INXS (pronounced “in excess”) was an Australian rock band that formed in Sydney in 1977. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead singer Michael Hutchence, guitarist Tim Farriss, bassist Garry Gary Beers, drummer Jon Farriss, and keyboardist Andrew Farriss. Over the course of their career, INXS became one of the most successful and popular bands of the 1980s and early 1990s.
INXS’s music was known for its catchy hooks, infectious grooves, and Hutchence’s charismatic stage presence. Their sound drew from a variety of influences, including funk, new wave, and rock, and their albums often featured collaborations with other artists.
The band’s breakthrough came in 1983 with the release of their album “Shabooh Shoobah,” which featured the hit single “The One Thing.” They continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including “Listen Like Thieves,” “Kick,” and “X,” which spawned numerous hit singles, including “Need You Tonight,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.”
Tragically, Hutchence passed away in 1997, but the band continued to perform with different lead singers until their eventual disbandment in 2012. INXS’s legacy as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1980s continues to live on, and their music remains beloved by fans around the world.
1. Suicide Blonde
This hit song, known as the 'Suicidal Blond', is one of INXS's most popular pieces. Michael Hutchence's seductive vocals blended perfectly with the upbeat rock music and catchy chorus to produce a sound that captivated audiences. It reached international acclaim across multiple airwaves and helped skyrocket their 1990 album "X" into greatness.
The song's title provided insight into the subject of the lyrics, which were written by Andrew Farriss, a guitarist for INXS. Controversy surrounds whether the song was actually about a woman dying her hair blonde or references drug use. Nonetheless, it continues to be celebrated as an iconic piece of music from 1990 and adds a unique touch to INXS's extensive discography.
Fans of INXS continue to celebrate 'Suicide Blonde' as one of the band's most memorable songs. Its longevity has undoubtedly made it an important part of INXS's legacy, showing their versatility within different genres.
It was noted by Rolling Stone magazine that " During their peak, INXS were hailed as rock gods on par with U2 or The Police".
Trying to resist the seductive groove of 'Need You Tonight' is like trying to resist the urge to eat a whole pizza by yourself – practically impossible.
2. Need You Tonight
One of INXS's most famous songs is a high-energy track known for its infectious beat. Its rhythmic bassline and guitar riff drive the song forward, while the lyrics evoke a feeling of seductive urgency and flirtation. The song's music video, featuring lead singer Michael Hutchence dancing in a black suit and fedora, has become iconic. It was released as a single in 1987 and spent weeks at the top of the charts around the world. Its popularity has endured over time, making it one of the band's most enduring hits.
This song stands out among INXS's extensive catalog not only for its undeniable catchiness but also for its experimentation with electronic sounds that would come to dominate popular music in subsequent years. Despite being over three decades old, "Need You Tonight" continues to be a staple on classic rock and 80s playlists today.
One interesting fact about "Need You Tonight" is that it was initially conceived as an entirely different song – Hutchence wrote the lyrics after seeing turn-of-the-century burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee's autobiography at a bookstore in Hong Kong. However, after coming up with the distinctive guitar riff that anchors the track, he decided to scrap his original idea and craft a new tune around this instrumental hook. The rest is history!
Don't change your mind about loving INXS after listening to this classic hit, or we might have to question your taste in music.
3. Don’t Change
This song from INXS, known as the third in this list, has stood the test of time with its upbeat and catchy melody. The lyrics capture the essence of youthful rebellion and defiance, making it an anthem for many. "Don't Change" is a true masterpiece that showcases the band's iconic sound and musical genius. Its enduring popularity exemplifies why INXS remains one of the greatest bands of all time.
In addition to its musical brilliance, "Don't Change" also has a fascinating backstory that adds to its allure. During a concert in 1982, lead vocalist Michael Hutchence improvised some new lyrics during an extended instrumental section of the song. The enthusiastic crowd loved it so much that Hutchence decided to include it in future performances. The resulting version became a fan favorite and helped solidify "Don't Change" as an INXS classic.
Listening to 'Good Times' is like having a party in your ears, and everyone's invited – even if it's just you and your cat.
4. Good Times
This entry in the list of '10 Best INXS Songs of All Time' showcases the irrepressible energy and talent of the band with an upbeat rock classic. The track, originally recorded by Easybeats, has been given a fresh lease on life with electrifying vocals from Michael Hutchence and dynamic instrumentation from his bandmates. 'Good Times' serves as a quintessential INXS anthem that always gets crowds moving and represents the band's ability to put their own spin on classic tunes. Incorporating elements of funk, pop, and rock, 'Good Times' is a standout track that embodies INXS's ability to create infectious melodies that stick in listeners' minds long after they've heard them. Whether it's the driving rhythm section or the soaring guitar riffs, this song refuses to let audiences sit still. It is a true testament to INXS's musicianship and their ability to tap into the collective energy of their fans. Interestingly enough, 'Good Times' was released as part of The Lost Boys movie soundtrack and garnered widespread acclaim for its infectious hooks and catchy lyrics. This song quickly became one of INXS's most recognizable tracks and established them as a powerhouse band in the 80s music scene. Finally, what sets this track apart from other INXS hits is its timeless appeal. Even decades after its release, 'Good Times' continues to be played at parties and events around the world. It serves as a testament to Michael Hutchence and his bandmates who created music that resonates with listeners across generations. Listening to 'Never Tear Us Apart' is like a warm hug from your ex, comforting yet painful at the same time.
5. Never Tear Us Apart
This track, expressing the indomitable spirit of love, finds a place in our list of INXS's top ten tracks. Without mentioning the track name, it is easy to identify as it has become an iconic song from the band. The magnetic quality of the lyrics urges listeners to sing along and sway with its soft melody. Michael Hutchence's soothing voice meshes seamlessly with the music to produce an unforgettable auditory experience.
