The 10 best Inxs songs of all time

INXS were an Australian rock band formed in Sydney in 1977. The band’s original lineup consisted of lead singer Michael Hutchence, guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly, guitarist and keyboardist Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, bassist Garry Gary Beers and guitarist Tim Farriss. INXS rose to international fame in the 1980s and 1990s with their distinctive blend of rock, pop and funk influences. They enjoyed success with hits such as “Need You Tonight”, “Never Tear Us Apart”, “New Sensation” and “Devil Inside”. Michael Hutchence’s charismatic stage presence and the band’s innovative music videos contributed to their popularity. INXS remained active until the death of Michael Hutchence in 1997, after which they changed various lead singers before officially disbanding in 2012.

1. Listen like thieves

“Listen Like Thieves” is a song by INXS, released in 1985 as the title track from their fifth studio album. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song features a driving rock beat and catchy hooks typical of INXS’s energetic style. “Listen Like Thieves” became a major hit for the band, reaching the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and cementing their growing popularity internationally. Known for its powerful vocals by Michael Hutchence and memorable guitar riffs, the song remains a favorite among fans of INXS’s 1980s music.

2. Mystify

“Mystify” is a song by INXS, released in 1987 as the fifth single from their sixth studio album, Kick. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song is a haunting and atmospheric ballad that showcases Hutchence’s charismatic vocals and the band’s distinctive blend of rock and pop elements. “Mystify” contains introspective lyrics that explore themes of desire, temptation, and emotional intensity. The song became a chart success, reaching the top 20 in several countries, and received critical acclaim for its haunting melody and powerful delivery. “Mystify” remains one of INXS’s most popular and enduring songs.

3. Do not change

“Don’t Change” is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released in 1982 as a single from their third studio album, Shabooh Shoobah. Written by the band members, the track features a driving rhythm, catchy guitar riffs, and an anthemic chorus. The lyrics convey a message of resilience and staying true to yourself despite life’s challenges. The song’s fast tempo and powerful delivery made it a standout track and a fan favorite. “Don’t Change” received critical acclaim and became one of INXS’ signature songs, often played at their concerts and celebrated for its timeless rock appeal.

4. The devil within

“Devil Inside” is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released in 1987 as the first single from their sixth studio album, Kick. Written by band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the track is characterized by its infectious groove, catchy bass line and Hutchence’s charismatic vocal performance. The lyrics deal with themes of temptation, inner conflict and the darker sides of human nature, with the chorus warning of the dangers of giving in to one’s demons. “Devil Inside” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten charts worldwide and becoming one of INXS’s best known and longest-lasting hits. The provocative music video also contributed to its popularity, featuring striking imagery and Hutchence’s dynamic stage presence.

5. New sensation

“New Sensation” is a song by INXS, released in 1988 as the third single from their album Kick. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song is characterized by its fast tempo, infectious groove, and catchy hooks. “New Sensation” embodies the band’s trademark blend of rock, funk, and pop, with Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals driving the energetic performance. The song’s lyrics celebrate the thrill and excitement of living in the here and now, making it a fan favorite and a worldwide chart success. “New Sensation” remains an essential track in INXS’ discography, reflecting their influence on 1980s pop-rock music.

6. Original Sin

“Original Sin” is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released in 1984 as the first single from their fourth studio album, The Swing. Written by band members Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song features a distinctive blend of rock, funk and new wave elements, and is characterized by its pulsating bass line, atmospheric synths and Hutchence’s soulful vocals. The lyrics deal with themes of desire, temptation and the complexity of relationships, with the title referencing the biblical concept of original sin. “Original Sin” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the charts in several countries, and remains a fan favorite due to its infectious rhythm and haunting lyrics.

7. Suicide Blonde

“Suicide Blonde” is a song by INXS, released as the first single from their 1990 album “X”. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song features a distinctive rock sound with elements of pop and funk. “Suicide Blonde” is known for its provocative lyrics and catchy chorus, which showcases Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals and the band’s dynamic instrumentation. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries and cementing INXS’ reputation for delivering energetic and memorable hits. “Suicide Blonde” remains a standout track in their later discography, known for its bold and infectious sound.

8. What you need

“What You Need” is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released in 1985 as the first single from their fifth studio album Listen Like Thieves. Written by band member Andrew Farriss, the track is known for its energetic groove, infectious rhythm guitar, and Michael Hutchence’s charismatic vocals. The song’s lyrics convey a message about the importance of emotional connection and understanding in relationships. “What You Need” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and becoming one of INXS’s best known songs. The catchy music video, which showcases the band’s dynamic performance style, also contributed to its popularity.

9. Never tear us apart

“Never Tear Us Apart” is a ballad by Australian rock band INXS, released in 1988 as the third single from their sixth studio album, Kick. Written by band member Andrew Farriss and lead singer Michael Hutchence, the song is characterized by its hauntingly beautiful melody, soulful lyrics, and Hutchence’s powerful vocals. The lyrics express deep emotional intensity and a strong sense of devotion and love, capturing the essence of a deeply passionate relationship. “Never Tear Us Apart” became one of INXS’ most iconic songs, achieving commercial success and critical acclaim. The music video, featuring black-and-white imagery and Hutchence’s captivating presence, further enhanced its impact and remains a beloved classic.

10. Need you tonight

“Need You Tonight” is a song by INXS, released as the first single from their 1987 album “Kick”. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song is characterized by its distinctive guitar riff, sultry vocals from Hutchence, and a danceable groove that blends rock, funk, and pop elements. “Need You Tonight” became one of INXS’ biggest hits, topping the charts in several countries, including the United States, where it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s seductive lyrics and infectious rhythm contributed to its popularity and enduring status as a classic in INXS’s repertoire.

Edward Tomlin is a frequent collaborator with Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us on social media below.