INXS was an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. The band’s original lineup consisted of vocalist Michael Hutchence, guitarist Tim Farriss, bassist Garry Gary Beers, keyboardist Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, and guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly.
INXS achieved worldwide fame and success in the 1980s and 1990s with their distinctive blend of rock, pop, and funk music. They released a series of hit albums and singles, becoming one of the most successful bands of their era.
Some of INXS’s most popular songs include “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “New Sensation,” “Devil Inside,” and “Original Sin.” These songs showcased the band’s infectious rhythms, catchy melodies, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals.
Tragically, Michael Hutchence died in 1997, leading to the eventual dissolution of INXS. Despite this, their music continues to be celebrated by fans around the world, and their influence on rock and pop music remains significant. INXS was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2001, and their legacy lives on through their timeless songs.
1. Listen Like Thieves
“Listen Like Thieves” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the title track and second single from their fifth studio album, “Listen Like Thieves,” in 1985. The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Listen Like Thieves” is a rock song with a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and determination, with the singer urging the listener to be bold and assertive in pursuit of their desires. The title phrase “Listen Like Thieves” suggests the idea of being cunning and resourceful in order to succeed.
Upon its release, “Listen Like Thieves” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts in several countries. The song’s energetic sound and anthemic chorus resonated with audiences, helping to solidify INXS’s status as one of the leading rock bands of the 1980s.
The music video for “Listen Like Thieves” features INXS performing the song in a dimly lit room, interspersed with scenes of people engaged in various activities such as dancing and playing cards. The video received praise for its stylish and atmospheric visuals, complementing the song’s dynamic energy.
“Listen Like Thieves” remains one of INXS’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a fan favorite. It exemplifies the band’s signature rock sound and charismatic stage presence, making it a staple of their live performances.
2. Mystify
“Mystify” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the fifth single from their sixth studio album, “Kick,” in 1988. The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Mystify” is a pop-rock ballad with a sultry and atmospheric vibe. The lyrics explore themes of passion, desire, and longing, with the singer expressing fascination and bewilderment at the enigmatic allure of a romantic partner. The song’s title, “Mystify,” suggests the mysterious and captivating nature of love and attraction.
Upon its release, “Mystify” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on charts in several countries. The song’s moody and evocative sound, coupled with Michael Hutchence’s emotive vocal performance, resonated with audiences, earning it praise from critics and fans alike.
The music video for “Mystify” features INXS performing the song against a backdrop of surreal and dreamlike imagery, including swirling clouds, underwater scenes, and abstract visuals. The video received acclaim for its artistic and visually striking aesthetics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
“Mystify” remains one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a highlight of their discography. Its haunting melody, poignant lyrics, and atmospheric production have made it a timeless classic in the realm of pop-rock music.
3. Don’t Change
“Don’t Change” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released in 1982 as the second single from their album “Shabooh Shoobah.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Don’t Change” is a new wave rock song with a distinctive guitar riff and a driving rhythm. The lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself despite external pressures to change. The song’s anthemic chorus, featuring the repeated refrain “Don’t change for you / Don’t change a thing for me,” has made it a fan favorite and one of INXS’s most enduring hits.
“Don’t Change” achieved commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Australian singles chart. It also became a popular track on alternative rock radio stations and has been covered by various artists over the years.
The song’s memorable music video, featuring surreal imagery and footage of the band performing, further contributed to its popularity. “Don’t Change” remains a staple of INXS’s live performances and continues to be celebrated as one of their signature songs.
4. Devil Inside
“Devil Inside” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the fifth single from their sixth studio album, “Kick,” in 1988. The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Devil Inside” is a rock song with a funky groove and a catchy hook. The lyrics explore themes of temptation, desire, and inner turmoil, with the singer warning about the dangers of succumbing to one’s darker impulses. The song’s title, “Devil Inside,” suggests the idea of wrestling with personal demons and the consequences of giving in to temptation.
Upon its release, “Devil Inside” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on charts in several countries. The song’s infectious rhythm, memorable chorus, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocal delivery contributed to its popularity.
The music video for “Devil Inside” features INXS performing the song in a dark and moody setting, interspersed with surreal and provocative imagery. The video received praise for its stylish and visually striking aesthetics, capturing the song’s edgy and provocative vibe.
“Devil Inside” remains one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as a fan favorite. Its funky groove, catchy melody, and evocative lyrics have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a classic in the realm of rock music.
5. New Sensation
“New Sensation” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released in 1987 as the third single from their sixth studio album, “Kick.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“New Sensation” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, infectious groove, and energetic rhythm. The song’s lyrics celebrate the thrill of experiencing new and exciting sensations, capturing the excitement and optimism of youth. Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation contribute to the song’s irresistible appeal.
