When it comes to iconic rock bands of the 1980s and 1990s, few have left a mark quite like INXS. Blending rock, new wave, and funk, this Australian powerhouse captivated audiences around the globe with their electrifying sound and charismatic performances. From the sultry grooves of “Need You Tonight” to the anthemic energy of “New Sensation,” INXS crafted songs that became the soundtrack of a generation. Their unique ability to fuse catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics resonated deeply, earning them a dedicated fan base that spans decades.
In this article, we’ll take a thrilling ride through the top 10 most popular INXS songs of all time. Each track not only showcases the band’s musical evolution but also highlights the cultural impact they had during their peak years. Join us as we reminisce about the unforgettable hooks, infectious rhythms, and the magnetic presence of lead singer Michael Hutchence. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, prepare to rediscover the magic of INXS and celebrate the timeless hits that defined an era!
1. Need You Tonight (1987)
“Need You Tonight” isn’t just one of INXS’s biggest hits—it’s a magnetic blend of rock and groove that defined late-‘80s cool. From the moment that sleek, funky guitar riff kicks in, the track oozes confidence and sensuality. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance is nothing short of hypnotic, a whisper and a growl rolled into one as he sings of urgent desire and raw attraction. The minimalist beat, paired with a touch of electronic production, gives the song a modern edge that still holds up decades later. Lyrically, it’s all about wanting someone with an intensity that borders on obsession—”I’m lonely, ’cause I’m not sleeping” hits like a confession. What makes it truly unforgettable, though, is the tension it builds with so little. There’s space in the mix, letting each sound stand out, making the song feel almost intimate. As the lead single from Kick, “Need You Tonight” introduced the world to a band unafraid to blur genre lines, combining rock’s grit with danceable swagger. It’s seductive, stylish, and endlessly replayable—a masterclass in less-is-more songwriting. Over the years, it’s remained a staple on rock radio and a must-hear at any INXS show, cementing its place in music history.
2. New Sensation (1987)
“New Sensation” is like a shot of pure adrenaline straight to the heart. It’s one of those songs that grabs you from the very first guitar riff and doesn’t let go. Released on the legendary Kick album, it serves as a celebration of living fully, loving hard, and soaking up every electric second. With a driving beat and bright, punchy guitar work, it’s practically built to make people move. Michael Hutchence is in his element here—confident, charismatic, and completely in control. His vocals ride the rhythm effortlessly, inviting you into a world where every night is a party and every feeling is turned up to eleven. The lyrics are uplifting without being cheesy, striking the perfect balance between hedonism and optimism. “Live, baby, live,” he sings, a mantra that sums up the spirit of the entire song. It’s impossible not to feel energized when this track plays. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen or blasting it in the car, “New Sensation” delivers exactly what its title promises. It’s INXS at their most vibrant and alive—an enduring feel-good anthem that captures the euphoria of the ‘80s and still feels fresh today.
3. Never Tear Us Apart (1988)
“Never Tear Us Apart” is INXS’s love letter to vulnerability—a slow-burning ballad that hits deep in the chest. Released in 1988, this timeless track from the Kick album trades the band’s usual dance-rock energy for a rich, emotional soundscape. The haunting saxophone intro sets a melancholic tone, immediately tugging at the heartstrings. Hutchence’s vocal delivery is restrained yet powerful, capturing the ache of unconditional love. “I was standing, you were there,” he begins, painting a picture of love that’s both fated and fragile. As the orchestration builds—layering strings, synth, and drums—the emotional weight intensifies without ever becoming overblown. It’s dramatic, yes, but never theatrical. Instead, it feels deeply sincere, like a confession whispered in the dark. The lyrics—simple yet profound—speak to an unbreakable bond, a love that endures through time and circumstance. That’s why it’s a favorite at weddings and memorials alike: it honors both presence and loss. “Never Tear Us Apart” has become a defining moment in the band’s career, proof that INXS could do more than groove—they could devastate. Decades later, its emotional resonance remains untouched, a song that continues to bring people together in the name of love.
4. Devil Inside (1987)
“Devil Inside” is dark, seductive, and dripping with tension—an anthem that pulls back the curtain on human desire and duality. Released in 1987 as part of Kick, it’s one of INXS’s most provocative and layered tracks. From the outset, the song builds with a brooding intensity: slinking guitar lines, pulsing bass, and a drumbeat that stalks more than it strides. Hutchence’s delivery is magnetic, alternating between sultry calm and explosive fervor. The refrain—“The devil inside, the devil inside, every single one of us, the devil inside”—feels less like a judgment and more like a statement of fact. There’s something almost hypnotic about the song, the way it loops and grows, creating a sense of impending release. Lyrically, it explores the inner conflict between civility and impulse, good and evil, restraint and indulgence. It’s not about condemning those urges, but confronting them head-on. That honesty gives the song its edge. “Devil Inside” became one of INXS’s biggest hits, and for good reason—it’s bold, unapologetic, and sonically rich. It’s a reminder that even in our most polished moments, something primal always lingers underneath. That raw truth, set to an irresistible groove, is what makes it unforgettable.
