Few bands have left as indelible a mark on music history as INXS. With their electrifying stage presence, unforgettable melodies, and genre-defying sound, this Australian rock powerhouse captivated audiences around the world for decades. From their humble beginnings in Sydney pubs to becoming global chart-toppers, INXS gave us some of the most iconic tracks of the ’80s and ’90s. Their music effortlessly blended rock, funk, and new wave, creating a unique style that remains timeless.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the band’s legendary catalog to reveal the top 10 most popular INXS songs of all time. These tracks are more than just hits—they’re anthems that defined an era, fueled countless dance floors, and continue to resonate with fans old and new. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or just discovering their brilliance, this list is your ultimate guide to the very best of INXS.
Get ready to relive the magic of Michael Hutchence’s sultry vocals, the band’s intoxicating grooves, and the unforgettable moments that cemented INXS as one of the greatest bands in music history. Turn up the volume and let’s celebrate the songs that made INXS a legend!
1. Need You Tonight (1987)
“Need You Tonight” isn’t just a song—it’s a moment. Released in 1987 as the lead single from INXS’s critically acclaimed album Kick, this track oozes sensuality and cool confidence. With its sparse, almost minimalist instrumentation—built around a slinky guitar riff and a pulsing, electronic beat—it feels ahead of its time. But what really elevates it is Michael Hutchence’s magnetic vocal performance. His voice seduces and commands in equal measure, delivering each line with a breathy, hypnotic allure that draws listeners in instantly.
The song’s fusion of rock, funk, and electronic influences made it stand out on the airwaves, especially during a decade that was bursting with musical experimentation. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a statement. And audiences noticed: “Need You Tonight” became INXS’s first and only No. 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking their full breakthrough into the international spotlight.
Adding to the track’s legacy was its stylish, split-screen music video—an edgy, collage-like visual that matched the song’s modern vibe. It became a staple on MTV and helped define the visual language of the late ’80s. More than three decades later, “Need You Tonight” still sizzles with the same magnetic energy.
2. Devil Inside (1988)
Dark, pulsating, and eerily addictive, “Devil Inside” is one of INXS’s most unforgettable tracks. Released in 1988 as the second single from the Kick album, it leans into a darker, more mysterious tone—exploring the complex dualities that exist within all of us. From the opening guitar riff to the hypnotic rhythm, the song builds a sense of seductive tension, and Hutchence’s vocals deliver the lyrics with just the right mix of menace and intrigue.
Lyrically, “Devil Inside” plays with the idea that everyone harbors a hidden side—something raw, maybe even dangerous—that lurks just beneath the surface. That theme resonated with fans and critics alike, making it one of INXS’s most thematically rich tracks. The song shot up the US charts, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and cemented the band’s place as one of the biggest acts of the era.
Directed by Joel Schumacher, the music video matched the song’s brooding atmosphere perfectly, using moody lighting and gritty visuals to create an aura of mystique. To this day, “Devil Inside” stands out not just for its sound, but for its fearless exploration of the darker parts of human nature—and for proving that INXS could go deep while still making you want to move.
3. New Sensation (1987)
Released in 1987 as part of their groundbreaking Kick album, “New Sensation” is an exuberant, feel-good anthem that perfectly captures the vibrancy of the late ’80s. From the very first chord, the song exudes energy, with crisp guitar riffs and dynamic saxophone flourishes adding to its infectious groove. It’s a song that encourages living in the moment, embracing joy, and seizing new opportunities—capturing that carefree, adventurous spirit that was so prevalent during the era.
Michael Hutchence’s charismatic voice is the driving force behind the track, with his confident delivery elevating the upbeat lyrics to anthem status. The song’s message of personal reinvention and living life to the fullest resonated deeply with audiences, and its vibrant energy made it a staple on dance floors and radio stations worldwide. “New Sensation” became an instant favorite, earning frequent play on MTV and radio, becoming one of INXS’s signature tracks.