Continuing our journey through INXS's hit songs, this track melts hearts with its hauntingly beautiful refrain and chord progressions. It showcases the band's musical prowess through its elegant instrumentation, including Hutchence's clever use of vibrato in his vocal performance. Its lyrics have universal appeal, making listeners feel as if they could be singing about their own relationships.
It is important to note that this track was written by Andrew Farriss for his former girlfriend Michelle Bennett. Despite sounding like a romantic love song, its essence is based on respect and friendship between two people; hence it appeals even more poignantly to everyone out there.
Pro Tip: To truly embrace and understand INXS's music, their live performances provide extra depth and breadth beyond just listening to their recorded tracks – witness Hutchence dynamically bringing their music alive on stage for yourself!
Listen Like Thieves? More like steal your heart and never give it back with this killer INXS track.
6. Listen Like Thieves
This track from INXS showcases the band's musical depth and ability to innovate. With its driving rhythm, catchy melody, and powerful vocals, it became an instant classic amongst fans of rock music. In "Listen Like Thieves," the band explores themes of greed, ambition, and loyalty through their signature sound. The dynamic guitar riffs and thunderous drum beats will leave you humming the tune long after the song ends. For any fan of INXS or '80s alternative rock, "Listen Like Thieves" is not one to miss.
A standout track in their vast discography, "Listen Like Thieves" demonstrated the band's ability to evolve musically while staying true to their roots. It marked a turning point in their career as they began experimenting with new sounds that would later define their sound. The song perfectly blends elements of punk, funk, and pop into a cohesive whole that remains timeless even today. It's no wonder it continues to be a fan favorite all these years later.
What sets "Listen Like Thieves" apart from other INXS hits is its unique blend of raw energy and sophisticated production values. The catchy lyrics are delivered with passion by frontman Michael Hutchence, who infuses each word with emotion and urgency. Backed by the tight musicianship of his fellow bandmates, he creates a sonic landscape that is impossible to resist. Whether you're dancing along or simply nodding your head in appreciation, this track is sure to get your blood pumping.
Pro Tip: To fully appreciate "Listen Like Thieves," listen to it on high volume with a good pair of headphones or speakers. This will allow you to hear all the intricate details that make this song so special and will transport you back to the glory days of '80s rock music.
Listening to 'Original Sin' is like taking a walk on the wild side with INXS as your mischievous tour guides.
7. Original Sin
Exploring one of the top 10 tracks from INXS, this section brings us to a Semantic NLP variation of '7. Original Sin'. Here's a closer look at the incredible journey that this song represents for music enthusiasts worldwide.
We have crafted a table below to showcase the actual data relating to '7. Original Sin'. The aim is to give an overall perspective on what 'Original Sin' brings to the table and its place in the list of top INXS hits.
| Key Information | Value |
|---|---|
| Album Name | The Swing |
| Songwriter | Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence |
| Producer(s) | Nile Rodgers |
| Release Date | 1984 |
| Chart Position (US Billboard Hot 100) | #58 |
It's worth noting that despite not being one of their biggest commercial successes, die-hard fans still adore "Original Sin" with immense fervour. This track never fails to ignite passion and fond memories for those who know how important it is in the band's discography.
It would be remiss not to delve deeper into other lesser-known facts about INXS while discussing their legends. Their impact on Australian music was immense, inspiring many future artists of their time.
Don't forget to give 'Original Sin' another listen and enjoy how it transports you back to a truly memorable moment in music history!
Experience the magic of INXS by exploring all of their hits today!
Get ready to feel like a new sensation with this classic INXS hit that never fails to bring the party.
8. New Sensation
This track captures the heart and soul of INXS with its lively beat and captivating rhythm. The blend of instrumentals featuring electric guitars, keyboards, and drums complement the electrifying vocals of Michael Hutchence. 'New Sensation' became a commercial success for INXS worldwide, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its iconic music video, featuring a charismatic performance by Hutchence, has also become a classic in its own right.
Get ready to unleash your inner devil with INXS's electrifying hit, 'Devil Inside' – just don't blame us if you end up dancing with the demons.
9. Devil Inside
This song, known for its seductive bassline and provocative lyrics, is a staple of INXS's music catalog. With its catchy chorus and sultry vocals, the track has become an iconic representation of the band's fusion of rock and pop. Its inclusion on their multiplatinum-selling album Kick helped propel INXS to worldwide fame in the late 80s, cementing their status as one of Australia's most successful musical exports. This song remains a timeless classic loved by fans and newcomers alike.
Disappear is the kind of song that makes you want to disappear from your own life and just listen to it on repeat.
10. Disappear
One of the top ten INXS songs of all time showcases their unique style and talent. This particular track captures the essence of INXS, with its mesmerizing instrumentals and emotional lyrics. The song is powerful yet soothing, creating a captivating experience for the listener.
INXS's 'Disappear' was released in 1990 as a single from their seventh studio album, 'X'. The song quickly became a fan favorite and received critical acclaim for its composition and meaning. Its hauntingly beautiful melody blends perfectly with Michael Hutchence's soulful vocals, making it an unforgettable tune.
The bridge section of 'Disappear' stands out as unique in its cut-up lyrical style, a feature used in several other INXS hits such as 'Need You Tonight.' It adds an element of surprise to the song that elevates it to another level.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, 'Disappear' was written by Andrew Farriss when his newborn son was diagnosed with cancer; this would have been a personal tribute to him. However, the band found that it represented more than just one person's pain; it became an anthem about dealing with loss and finding hope amidst despair.
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.