5. What You Need (1985)
“What You Need” was the spark that lit the fire for INXS’s global breakthrough. Released in 1985 on their Listen Like Thieves album, the song introduced a slicker, funk-infused sound that set the tone for the band’s massive success to come. Right out of the gate, it grooves—tight guitar stabs, punchy brass, and a rhythm section that struts with confidence. It’s a song that demands you move, and it knows it. Hutchence is magnetic as ever, delivering the verses with a sly smirk and bursting into the chorus with soulful urgency. “Don’t you get sad and lonely,” he sings, before offering the solution: “All you got is this moment.” It’s part pep talk, part seduction, and all cool. The message is simple but powerful—everything you’re looking for is right here, right now. That kind of immediacy resonated with listeners around the world, catapulting the song into the Top 5 in the U.S. It’s a shining example of INXS’s ability to fuse rock energy with dance-floor rhythms, making them a standout act in the mid-’80s. “What You Need” isn’t just a song—it’s a vibe. And nearly 40 years later, that vibe still feels just right.
6. Disappear (1990)
“Disappear” is one of those INXS tracks that blends moody elegance with catchy rock polish. Released in 1990 from the X album, it marked another evolution in the band’s sound, showcasing their ability to craft emotional pop-rock that still carried their signature edge. The song is about longing, vulnerability, and the aching desire to escape into love—to disappear from the world and find solace in someone else. Michael Hutchence delivers the lyrics with a haunting tenderness, his voice floating over shimmering synth textures and a pulsating beat. There’s a dreamy atmosphere that wraps around you as you listen, making it perfect for late-night drives or introspective moments. While the arrangement feels more subdued compared to earlier hits, it’s also more layered and sophisticated, reflecting a band that had matured without losing its cool. “Disappear” topped the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock chart, proving INXS still had plenty of fire left. It may not have the bombast of their biggest anthems, but it lingers with emotional resonance. It’s a track that reminds you how deeply they could connect—not just with their sound, but with the feelings that often go unspoken.
7. By My Side (1990)
“By My Side” is a heartfelt ballad that reveals the softer, more introspective side of INXS. Released in 1990 as a single from their X album, this track strips away the swagger and lays bare a quiet yearning for companionship and emotional connection. Michael Hutchence’s voice is filled with sincerity here—subtle yet aching—as he sings of loneliness, hope, and the need for someone to walk beside him through life’s uncertainty. The instrumentation is restrained and elegant, with gentle piano chords, ambient textures, and soaring strings adding warmth to the melancholy tone. Unlike many of their hits that thrive on energy and attitude, “By My Side” succeeds through its vulnerability. It speaks to that universal feeling of wanting someone close—not just physically, but emotionally. While it didn’t top as many charts as their more upbeat singles, the song became a fan favorite for its emotional depth and poetic delivery. It’s proof that INXS wasn’t just a band that made people dance; they knew how to make people feel. “By My Side” is a quiet standout that still resonates, especially when life feels overwhelming and all you want is someone to stay.
8. Listen Like Thieves (1985)
“Listen Like Thieves” marked a turning point for INXS—this was the sound of a band stepping boldly into their prime. Released in 1985 as the title track of their fifth studio album, the song is all about awareness, urgency, and tuning in before it’s too late. With a tight rhythm, sharp guitar lines, and a thunderous bass groove, it grabs your attention right away. Lyrically, it speaks of a world on edge, where you’ve got to keep your eyes open and your ears tuned or risk being left behind. Michael Hutchence delivers it all with charismatic urgency, making the track feel like both a warning and a call to action. It’s gritty, funky, and filled with the raw energy that became their trademark. The song was a fan favorite and helped solidify the band’s reputation outside of Australia, leading the way into their international breakout. “Listen Like Thieves” is INXS showing that their music wasn’t just about style and hooks—it had substance, attitude, and something to say. It’s a reminder that listening, truly listening, is a kind of survival in a world full of noise.
9. The One Thing (1982)
“The One Thing” was INXS’s first real breakthrough on the global stage, and it still sounds as fresh and hungry as ever. Released in 1982 from their Shabooh Shoobah album, the song captures a band on the edge of stardom, blending raw rock energy with sleek new wave style. The track centers on desire—intense, obsessive, and all-consuming. Hutchence’s vocals drip with charisma as he delivers each line with a seductive mix of control and abandon. The guitar riffs are tight and angular, the bassline grooves with confidence, and the production keeps everything lean and focused. This was INXS proving they could craft a radio-ready hit without compromising their edge. “The One Thing” was also accompanied by a now-iconic music video that helped them gain traction on MTV, introducing their smoldering style to American audiences. It’s the kind of song that pulls you in on the first listen, with a chorus that lodges itself in your brain and stays there. More than just a stepping stone, “The One Thing” was the moment INXS started becoming the thing—and there was no turning back after that.
10. Beautiful Girl (1992)
“Beautiful Girl” is one of INXS’s most tender and poignant songs—a gentle ode to inner strength and the quiet battles we often face. Released in 1992 as part of the Welcome to Wherever You Are album, the track shows a softer, more reflective side of the band. Michael Hutchence’s vocal performance is understated and sincere, carrying a deep sense of empathy as he sings to someone struggling with their self-worth. The message is both comforting and affirming: you’re beautiful, not just in appearance, but in spirit. The arrangement is simple and elegant, with acoustic guitar, subtle keys, and restrained percussion supporting the emotional weight of the lyrics. Inspired by Andrew Farriss’s experience of becoming a father, the song resonates on a personal and universal level. It’s often been interpreted as a message to those dealing with mental health struggles, particularly eating disorders, and it’s this compassionate undercurrent that gives it lasting power. “Beautiful Girl” isn’t about flash or spectacle—it’s about connection, healing, and seeing yourself through the eyes of someone who truly cares. It remains one of INXS’s most emotionally resonant offerings, a song that comforts even in its quiet sadness.
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.