While “New Sensation” was a hit in its own right, its enduring legacy lies in its ability to encapsulate the feeling of the ’80s: a decade of excess, fun, and unbridled joy. Even today, when the song starts, it’s impossible not to smile, tap your foot, and get lost in the rhythm of it all.
4. Never Tear Us Apart (1988)
One of INXS’s most iconic ballads, “Never Tear Us Apart” stands as a testament to the band’s ability to create music that resonates deeply on an emotional level. Released in 1988 as a single from Kick, the track diverged from the more upbeat anthems of the album, showcasing a softer, more introspective side of the band. The orchestral strings that open the song set the stage for a sweeping, cinematic love story, while Hutchence’s soulful vocals deliver the raw passion and yearning that lies at the heart of the song.
Lyrically, “Never Tear Us Apart” is an anthem of devotion, a promise of unwavering commitment that no obstacle can break. The song’s romantic themes have made it a popular choice for weddings and meaningful moments, its beauty transcending generations. Hutchence’s voice, filled with longing and tenderness, adds a layer of depth to the track that makes it unforgettable.
The music video, shot in Prague, further enhances the song’s emotional impact, with its striking visuals amplifying the feelings of love and connection. To this day, “Never Tear Us Apart” remains a fan favorite and one of INXS’s most enduring songs, often described as their most powerful ballad.
5. Suicide Blonde (1990)
Released in 1990 as the lead single from their X album, “Suicide Blonde” marked a bold new direction for INXS. The track fuses rock and dance elements, creating an irresistible groove that oozes swagger and attitude. It’s a song about intrigue, attraction, and mystery, all encapsulated in the phrase “Suicide Blonde,” a term Michael Hutchence borrowed from his then-girlfriend, Kylie Minogue. This phrase became synonymous with the song’s hauntingly catchy melody and irresistible rhythm.
The track opens with a gritty harmonica, adding a touch of rawness that complements the smooth, funky beat. Hutchence’s vocals are both sultry and edgy, delivering the song’s provocative lyrics with a sense of cool detachment. The chorus is infectious, making it one of the band’s most memorable tracks. It was an immediate hit, topping charts in Canada and reaching the top 10 in several countries around the world.
“Suicide Blonde” also features a visually striking music video that mirrors the song’s daring and enigmatic vibe. With its sharp contrasts, vibrant colors, and the presence of Hutchence’s iconic charisma, the video cemented the song’s place in pop culture. It became one of INXS’s defining tracks of the ’90s, showcasing their ability to adapt and evolve musically.
6. What You Need (1985)
“What You Need” was the breakthrough track that propelled INXS into the international spotlight, marking their arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the global rock scene. Released in 1985 on their Listen Like Thieves album, this song was an early indication of the band’s evolving sound—a perfect blend of funk, rock, and catchy hooks. Its punchy brass section, funky guitar riffs, and infectious rhythm created an upbeat, danceable energy that set it apart from other tracks of its time.
Lyrically, “What You Need” captures a sense of urgency and desire, with its straightforward message about meeting someone’s needs and offering them the comfort they crave. The song’s straightforward approach, combined with the confident, almost assertive delivery by Michael Hutchence, made it an anthem of personal empowerment. It became INXS’s first major top 5 hit in the United States, setting the stage for the band’s worldwide success in the years that followed.
The music video, which features the band performing the track in an industrial setting, further emphasized the song’s gritty, dynamic energy. “What You Need” remains one of the band’s most iconic songs, a key moment in their rise to fame and a testament to their ability to blend catchy melodies with rock edge.
7. Original Sin (1984)
Released in 1984 as part of INXS’s The Swing album, “Original Sin” is a groundbreaking track that pushed the boundaries of music both sonically and socially. This track stands out as one of the band’s most ambitious efforts, fusing elements of funk, rock, and new wave into a powerful, danceable anthem. The song’s infectious bassline, catchy chorus, and driving rhythm made it an instant hit, but it’s the bold and socially conscious lyrics that really set it apart. “Original Sin” challenges societal norms, tackling issues such as racial prejudice and human inequality with unflinching honesty.