“New Sensation” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It became one of INXS’s most popular and enduring hits and remains a staple of their live performances.
The song’s accompanying music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, features footage of the band performing live interspersed with scenes of urban nightlife and youthful energy. The video further contributed to the song’s popularity and helped solidify its status as a classic of 1980s rock music.
6. Original Sin
“Original Sin” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1984 as the lead single from their fifth studio album, “The Swing.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Original Sin” is a synth-pop and new wave track with a danceable rhythm and a catchy melody. The lyrics explore themes of desire, temptation, and the allure of forbidden love. The title, “Original Sin,” suggests the idea of innate human flaws and the consequences of giving in to temptation.
Upon its release, “Original Sin” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on charts in several countries. The song’s infectious groove, memorable chorus, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocal performance contributed to its popularity.
The music video for “Original Sin” features INXS performing the song in a dark and atmospheric setting, interspersed with surreal and provocative imagery. The video received praise for its stylish and visually striking aesthetics, enhancing the song’s emotional impact.
“Original Sin” remains one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring songs, often cited as a fan favorite. Its synth-pop sound, catchy melody, and evocative lyrics have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a classic in the realm of 1980s pop music.
7. Suicide Blonde
“Suicide Blonde” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released in 1990 as the lead single from their seventh studio album, “X.” The song was written by INXS band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Suicide Blonde” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, pulsating rhythm, and provocative lyrics. The term “suicide blonde” refers to a woman who dyes her hair blonde, a process that can be damaging to the hair and sometimes results in a faded or washed-out color, resembling the color of a corpse. The lyrics of the song suggest a dangerous and alluring femme fatale figure, with Michael Hutchence singing about his fascination with the titular character.
The song’s music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, features a cinematic and surreal aesthetic, with imagery evoking themes of beauty, desire, and danger. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel the song to commercial success.
“Suicide Blonde” became one of INXS’s most successful singles, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It remains a fan favorite and a standout track in INXS’s discography, showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock, pop, and dance influences into a compelling and memorable song.
8. What You Need
“What You Need” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1985 as the lead single 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 funk-rock and dance-rock track with a driving beat and a catchy guitar riff. The lyrics express desire and attraction, with the singer proclaiming that they have what the listener needs. The song’s chorus emphasizes the idea of meeting someone’s needs and desires.
Upon its release, “What You Need” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on charts in several countries. The song’s infectious rhythm, memorable chorus, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocal performance contributed to its popularity.
The music video for “What You Need” features INXS performing the song in a colorful and energetic setting, interspersed with scenes of dancers and playful visuals. The video received praise for its stylish and visually striking aesthetics, enhancing the song’s energetic vibe.
“What You Need” remains one of INXS’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a fan favorite. Its funk-rock sound, catchy melody, and dynamic energy have made it a staple of the band’s live performances and a classic in the realm of rock music.
9. Never Tear Us Apart
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released in 1988 as the fourth 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 ballad characterized by its haunting saxophone riff, emotive vocals, and atmospheric production. The lyrics express themes of love, passion, and resilience, with Michael Hutchence singing about the strength of the bond between two people and their determination to overcome any obstacles that may come their way.
The song’s iconic saxophone solo, performed by Kirk Pengilly, is one of its most memorable features and adds to the song’s emotional impact. “Never Tear Us Apart” is widely regarded as one of INXS’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite.
The song’s music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, features atmospheric black-and-white footage of the band performing interspersed with scenes of romantic and dramatic imagery. The video helped popularize the song and contributed to its commercial success.
“Never Tear Us Apart” achieved critical and commercial acclaim, reaching the top 10 on the charts in several countries, including Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It has since become one of INXS’s most enduring and beloved songs, often cited as a classic of 1980s rock music.
10. Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, “Kick.” The song was written by INXS band member Andrew Farriss and sung by the band’s lead vocalist, Michael Hutchence.
“Need You Tonight” is characterized by its distinctive guitar riff, prominent bassline, and electronic elements. The song is a fusion of rock, funk, and dance-pop, with a seductive and infectious groove. Lyrically, the song explores themes of desire, lust, and longing, with the singer expressing a sense of urgency to be with their lover.
Upon its release, “Need You Tonight” was a massive commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. The song’s innovative sound, catchy melody, and provocative lyrics captivated audiences, making it one of INXS’s most iconic and enduring hits.
The music video for “Need You Tonight” features the band performing the song in a stylized black-and-white setting, interspersed with surreal and provocative imagery. The video received critical acclaim for its stylish and visually striking aesthetics, winning several awards, including MTV Video Music Awards.
“Need You Tonight” remains one of INXS’s signature songs, often cited as a classic of 1980s rock music. Its infectious groove, memorable guitar riff, and sultry vocals have made it a timeless favorite among fans of the band and lovers of pop-rock music.
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.
