INXS was an Australian rock band formed in 1977 in Sydney. They rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with a string of hit albums and singles, becoming one of the most successful bands to emerge from Australia.
Led by charismatic frontman Michael Hutchence, INXS blended elements of rock, pop, funk, and dance music to create their distinctive sound. Their breakthrough came with the album “Shabooh Shoobah” (1982) and its hit single “The One Thing”. However, it was their sixth album, “Kick” (1987), that catapulted them to international superstardom. “Kick” spawned several chart-topping singles, including “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation”, and became their most successful album, selling over 6 million copies in the US alone.
Throughout the 1990s, INXS continued to release successful albums, including “X” (1990) and “Welcome to Wherever You Are” (1992), although they never quite replicated the commercial success of “Kick”. Tragically, Michael Hutchence died in 1997, marking a profound loss for the band and the music industry as a whole.
INXS continued with various lead singers in the following years, but they never regained their previous level of success. Nevertheless, their legacy endures, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
1. Listen Like Thieves
“Listen Like Thieves” is the fifth studio album by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1985. The album represented a significant step forward for the band, both creatively and commercially. It features a blend of rock, funk, and pop elements, showcasing INXS’s evolving sound.
The title track, “Listen Like Thieves,” served as the album’s lead single and became one of INXS’s signature songs. Its infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and powerful vocals exemplify the band’s ability to craft memorable rock anthems.
The album also includes other notable tracks such as “What You Need” and “Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)”, which further solidified INXS’s status as one of the premier rock bands of the 1980s.
“Listen Like Thieves” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries, including the US and Australia. It played a crucial role in expanding INXS’s international fanbase and set the stage for even greater success with their subsequent album, “Kick.”
2. Mystify
“Mystify” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the fifth single from their album “Kick”. It’s a haunting and atmospheric track, featuring a distinctive saxophone riff by Kirk Pengilly and Michael Hutchence’s soulful vocals. The lyrics are enigmatic, describing a mysterious and alluring person who captivates the singer’s imagination. The song’s music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, features surreal imagery and was praised for its artistic quality. “Mystify” became one of INXS’s signature songs and remains a fan favorite, showcasing the band’s talent for crafting evocative and memorable rock ballads.
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 band members Andrew Farriss and Garry Gary Beers.
“Don’t Change” is a new wave and rock song with an infectious melody and a memorable guitar riff. The lyrics convey a message of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself, with the chorus proclaiming, “Don’t change for you / Don’t change a thing for me.” The song’s uplifting and anthemic feel contributed to its popularity and enduring appeal.
“Don’t Change” became one of INXS’s signature songs and a fan favorite at their live performances. It remains one of the band’s most well-known and beloved tracks, earning critical acclaim and becoming a classic of 1980s rock music.
4. Devil Inside
“Devil Inside” is a hit single by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1988 as the lead single from their album “Kick”. It’s characterized by its infectious bassline, driving rhythm, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals. The lyrics are dark and provocative, exploring themes of temptation and seduction. The song’s catchy chorus and danceable groove contributed to its commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries. The music video, directed by Joel Schumacher, features surreal and edgy imagery, further enhancing the song’s impact. “Devil Inside” remains one of INXS’s most iconic tracks, showcasing their ability to blend rock, pop, and funk influences into a captivating sound.
5. New Sensation
“New Sensation” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS. It was released as the third single from their 1987 album “Kick.” The song was written by INXS members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“New Sensation” is a rock and funk-influenced track with a catchy guitar riff and a danceable groove. The lyrics describe the excitement and energy of experiencing something new and exhilarating, with the chorus proclaiming, “New sensation, new sensation / Right now, gonna take you on a new sensation.”
The song’s infectious melody and upbeat tempo contributed to its commercial success, with “New Sensation” becoming one of INXS’s most popular songs. It reached the top ten in multiple countries and remains a favorite among fans, known for its energetic vibe and memorable hooks.
6. Original Sin
“Original Sin” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1983 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, “The Swing”. The song is characterized by its infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and Michael Hutchence’s sultry vocals. Lyrically, “Original Sin” explores themes of desire, temptation, and the complexities of human nature.
The track features a distinctive saxophone riff by Kirk Pengilly, adding a layer of sophistication to the song’s sound. Its dynamic arrangement combines elements of rock, pop, and funk, showcasing INXS’s versatility as a band.
“Original Sin” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the charts in several countries. It remains one of INXS’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a highlight of their discography.
7. Suicide Blonde
“Suicide Blonde” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1990 as the lead single from their album “X.” The song was written by INXS members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Suicide Blonde” is a rock song with a catchy guitar riff and a driving beat. The lyrics are suggestive and enigmatic, with the term “suicide blonde” referring to a woman who dyes her hair blonde but has a dark or self-destructive personality. The chorus features the repeated line, “Suicide blonde, was the color of her hair / Like a cheap distraction for a new affair.”
The song’s edgy lyrics and infectious melody helped it become a commercial success, reaching the top ten in several countries. “Suicide Blonde” remains one of INXS’s most recognizable songs and a staple of their live performances.
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 album “Listen Like Thieves”. The song is characterized by its funky bassline, catchy guitar riffs, and Michael Hutchence’s powerful vocals. Lyrically, “What You Need” speaks to the idea of providing support and fulfillment to a partner.
The track’s upbeat tempo and infectious groove helped propel it to commercial success, reaching the top five on the charts in several countries. It became one of INXS’s signature songs and remains a staple of their live performances.
“What You Need” showcases INXS’s ability to blend elements of rock, funk, and pop into a distinctive and memorable sound, solidifying their status as one of the premier rock bands of the 1980s.
9. Never Tear Us Apart
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1988 as the fourth single from their album “Kick.” The song was written by INXS members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence.
“Never Tear Us Apart” is a soulful rock ballad with a haunting saxophone riff and emotive lyrics. The song’s lyrics express deep and passionate love, with the narrator declaring that nothing will ever come between them and their partner. The chorus features the iconic line, “Don’t ask me, what you know is true / Don’t have to tell you, I love your precious heart.”
The song’s powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, and “Never Tear Us Apart” became one of INXS’s most popular and enduring songs. It reached the top ten in several countries and remains a classic of 1980s rock music.
10. Need You Tonight
“Need You Tonight” is a hit single by the Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the lead single from their album “Kick”. The song is characterized by its iconic guitar riff, hypnotic rhythm, and Michael Hutchence’s sultry vocals. Lyrically, “Need You Tonight” explores themes of desire and longing, with Hutchence’s lyrics expressing a sense of urgency and yearning for connection.
The track’s innovative use of sampling and electronic elements helped it stand out in the music landscape of the late 1980s. Its sleek and seductive sound made it an instant classic, earning widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike.
“Need You Tonight” became one of INXS’s most successful songs, topping the charts in multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada. Its memorable music video, featuring Hutchence sensually moving and singing against a black background, further contributed to its popularity and cemented its status as a timeless anthem of the era.