The track also features Nile Rodgers’ signature production style, which added an extra layer of sophistication to the song’s already slick, polished sound. The production’s deep grooves and sweeping rhythms create a mesmerizing backdrop for Michael Hutchence’s emotive vocals, which alternate between smooth and raw, mirroring the intensity of the song’s themes.
“Original Sin” became a massive hit in Australia, Canada, and Europe, proving that INXS was more than just a rock band—they were cultural innovators, willing to tackle important topics while still creating music that resonated with a wide audience. It remains one of their most significant and socially relevant tracks.
8. Mystify (1987)
Released in 1987, “Mystify” is a beautifully crafted love song that captures the mysterious and enigmatic side of relationships. As one of the standout tracks from the Kick album, it combines elements of rock, new wave, and pop in a way that is both captivating and timeless. With its atmospheric keyboards, jangly guitars, and Michael Hutchence’s magnetic, emotive vocals, “Mystify” creates an immersive experience that pulls the listener into its world of intrigue and longing.
The song’s lyrics, which speak of the fascination and allure that love can bring, are delivered with such passion and depth that they resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the intensity of romantic attraction. Hutchence’s voice shifts seamlessly between soft and powerful, reflecting the song’s emotional highs and lows. The minimalist arrangement, which allows each instrument to shine individually, only enhances the track’s overall impact.
Although “Mystify” wasn’t as commercially successful as some of the other tracks from Kick, it remains a fan favorite and is considered a hidden gem in the band’s catalog. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics have ensured its place as a classic, and its understated beauty makes it one of INXS’s most underrated songs.
9. Beautiful Girl (1992)
“Beautiful Girl,” released in 1992 as part of INXS’s Welcome to Wherever You Are album, is one of the band’s most tender and introspective tracks. Unlike many of their high-energy hits, this song takes a softer, more reflective approach, showcasing a different side of INXS’s musical range. With a gentle melody driven by lush instrumentation, the track is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty and inner strength of women. The lyrics express admiration not only for physical beauty but for the deeper qualities that make someone truly captivating.
Michael Hutchence’s voice is the perfect vehicle for this emotional ballad, as he conveys both vulnerability and reverence in every note. The song’s slower tempo allows the lyrics to take center stage, with lines that speak to themes of love, longing, and personal reflection. There is a palpable sincerity in Hutchence’s delivery, making the song feel both intimate and universally relatable.
“Beautiful Girl” may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of the band’s more upbeat singles, but it resonates deeply with fans for its emotional depth and sincere sentiment. It remains a beloved track that highlights INXS’s versatility and ability to create songs that evoke genuine feelings of connection.
10. Disappear (1990)
“Disappear,” released in 1990 as part of the X album, is an anthemic and introspective track that explores themes of longing, regret, and the desire to escape from emotional turmoil. The song begins with an irresistible rhythm that propels it forward, creating an intense momentum that matches the internal conflict expressed in the lyrics. The powerful, driving beat, combined with Michael Hutchence’s evocative vocals, makes “Disappear” an unforgettable listening experience.
The lyrics, which reflect the feeling of wanting to disappear from one’s troubles or from a difficult relationship, resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their circumstances. Hutchence’s performance is particularly captivating here, as his voice ranges from tender and vulnerable to passionate and defiant, reflecting the fluctuating emotions of the song. The song’s production, with its sweeping synths and dynamic percussion, adds to the sense of urgency and emotional release.
“Disappear” became one of INXS’s most enduring hits from the X album, reaching the top 10 in both the US and Canada. Its anthemic nature and relatable themes make it a standout track, and it remains a favorite among fans for its emotional depth and powerful message.
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.
