INXS Songs: A Guide to the Australian Band’s Greatest Hits

INXS built a distinctive sound by blending rock, new wave, funk, and pop. Formed in Sydney in 1977, the Australian band became an international success with energetic performances, memorable melodies, and the charismatic voice of lead singer Michael Hutchence. Their catalog spans dance-floor favorites, sweeping love songs, and thoughtful deep cuts.

The Songs That Made INXS Famous

“Need You Tonight” is one of INXS’s signature songs. Its tight, minimal guitar groove and Hutchence’s playful delivery give the track an instantly recognizable feel. Released in 1987, it became the band’s first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. The song leads into “Mediate” on the album Kick, creating one of the band’s best-known musical pairings.

Other major hits from Kick include “New Sensation,” “Devil Inside,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” The first two showcase the band’s punchy, rhythm-driven side, while “Never Tear Us Apart” offers a more romantic, cinematic sound, with orchestral strings and a soaring saxophone part.

Essential INXS Songs

• “Don’t Change” — An early anthem from Shabooh Shoobah, driven by a bright guitar riff and an enduring message about staying true to yourself.
• “The One Thing” — A sleek, catchy track that helped introduce INXS to a wider audience outside Australia.
• “Original Sin” — A danceable song from The Swing, featuring a polished groove and a distinctive guest vocal by Daryl Hall.
• “What You Need” — A lively, brass-accented hit from Listen Like Thieves that helped set the stage for the band’s international breakthrough.
• “Mystify” — A smooth, atmospheric track from Kick that highlights Hutchence’s expressive vocals.
• “Suicide Blonde” — A standout from 1990’s X, driven by a prominent harmonica part and a sharp, propulsive beat.
• “Beautiful Girl” — A warm, reflective song from Welcome to Wherever You Are, showing a softer side of the band.

How INXS’s Sound Changed

INXS’s early records combined rock guitars with the rhythmic influence of funk and new wave. Albums such as Shabooh Shoobah and The Swing helped establish the band’s confident, dance-friendly style. On Listen Like Thieves, the songwriting became more direct and arena-ready, leading into the global success of Kick.

Later releases explored a broader range of textures. X continued the band’s run of radio-friendly songs, while Welcome to Wherever You Are brought in more experimental arrangements. Tracks such as “Bitter Tears” and “Not Enough Time” show how INXS continued to balance polished pop with adventurous production.

Where to Start Listening

For a quick introduction, start with “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “New Sensation,” “Don’t Change,” and “What You Need.” Then listen to Kick from beginning to end to hear how naturally the band moved between rock, funk, and pop. For a deeper look at their evolution, explore Shabooh Shoobah, The Swing, and Welcome to Wherever You Are.

INXS songs remain memorable because they bring together strong hooks, bold rhythms, and a distinctive vocal presence. Whether the mood calls for a driving rock track or a dramatic ballad, the band’s catalog offers plenty of reasons to keep listening.