20 Best INXS Songs Of All Time

Feature Photo: Distributed by ATCO Records, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

INXS came together in Sydney, Australia in 1977, blending the talents of the Farriss brothers, Tim on guitar, Andrew on keyboards, and Jon on drums, with Garry Gary Beers on bass, Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone, and Michael Hutchence as their charismatic lead singer. They first played as The Farriss Brothers, cutting their teeth in pubs before changing their name to INXS in 1979. Their earliest breakthrough came with their self-titled debut album in 1980, which began to showcase the mix of rock, pop, and funk that would define their sound. By the time they released Shabooh Shoobah in 1982, INXS was already establishing themselves on the international stage, with “The One Thing” gaining traction in the United States and setting the tone for a decade of success.

The band’s rise accelerated with The Swing in 1984, which carried hits like “Original Sin,” produced by Nile Rodgers. This record marked a turning point, establishing INXS as a force outside of Australia and earning them mainstream recognition worldwide. They followed it up with Listen Like Thieves in 1985, featuring “What You Need,” which became their first top 10 hit in the U.S. The production of Chris Thomas added polish while allowing the band’s funk and rock roots to shine through. By the mid-1980s, INXS had proven they could compete with the biggest acts on the international stage.

Their defining moment came with the release of Kick in 1987, an album that would become their global calling card. Loaded with hits such as “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart,” it catapulted them into superstardom. Kick went multi-platinum across several countries and cemented Michael Hutchence as one of the most iconic frontmen of his generation. The record was not just commercially successful but also critically praised for its blend of rock riffs, funk grooves, and pop accessibility. To this day, Kick is considered the peak of their career and remains one of the defining albums of the 1980s.

INXS continued their momentum into the early 1990s with X in 1990, featuring singles such as “Suicide Blonde” and “Disappear.” The album further showcased their ability to fuse styles while maintaining a distinct sound, and it earned them both chart success and industry awards. They followed it with Welcome to Wherever You Are in 1992, a more experimental project that displayed the band’s creative ambitions. While it didn’t match Kick’s sales, it was praised for pushing boundaries. In 1993, Full Moon, Dirty Hearts continued this adventurous streak, with a harder rock edge and collaborations with other artists.

By the mid-1990s, INXS had released Elegantly Wasted in 1997, which would be the final album with Michael Hutchence. His sudden death later that year brought a tragic end to an era and left a void in both the band and the wider rock world. Hutchence’s presence had been integral to the band’s identity, and his loss deeply impacted their future. Despite this, INXS attempted to move forward, working with several different vocalists in the following years, including Jon Stevens, J.D. Fortune, and others.

The band’s later years saw them experiment with television in the form of the Rock Star: INXS reality show in 2005, which led to J.D. Fortune joining as the band’s singer for a period. They released Switch that same year, which achieved moderate success. Though they never regained the chart dominance of their peak years, INXS maintained a reputation as one of Australia’s most successful musical exports, continuing to tour and release music into the 2010s before officially retiring in 2012.

Over their career, INXS released twelve studio albums, sold more than 75 million records worldwide, and became global icons. They earned Grammy nominations, ARIA Awards, and left a legacy of hit singles that remain staples of rock radio. Songs like “Need You Tonight” and “Never Tear Us Apart” endure as classics, while their bold mixture of rock, funk, and dance elements influenced countless bands that followed.

What made INXS so beloved was not just their ability to craft hits but their charisma, energy, and willingness to evolve musically. From the pub scene in Sydney to stadiums across the globe, they brought a sound that felt both distinctly Australian and universally accessible. Michael Hutchence’s magnetism, paired with the tight musicianship of the Farriss brothers and their bandmates, created a body of work that continues to resonate decades later.

# 20 – Just Keep Walking

We thought we should open up this Top 20 INXS list with the band’s very first charting single, “Just Keep Walking,” the track that introduced them to a wider audience. Released in October 1980 as the only single from their self-titled debut album, the song was recorded at Trafalgar Studios in Annandale, New South Wales, between 1979 and 1980. Written collectively by Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Michael Hutchence, and Kirk Pengilly, and produced by the band alongside Duncan McGuire, the track runs just under three minutes but carried enough force to propel INXS into the Australian Top 40, peaking at number 38. This achievement marked their first taste of mainstream recognition and set the stage for the international breakthrough that would follow. “Just Keep Walking” also gave the group their first music video, a minimalist performance piece with stark white backdrops and the INXS logo emblazoned on the black floor, capturing their early identity with striking simplicity. With its inclusion, the list begins at the true starting point of INXS’s charting legacy. It’s fun to watch this video too. They were so young.

