INXS, short for “In Excess,” was an iconic Australian rock band that rose to prominence in the 1980s and maintained a significant presence in the music industry through the 1990s. Formed in Sydney in 1977, the band underwent various lineup changes, with key members including Garry Gary Beers (bass), brothers Andrew Farriss (guitar/keyboards), Jon Farriss (drums), Tim Farriss (lead guitar), and Kirk Pengilly (guitar/saxophone). Michael Hutchence, the charismatic and distinctive lead vocalist, became the face of the band.
INXS’s music was characterized by a fusion of rock, new wave, funk, and dance elements, creating a sound that appealed to a broad audience. They achieved global success with hits like “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation” from the critically acclaimed album “Kick” (1987). Their captivating live performances, marked by Hutchence’s charismatic stage presence, contributed to their popularity.
Despite facing challenges and the tragic loss of Michael Hutchence in 1997, INXS continued to make music with various lead vocalists. Their impact on the music scene earned them accolades, including Grammy Awards and an induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001. INXS’s innovative sound, genre-blending approach, and chart-topping hits solidified their status as one of the most successful and influential bands to emerge from Australia, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of rock and popular music.
1. The One Thing
“The One Thing” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released as a single in 1982 and is the third track from their fourth studio album, “Shabooh Shoobah.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“The One Thing” is a new wave and rock track that features a catchy guitar riff, a danceable rhythm, and Michael Hutchence’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics explore themes of desire and the search for that one essential thing that completes a person.
The song became one of INXS’s breakthrough hits, both in Australia and internationally. It reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and became a staple on radio playlists. The success of “The One Thing” helped to establish INXS as a significant force in the new wave and rock music scene of the early 1980s.
The band’s ability to blend rock with elements of new wave and dance, along with Hutchence’s charismatic stage presence, contributed to the song’s popularity. “The One Thing” remains one of INXS’s well-known and enduring tracks, representing a pivotal moment in their career as they gained recognition on the global music stage.
2. Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the lead single from their album “Kick.” The song became one of INXS’s most successful and recognizable tracks, showcasing their distinctive sound that blended rock, new wave, and funk influences.
“Need You Tonight” is characterized by its infectious guitar riff, thumping bassline, and sultry, whispered vocals by INXS’s lead singer, Michael Hutchence. The lyrics convey a sense of desire and urgency, and the overall vibe of the song is both seductive and energetic.
The innovative and stylish music video for “Need You Tonight” played a significant role in the song’s success. The video featured a unique blend of live-action footage and animation, creating a visually compelling and memorable experience for viewers.
The song topped the charts in the United States and various other countries, becoming a massive hit for INXS. It won several awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year in 1988. “Need You Tonight” remains a classic and enduring piece of 1980s rock music, emblematic of INXS’s creative and influential contribution to the era.
3. Never Tear Us Apart
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a ballad by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1988 as the second single from their album “Kick.” The song, written by INXS’s lead singer Michael Hutchence and keyboardist Andrew Farriss, is widely regarded as one of their most iconic and enduring tracks.
The ballad features a lush and emotive arrangement, driven by a memorable saxophone riff played by Kirk Pengilly. Michael Hutchence’s soulful and impassioned vocals add depth and intensity to the song. The lyrics express themes of love, devotion, and the strength of a romantic connection.
“Never Tear Us Apart” achieved significant commercial success, reaching high chart positions in various countries. The song’s emotional resonance and memorable musical elements contributed to its enduring popularity. The track has been covered and featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
The accompanying music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, is notable for its cinematic quality and visually striking imagery. “Never Tear Us Apart” remains a timeless and cherished ballad, representing a pinnacle moment in INXS’s career and showcasing their ability to create emotionally resonant and musically compelling compositions.
4. What You Need
“What You Need” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released as a single in 1985 and is the lead track from their sixth studio album, “Listen Like Thieves.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“What You Need” is a powerful and energetic track that blends rock with funk and dance elements. It features a driving bassline, a distinctive guitar riff, and Michael Hutchence’s dynamic vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of desire and urgency, emphasizing the need for certain essentials in life.
The song became one of INXS’s most successful singles, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its popularity was fueled by the infectious groove, memorable chorus, and the band’s charismatic performance style.
The accompanying music video for “What You Need” received heavy rotation on MTV, contributing to the song’s widespread visibility. INXS’s ability to incorporate diverse musical influences and create a sound that appealed to a broad audience was evident in the success of “What You Need.”
Overall, “What You Need” is considered one of INXS’s signature songs, marking a significant moment in their career and further establishing them as a prominent band in the 1980s music scene.
