Top 20 INXS Songs of All Time
INXS originated in Sydney, Australia in 1977, with the musical talents of Tim, Andrew, and Jon Farriss, Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and Michael Hutchence. Initially known as The Farriss Brothers, the band transitioned to INXS in 1979. Their musical journey began gaining traction with their self-titled debut album in 1980, highlighting their unique blend of rock, pop, and funk. The release of “Shabooh Shoobah” in 1982 marked their international breakthrough, with tracks like “The One Thing” resonating in the United States and setting the tone for their success in the coming years.
With the launch of “The Swing” in 1984, featuring hits like “Original Sin,” produced by Nile Rodgers, INXS solidified their presence on the global music scene. This record introduced them to a wider audience and garnered mainstream recognition worldwide. The subsequent album, “Listen Like Thieves” in 1985, showcased “What You Need,” their first top 10 hit in the U.S., and highlighted their musical versatility blending funk and rock elements seamlessly, under the guidance of producer Chris Thomas.
The pinnacle of INXS’s career arrived in 1987 with the release of “Kick,” a record comprising chart-topping hits such as “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” This album catapulted them into superstardom, earning widespread acclaim for its fusion of rock riffs, funk beats, and pop sensibilities. “Kick” not only achieved commercial success but also established Michael Hutchence as an iconic frontman of his era, solidifying their place among the greats of the 1980s music scene.
INXS’s musical journey continued into the early 1990s, with releases like “X” in 1990 and “Welcome to Wherever You Are” in 1992, showcasing their ability to experiment with various styles while maintaining their distinctive sound. Although not reaching the same sales figures as “Kick,” these albums received praise for their creative exploration and boundary-pushing musical approach. “Full Moon, Dirty Hearts” in 1993 further emphasized their rock edge and willingness to collaborate with other artists, showcasing their adventurous spirit.
The band faced a significant loss with the untimely passing of lead singer Michael Hutchence in 1997, marking a tragic end to an era and casting a shadow over their future. Despite this setback, INXS persevered, working with multiple vocalists in subsequent years, exploring new avenues such as television with the “Rock Star: INXS” reality show in 2005. While their later releases like “Switch” in 2005 achieved moderate success, they never quite recaptured the chart dominance of their peak years but maintained a strong reputation as musical icons from Australia.
Throughout their career, INXS released twelve studio albums, sold over 75 million records globally, and left an enduring legacy of hit singles that continue to resonate with audiences today. Tracks like “Need You Tonight” and “Never Tear Us Apart” have stood the test of time, reflecting the band’s bold fusion of rock, funk, and dance elements that influenced generations of musicians. INXS’s success stemmed not only from their chart-topping hits but from their charisma, energy, and musical evolution, taking them from humble beginnings to global stardom and leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.