# 19 – Pretty Vegas

We thought it was important to include at least one song featuring J.D. Fortune, the Canadian vocalist who replaced Michael Hutchence after winning the Rock Star: INXS competition in 2005, and “Pretty Vegas” was the defining track of that chapter. Released on September 19, 2005, as the lead single from the album Switch, it was written by Andrew Farriss, Fortune, Marty Casey, and Jordis Unga, with production by Guy Chambers. The track runs three minutes and twenty-six seconds and was introduced to audiences during the Rock Star: INXS series, where Fortune’s lyrics stood apart from his teammates and ultimately helped secure him the frontman role. Commercially, the single reached number 37 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, making INXS one of the rare 1980s acts to score a new Top 40 hit in the 21st century.

In the U.S. it also climbed to number seven on the Billboard Hot Adult Top 40 Tracks chart, while in Australia it peaked at number nine, marking their first ARIA Top 10 in fourteen years. The song hit number two on Canada’s Hot AC chart, number three on the Rock Top 30, and number seven in New Zealand. “Pretty Vegas” went on to earn gold certification from both the RIAA in the United States and Music Canada, standing as a successful bridge between INXS’s celebrated past and their reconfigured future with Fortune at the helm.

# 18 – Bitter Tears

Released on February 18, 1991, “Bitter Tears” became the third Australian and fourth UK single lifted from INXS’s seventh studio album X. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and produced by Chris Thomas, the track runs three minutes and forty-nine seconds and was issued with several B-sides, including “Soothe Me” by Andrew Farriss, “The Other Side” by Kirk Pengilly, and a live version of “Faith in Each Other.” In addition to standard edits, remixes by Lorimer and Morales gave the song a presence on club playlists. The single was timed to coincide with INXS’s headline performance at Wembley Stadium in July 1991, later documented on the Live Baby Live release, and the special edition 12-inch even featured a Wembley cover.

Chart success followed with the song climbing to number 30 in the UK, number 36 in Australia, number 27 in the Netherlands, and number 13 in Canada. In the U.S., it peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, while making a stronger impression on rock radio by hitting number four on the Mainstream Rock chart and number six on the Alternative Airplay chart.

# 17 – Mystify

What I’ve always loved about this video is how they were working out the vocals and piano at the start, which brings you into the heart and soul of what it takes to create such mind-blowing music, as INXS did throughout their career. Released on March 15, 1989, “Mystify” closed out the remarkable run of singles from INXS’s Kick album.

# 16 – I Send A Message

“I Send a Message” arrived in March 1984 as the second single from INXS’s fourth album The Swing, capturing the band in the midst of their early international rise. The single reached number three on Australia’s Kent Music Report, hit number eighteen in New Zealand, and climbed to number eighteen on the U.S. Billboard Dance Music/Club Play chart while peaking at number seventy-seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The video, filmed at Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and directed by Yamamoto San, added a distinctive visual dimension that was very cool.

# 15 – Disappear

This may not have been one of their biggest hits, but it’s always been one of my favorites. That’s just something about that keyboard groove that opens up the song that pulls you right in. Released on November 26, 1990, “Disappear” emerged as the second single from INXS’s seventh studio album X. Written in 1989 while Jon Farriss, Michael Hutchence, and Garry Gary Beers were living together in Hong Kong. It became a major international success, climbing to number eight on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in February 1991, which would stand as the band’s seventh and final top ten hit in America.

# 14 – Please (You Got That …)

Two words all you need to know for this one…..Ray Charles. Yeah, baby, that’s what I’m talking about. Released on November 15, 1993, “Please (You Got That …)” stands as one of the most distinctive entries in INXS’s catalog, pairing the band with legendary American singer and pianist Ray Charles. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and produced by Mark Opitz with INXS, the track was recorded at Capri Digital Studios in Capri, Italy, during sessions for the band’s ninth studio album Full Moon, Dirty Hearts.

Chart-wise, the single reached number 37 in Australia, number 10 in Iceland, number 46 in New Zealand, and number 50 in the UK, while also peaking at number nine on the U.S. Dance Club Songs chart thanks to remixes by Eric “E-Smoove” Miller..