5. The Gift
“The Gift” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1993 as the lead single from their eighth studio album, “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts.” The song features vocals by Ray Charles, and its fusion of rock and blues elements distinguishes it from much of INXS’s earlier work.
In “The Gift,” Michael Hutchence, the lead singer of INXS, shares vocal duties with the legendary Ray Charles. The collaboration adds a soulful and bluesy dimension to the track. The song explores themes of love and the emotional complexities that come with it.
While “The Gift” did not achieve the same commercial success as some of INXS’s earlier hits, it is often praised for its unique sound and the powerful vocal performances of Hutchence and Charles. The song exemplifies the band’s willingness to experiment with different musical styles and collaborate with influential artists.
The album “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts” marked a departure from the band’s previous sound, incorporating a more diverse range of genres. While not as commercially successful as their earlier works, “The Gift” and the album as a whole demonstrated INXS’s commitment to musical exploration and evolution.
6. Elegantly Wasted
“Elegantly Wasted” is the title track and a single from the album of the same name by INXS, released in 1997. The album represented a continuation of the band’s exploration of different musical styles and featured a mix of rock, alternative, and electronic elements.
The song “Elegantly Wasted” was written by INXS members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence. It has a distinctive rock sound with a catchy and upbeat rhythm. The lyrics convey a sense of living life to the fullest, embracing a carefree and sometimes hedonistic lifestyle.
While “Elegantly Wasted” didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of INXS’s earlier hits, the album marked the band’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes. Unfortunately, it would be one of the last albums featuring Michael Hutchence as the lead singer, as he tragically passed away in 1997.
The track remains a notable part of INXS’s discography, reflecting their willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound. Despite the challenges the band faced during this period, “Elegantly Wasted” is remembered for its energetic and rock-infused style.
7. Heaven Sent
“Heaven Sent” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released as a single in 1992 and is the second track from their eighth studio album, “Welcome to Wherever You Are.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Heaven Sent” has a distinctive rock sound with elements of alternative rock and features Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire, capturing themes of love and emotional connection.
While “Heaven Sent” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as some of INXS’s earlier hits, it received positive reviews for its melodic qualities and Hutchence’s passionate delivery. The song showcases the band’s ability to evolve their sound and experiment with different musical styles.
INXS continued to explore new musical territories in the 1990s, and “Heaven Sent” is a representation of their willingness to embrace change while maintaining the core elements of their distinctive sound. Despite the changing music landscape, INXS’s commitment to innovation is evident in tracks like “Heaven Sent.”
8. Suicide Blondes
When it comes to the best songs by INXS, “Suicide Blondes” stands out as one of their top tracks. This energetic and catchy song showcases the band’s signature sound and highlights their talent for creating memorable melodies and impactful lyrics. With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, “Suicide Blondes” remains a standout track in INXS’s discography. It perfectly exemplifies the band’s ability to blend rock and pop elements, resulting in a timeless and distinctive sound. Fans of INXS will undoubtedly appreciate the infectious energy and raw emotion that “Suicide Blondes” brings to the table.
9. Original Sin
“Original Sin” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released as a single in 1984 and is the lead track from their fifth studio album, “The Swing.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Original Sin” is a dynamic and catchy track that combines elements of rock, funk, and new wave. It features a driving rhythm, prominent guitar riffs, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals. The lyrics of the song explore themes of desire, temptation, and the complex nature of relationships.
The song’s distinctive and memorable chorus contributed to its commercial success, and it became one of INXS’s hit singles. “Original Sin” reached high positions on music charts in various countries, showcasing the band’s ability to craft infectious and radio-friendly songs.
The accompanying music video for “Original Sin” features visually striking and surreal imagery, adding to the overall impact of the song. INXS’s innovative approach to both music and visuals contributed to their success during the 1980s.
“Original Sin” remains a significant and well-loved track in INXS’s discography, representing a period of creative exploration and commercial success for the band.
10. New Sensation
“New Sensation” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the third single from their album “Kick.” The track became one of the band’s signature songs and is widely recognized for its energetic and catchy sound.
“New Sensation” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, infectious groove, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of excitement and a celebration of newfound experiences. It features a memorable guitar riff and a driving rhythm section that contributed to its popularity.
The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its popularity was further boosted by the accompanying music video, which featured energetic live performances and became a staple on music video channels.
“New Sensation” remains a classic of the late 1980s rock era and is often associated with INXS’s successful transition to a more mainstream sound during that period. The track continues to be celebrated for its infectious energy and memorable musical elements.
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.
