INXS was an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. They emerged as one of the most successful and influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s, known for their distinctive sound blending rock, new wave, and funk elements. The band’s lineup consisted of vocalist Michael Hutchence, guitarist Tim Farriss, keyboardist Andrew Farriss, bassist Garry Gary Beers, drummer Jon Farriss, and guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly.
INXS rose to prominence with their breakthrough album “Shabooh Shoobah” in 1982, featuring the hit single “The One Thing.” They achieved international success with subsequent albums like “Listen Like Thieves” (1985), “Kick” (1987), and “X” (1990), which spawned numerous hit singles including “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” and “New Sensation.”
The band’s charismatic frontman, Michael Hutchence, became a defining figure of the era with his magnetic stage presence and distinctive vocal style. INXS’s music was known for its infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and provocative lyrics, earning them legions of devoted fans worldwide.
Despite Hutchence’s tragic death in 1997, INXS’s legacy lives on through their timeless music and lasting impact on the rock genre. They remain one of Australia’s most successful bands, with a catalogue of classic hits that continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by generations of fans.
1. The One Thing
“The One Thing” is a dynamic and energetic song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1982 as part of their album “Shabooh Shoobah.” The track served as a breakthrough hit for the band, helping to propel them to international fame.
“The One Thing” is characterized by its infectious groove, catchy hooks, and driving rhythm. The song’s upbeat tempo and memorable guitar riff create a sense of urgency and excitement, drawing listeners in from the very first note. Lyrically, “The One Thing” explores themes of desire and longing, with the narrator expressing a yearning for connection and fulfillment.
With its irresistible melody and spirited performance, “The One Thing” became an instant hit, topping the charts in Australia and achieving significant success in other countries as well. The song’s success helped to establish INXS as one of the premier rock bands of the 1980s and paved the way for their future international success.
Decades after its release, “The One Thing” remains a beloved classic in INXS’s discography, cherished for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. Its catchy melody and memorable chorus continue to captivate audiences, making it a staple of the band’s live performances and a cherished favorite among fans of rock music.
2. Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight” is an iconic song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as part of their album “Kick.” The track is characterized by its infectious groove, sultry vocals, and innovative production, making it one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits.
“Need You Tonight” is known for its distinctive guitar riff, which drives the song’s hypnotic rhythm and sets the tone for its seductive atmosphere. The lyrics express desire and longing, with the narrator expressing a desperate need for companionship and connection. The song’s minimalist arrangement and pulsating beat create a sense of urgency and intensity, drawing listeners in and capturing their attention from start to finish.
Upon its release, “Need You Tonight” became an instant success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. Its innovative sound and provocative lyrics helped to solidify INXS’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1980s.
Decades after its release, “Need You Tonight” remains a beloved classic in INXS’s discography, cherished for its infectious groove and timeless appeal. Its distinctive sound and memorable chorus continue to resonate with audiences, making it a staple of classic rock radio and a cherished favorite among fans of the genre.
3. Never Tear Us Apart
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1988 as the third single from their sixth studio album, “Kick.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a powerful and emotive ballad characterized by its haunting melody, soulful vocals, and atmospheric production. The song’s lyrics express deep emotional intimacy and devotion between two lovers, with the narrator declaring their unwavering commitment to their partner and their belief that nothing can come between them.
The song received widespread acclaim from music critics, who praised its poignant lyrics, memorable melody, and Michael Hutchence’s captivating vocal performance. “Never Tear Us Apart” achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten in various countries and becoming one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring songs.
The accompanying music video for “Never Tear Us Apart” features atmospheric black-and-white imagery and intimate close-up shots of the band members, adding to the song’s emotional impact and cinematic quality.
“Never Tear Us Apart” has since become a beloved classic and a staple of INXS’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and devotion continue to resonate with audiences around the world, making it one of the band’s most cherished and iconic songs.
4. What You Need
“What You Need” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1985 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Listen Like Thieves.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“What You Need” is a high-energy rock track characterized by its infectious groove, catchy guitar riff, and powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics express themes of desire and longing, with the narrator proclaiming their willingness to fulfill their partner’s needs and desires.
The song received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its dynamic instrumentation and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocal delivery. “What You Need” achieved commercial success, reaching the top five on the charts in Australia and the top twenty in the United States.
The accompanying music video for “What You Need” features energetic performance footage of the band interspersed with colorful and abstract visual effects, capturing the song’s vibrant and dynamic energy.
“What You Need” remains one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring songs, a staple of their live performances, and a fan favorite. Its catchy melody, infectious rhythm, and powerful vocals continue to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved classic in the band’s extensive catalog.
5. The Gift
“The Gift” is a song by INXS from their album “Listen Like Thieves,” released in 1985. It is known for its haunting melody, introspective lyrics, and atmospheric production, showcasing the band’s versatility and depth as musicians.
“The Gift” explores themes of longing, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. The lyrics reflect on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of human existence, with the narrator grappling with questions of identity and purpose. The song’s evocative imagery and emotive vocals create a sense of introspection and introspective, inviting listeners to contemplate their own journey of self-discovery.
Musically, “The Gift” features a lush and atmospheric arrangement, with ethereal synthesizers, pulsating rhythms, and soaring guitar melodies. The song’s dynamic instrumentation and moody atmosphere add depth and texture to the lyrics, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.
While not as commercially successful as some of their other hits, “The Gift” remains a fan favorite and a standout track in INXS’s discography. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a cherished favorite among fans of the band and a testament to their enduring legacy as innovators in the world of rock music.