# 13 – Big Go Go

This is probably the least known song on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a really special track. There’s something very funky and a bit new wave-ish about this one that makes it a very interesting listen. I think it’s the time changes and the instrumentation that makes it stand out. It was released on the album Underneath the Colours in 1981 and placed as the third song on side A. It was never released as a single, and it’s definitely one of their deepest tracks.

# 12 – Original Sin

If you’re a fan of Nile Rodgers, you can hear his very distinctive guitar sound and groove on this one. “Original Sin” arrived in December 1983 as the first single from INXS’s fourth album The Swing, marking a turning point in the band’s international fortunes. It became INXS’s only number one hit in Australia, topping the Kent Music Report in early 1984, and also reached number one in France, number six in New Zealand, number twenty in Canada, and number fifty-eight on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The chorus featured guest vocals by Daryl Hall, invited by Nile Rodgers after his work with Hall & Oates. Lyrically, the song carried a call for unity and equality, described by Kirk Pengilly as having an almost hippy spirit. Two videos were filmed in Japan: one featuring the band performing amid a traveling fairground, and another version with an Asian woman appearing throughout.

# 11 – Devil Inside

Tell me you didn’t love that percussion that starts this one out, especially when that drop-dead gorgeous guitar riff meets it. Oh yeah, this is such good stuff. Released on February 8, 1988, “Devil Inside” became one of the defining singles from INXS’s blockbuster album Kick. Backed with “On the Rocks,” it achieved significant commercial success worldwide, climbing to number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 where it stayed for two weeks, while also peaking at number six in Australia, number three in Canada, and number two in New Zealand.

# 10 – Not Enough Time

The 1992 single “Not Enough Time,” from INXS’s Welcome to Wherever You Are album, was co-written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss and produced by Mark Opitz in collaboration with the band. The track runs four minutes and fifteen seconds and was released with “As She Said” as its B-side. In Australia, it reached number 25 on the ARIA Singles Chart, while in the U.S. it peaked at number 50 on the Billboard Hot 100.

# 9 – Good Times

INXS joined forces with Jimmy Barnes in 1986 to deliver a fiery version of “Good Times,” originally by The Easybeats, and it became one of the defining Australian rock collaborations of the decade. Produced by Andrew Farriss and engineered by Al Wright, the track ran three minutes and fifty-three seconds and was issued as a single through Mushroom Records in December 1986. The recording quickly gained additional visibility when it was featured in Joel Schumacher’s 1987 film The Lost Boys. Commercially, the single soared to number one in New Zealand, hit number two in Australia, reached number eighteen in the UK upon its 1991 re-release, and climbed as high as number forty-seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The music video combined performance footage of INXS and Barnes with scenes from The Lost Boys, cementing the song’s place in both rock and pop culture. Beyond the charts, “Good Times” was also used to promote the national Australian Made concert series that stretched from Boxing Day 1986 to Australia Day 1987. In later years, Barnes recalled the recording sessions as a wild, sleepless, booze- and drug-fueled couple of days shared with Michael Hutchence, a memory that added to the track’s legendary status.

# 8 – Heaven Sent

This one always felt a little bit different. The opening riff reminded me of U2’s ” I Will Follow. “Heaven Sent” was released in October 1992 from INXS’s album Welcome to Wherever You Are. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and produced by Mark Opitz along with the band, this track features the full classic lineup. The single runs three minutes and seventeen seconds, backed by “Step On.” In Australia it reached number four on the ARIA Singles Chart. In the U.S., it became their best showing on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, reaching number one.

# 7 – What You Need

When “What You Need” hit audiences in August 1985, it was an inflection point for INXS. Taken from Listen Like Thieves, the track was recorded that year and produced by Chris Thomas, who pushed the band to deliver what he felt was a missing hit on the album. The single was backed by “Sweet as Sin.” In Australia, it peaked at number two on the Kent Music Report, and in the U.S., it became INXS’s first Top Ten hit by reaching number five on the Billboard Hot 100. On rock radio it also made its mark, climbing to number three on the Mainstream Rock chart, while charting at number four on the Cash Box Top 100. The music video employed the rotoscope animation technique and earned the award for Best Video at the 1985 Countdown Awards.

