Original Sin
“Original Sin,” from INXS’s 1984 album “The Swing,” is a dark, brooding rock song that showcases the band’s ability to create atmospheric, politically charged music. The song’s ominous, bass-driven arrangement, featuring haunting guitar work, eerie synths, and a pulsing, tribal beat, creates a sense of tension and unease, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s intense, socially conscious vocals. The lyrics, a powerful and provocative exploration of the dark, destructive forces that drive human conflict and oppression, are delivered with a sense of urgency, anger, and prophetic vision that is both unsettling and deeply thought-provoking. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of intensity and passion, denouncing the cycles of violence, greed, and corruption that plague the world. “Original Sin” was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring the band members in a series of dark, surreal scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of social and political unrest. With its haunting melody, provocative lyrics, and powerful vocal performance, “Original Sin” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s willingness to tackle complex, controversial issues through their music.
9. What You Need
“What You Need,” from INXS’s 1985 album “Listen Like Thieves,” is an upbeat, danceable pop-rock song that perfectly captures the band’s infectious, feel-good energy. The song’s lively, funk-infused arrangement, featuring a catchy guitar riff, bright horns, and a pulsing beat, is an invitation to let loose, have fun, and embrace the joys of life and love. The lyrics, a playful and confident expression of the speaker’s ability to provide everything their love interest needs and desires, are delivered with a sense of charm, humor, and irresistible charisma by Michael Hutchence, whose dynamic vocals are the heart and soul of the song. As the song builds to its explosive chorus, the band’s tight, energetic performance and Hutchence’s soaring vocals create a sense of joy and celebration that is both infectious and unforgettable. “What You Need” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most popular and enduring hits. The song’s music video, featuring the band members performing in a vibrant, colorful setting, perfectly captures the song’s fun, upbeat spirit. With its irresistible melody, playful lyrics, and electrifying performance, “What You Need” remains a beloved classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both instantly accessible and deeply satisfying.
10. Disappear
“Disappear,” from INXS’s 1990 album “X,” is a hauntingly beautiful, emotionally charged ballad that showcases the band’s ability to create deeply moving, introspective music. The song’s sparse, atmospheric arrangement, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar, subtle orchestral flourishes, and a soft, pulsing beat, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, perfectly complementing Michael Hutchence’s tender, emotive vocals. The lyrics, a poignant and introspective exploration of the pain and loneliness of lost love, are delivered with a sense of raw, unflinching honesty and emotional depth that is both heartbreaking and deeply cathartic. As the song builds to its soaring, melodic chorus, Hutchence’s vocals reach new heights of beauty and expressiveness, conveying the depth and sincerity of his pain and longing. “Disappear” was a commercial success, becoming one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring ballads. The song’s music video, featuring Hutchence in a series of intimate, beautifully shot scenes, perfectly captures the song’s themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil. With its gorgeous melody, poetic lyrics, and stunning vocal performance, “Disappear” remains a classic of the INXS catalog, a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