6. Elegantly Wasted
“Elegantly Wasted” is a rock song by INXS, released in 1997 as the title track from their album of the same name. The song is characterized by its gritty guitar riffs, pulsating rhythm, and raw energy, marking a departure from the band’s earlier sound while still retaining their trademark style.
“Elegantly Wasted” is a celebration of hedonism and living life to the fullest. The lyrics paint a picture of a carefree lifestyle filled with excess and indulgence, with the narrator embracing the thrill of the moment and refusing to conform to societal norms. The song’s catchy chorus and anthemic vibe make it a standout track on the album, capturing the spirit of rebellion and freedom that defined the band’s later years.
Musically, “Elegantly Wasted” features a driving rock beat, distorted guitars, and frontman Michael Hutchence’s distinctive vocals, which exude charisma and swagger. The song’s dynamic arrangement and infectious energy make it a crowd-pleaser, earning it a place as one of INXS’s most beloved tracks.
Despite its commercial success, “Elegantly Wasted” would tragically become one of the band’s final hits before the untimely death of Hutchence in 1997. Nevertheless, the song remains a fan favorite and a testament to INXS’s enduring legacy as one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
7. Heaven Sent
“Heaven Sent” is a song by American R&B singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole. It was released in 2007 as the second single from her third studio album, “Just like You.” The song was written by Keyshia Cole along with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Fred Jerkins III.
“Heaven Sent” is a soulful ballad characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, emotive vocals, and lush production. The song’s lyrics express deep emotions of love and gratitude, with the narrator expressing how their partner feels like a gift from heaven. The chorus, with its poignant refrain of “You’re the perfect one for me,” captures the sentiment of finding true love and cherishing it.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Keyshia Cole’s vocal performance and the song’s melodic composition. “Heaven Sent” achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and becoming one of Keyshia Cole’s signature hits.
The accompanying music video for “Heaven Sent” features Keyshia Cole singing in various settings, including a desert landscape and a church, interspersed with scenes of her reflecting on her relationship. The video’s emotional visuals complement the song’s heartfelt lyrics and add to its impact.
“Heaven Sent” remains one of Keyshia Cole’s most beloved and iconic songs, cherished by fans for its soul-stirring melody and heartfelt message of love and appreciation.
8. Suicide Blondes
“Suicide Blonde” is a rock song by INXS, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “X.” The song is known for its infectious energy, catchy melody, and provocative lyrics, marking a departure from the band’s earlier sound and showcasing their willingness to explore new musical territory.
“Suicide Blonde” is a tongue-in-cheek exploration of the concept of the “suicide blonde,” a term used to describe a woman who dyes her hair blonde as a way of reinventing herself and seeking attention. The lyrics playfully reference this idea, with the narrator expressing fascination and intrigue with the titular character. The song’s upbeat tempo and infectious chorus make it a standout track on the album, capturing the band’s irreverent sense of humor and playful spirit.
Musically, “Suicide Blonde” features a driving rock beat, catchy guitar riffs, and frontman Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals, which exude confidence and swagger. The song’s dynamic arrangement and infectious energy make it a crowd-pleaser, earning it a place as one of INXS’s most beloved tracks.
Upon its release, “Suicide Blonde” was met with commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. Its provocative lyrics and catchy melody helped to solidify INXS’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
9. Original Sin
“Original Sin” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1984 as the first single from their fourth studio album, “The Swing.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Original Sin” is a catchy and energetic track characterized by its infectious rhythm, prominent bassline, and atmospheric production. The song’s lyrics explore themes of temptation, desire, and the consequences of giving in to one’s darker impulses. The chorus, with its memorable refrain of “Dream on white boy, dream on black girl,” captures the song’s evocative and enigmatic atmosphere.
The song received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its innovative sound and Michael Hutchence’s captivating vocal performance. “Original Sin” achieved commercial success, reaching the top ten on the charts in Australia and New Zealand and becoming one of INXS’s most recognizable and enduring songs.
The accompanying music video for “Original Sin” features the band performing the song in a surreal and visually striking setting, with imagery inspired by surrealist art and religious iconography. The video’s striking visuals and artistic direction complement the song’s provocative lyrics and add to its impact.
“Original Sin” remains a beloved classic in INXS’s discography, a staple of their live performances, and a fan favorite. Its infectious melody, evocative lyrics, and innovative production continue to resonate with audiences, making it one of the band’s most iconic and enduring songs.
10. New Sensation
“New Sensation” is a vibrant rock song by INXS, released in 1988 as the third single from their album “Kick.” The track is characterized by its infectious energy, catchy hooks, and pulsating rhythm, making it one of the band’s most iconic and enduring hits.
“New Sensation” captures the spirit of excitement and adventure, with its lyrics celebrating the thrill of living life to the fullest and embracing new experiences. The song’s upbeat tempo and electrifying guitar riffs create a sense of exhilaration and freedom, inviting listeners to join in the celebration and let loose.
Musically, “New Sensation” features a dynamic arrangement, with driving percussion, funky basslines, and frontman Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals, which exude confidence and swagger. The song’s infectious energy and catchy melody make it a standout track on the album, capturing the band’s signature sound and timeless appeal.
Upon its release, “New Sensation” was met with commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim. Its infectious rhythm and anthemic chorus helped to solidify INXS’s reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1980s and 1990s.
Decades after its release, “New Sensation” remains a fan favorite and a beloved classic in INXS’s discography, cherished for its infectious energy and timeless appeal. Its dynamic sound and electrifying vibe continue to captivate audiences, making it a staple of classic rock radio and a cherished favorite among fans of the genre.
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.