# 6 – Suicide Blonde

I love the opening riff of this one. The blues groove is just stunning. When INXS launched “Suicide Blonde” in August 1990, it marked the arrival of their seventh studio album X with a burst of swagger and dance-rock energy. It quickly gained traction worldwide, reaching number two in Australia, topping the charts in Canada and New Zealand, and climbing to number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. In America, it also dominated rock radio, hitting number one on both the Album Rock Tracks and Modern Rock Tracks charts. The track’s distinctive opening featured a sampled blues harp riff by Charlie Musselwhite, setting it apart from the band’s earlier work. Recognition followed at the 1991 APRA Music Awards, where the single was named Most Performed Australian Work Overseas

# 5 – Never Tear Us Apart

In June 1988, INXS dropped “Never Tear Us Apart” as the fourth single from their Kick album through WEA, a power ballad that juxtaposed sweeping emotion with restrained composure. The song was written by Andrew Farriss (music) and Michael Hutchence (lyrics), and produced by Chris Thomas. The single runs three minutes and two seconds (while the video version extends to three forty-three). It climbed to number seven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, hit number five on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart, and reached number fourteen on the ARIA Singles Chart. In the UK it peaked at number twenty-four. Its video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, was filmed in Prague and won the ARIA Award for Best Video in 1989. With its quiet strength, dramatic pauses, and that saxophone solo by Kirk Pengilly, the track has endured as one of INXS’s most emotionally resonant songs.

# 4 – New Sensation

“New Sensation” was released in October 1988 as the third single from INXS’s Kick album. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and produced by Chris Thomas, the track features the classic lineup with Hutchence on lead vocals, Andrew Farriss on keyboards and guitar, Tim Farriss on lead guitar, Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone, Garry Gary Beers on bass, and Jon Farriss on drums. The single runs three minutes and forty seconds and carries the upbeat blend of rock, funk, and dance that defined INXS at their peak. Chart-wise, it reached number three on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of their biggest American hits, and climbed to number nine in the United Kingdom. Its commercial success reinforced Kick as one of the most potent rock-pop crossover albums of the late 1980s and cemented “New Sensation” as one of INXS’s signature tracks.

# 3 – The One Thing

This may be the best rock music video ever made. It’s easily one of my favorites. Its just cool for lack of a better description. “The One Thing” was released in July 1982 as the lead single paving the way for INXS’s third studio album, Shabooh Shoobah. The track, written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss and produced by Mark Opitz, was recorded earlier that year and appears in three versions: a 3:24 album cut, a 3:18 single edit, and a 6:06 extended 12-inch version. Upon release, it featured “Space Shuttle” as its B-side. In Australia it reached number 14 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart. It became their first Top 40 single in the U.S., peaking at number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, while also becoming a favorite on rock radio by climbing to number 2 on Billboard’s Top Tracks chart in the United States and reaching number 31 in Canada.

# 2 – Need You Tonight

“Need You Tonight” was released on September 21, 1987 as the lead single from INXS’s Kick album. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and produced by Chris Thomas, the track features the full classic lineup: Hutchence on vocals, Andrew and Tim Farriss on guitars, Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone, Garry Gary Beers on bass, and Jon Farriss on drums (with programming contributions). It runs three minutes in its single form and blends funk rock, dance rock, and new wave.

In the U.S., it became their only No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, after a re-release in November 1988, it climbed to No. 2 (having stalled at No. 58 on its first run). The music video, directed by Richard Lowenstein, pairs live action with animated visual effects and transitions into the companion track “Mediate,” using techniques such as photocopying frames and layering imagery. The video won five MTV Video Music Awards in 1988 and remains iconic in the band’s visual legacy.

# 1 – Don’t Change

“Don’t Change” was released by INXS in October 1982 as the second single from their third studio album Shabooh Shoobah. Recorded earlier that year and produced by Mark Opitz, the track features the band’s full classic lineup with Michael Hutchence on lead vocals, Andrew Farriss on keyboards and guitar, Tim Farriss on lead guitar, Kirk Pengilly on guitar and saxophone, Garry Gary Beers on bass, and Jon Farriss on drums. Running just over four minutes, the song quickly became one of INXS’s defining early hits.

It reached number 14 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart, climbed to number 80 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and secured a spot at number 17 on Billboard’s Top Tracks chart. Critically, “Don’t Change” has often been recognized as a pivotal moment for the band, capturing their transition from a rising Australian act to an internationally known group. Its driving rhythm, anthemic chorus, and Hutchence’s commanding vocal performance established the song as a signature piece in their catalog and one of the strongest tracks from Shabooh Shoobah.