Kick

The sixth studio album by Australian rock legends INXS, Kick (1987), is a record that elevated the band from Australian success to global stardom. A thrilling blend of funk, rock, and pop, it remains not only INXS’s most commercially successful album but one of the most definitive records of the 1980s.

Produced by Chris Thomas, Kick captures the band at a creative peak, with a sound that brilliantly fuses rock’s swagger with danceable grooves. Recorded in Sydney, Paris, and London, the album’s unmistakable vibe is thanks to a blend of taut rhythms, infectious hooks, and Michael Hutchence’s iconic, seductive vocals. Tracks like “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” and “Devil Inside” are pop-rock classics, each sporting the tight, sophisticated energy that marked the band’s transition from underground heroes to mainstream icons.

The record’s opener, “Guns in the Sky,” introduces the thematic pulse of the album: a sense of political urgency. But it’s the anthemic “Need You Tonight”—with its moody bassline and Hutchence’s breathy delivery—that truly defines Kick. The single would go on to top the US charts, alongside three other Top 10 hits in America, making Kick a fixture in pop culture.

Lyrically, Kick captures the hedonistic mood of the late ’80s, exploring themes of love, excess, and passion. The unforgettable “Never Tear Us Apart” is an ode to soul-deep connections, while the provocative “Devil Inside” delves into the darker side of desire and self-destruction. Even as the album grapples with societal issues—such as in the socially conscious “Mediate”—the tone remains energetic and infectious, never losing its sense of fun.

While much of the album’s success is owed to its slick, radio-friendly rock anthems, the band’s ability to experiment and take risks set Kick apart. The now-iconic title track, written during a last-minute writing retreat to Hong Kong, epitomises the band’s willingness to innovate. The mix of punchy guitars and bluesy, Rolling Stones-esque swagger is the result of Thomas’s decision to layer strings over the demo’s original piano arrangement, elevating the track into something cinematic and grandiose.

In terms of production, Chris Thomas (known for his work with The Sex Pistols and The Beatles) nails the balance between commercial appeal and artistic integrity. His work on Kick stands as a testament to how a seasoned producer can hone a band’s raw energy into something accessible yet layered. Tracks like “Mediate” juxtapose personal intimacy with broader social concerns, making Kick a complex and multi-dimensional work. This is not merely an album of pop hits; it’s a record that speaks to different facets of the human experience.

Upon its release, Kick was an instant commercial success. The album debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard 200, eventually going six times platinum in the US alone. It was No. 1 in Australia and earned platinum certifications across Europe. The album’s impact also translated to the MTV Video Music Awards, where Kick dominated, winning five of its nine nominations—including Video of the Year for “Need You Tonight/Mediate.”

Despite initial reluctance from Atlantic Records, who doubted the album’s crossover potential due to its funky leanings, Kick became a global phenomenon. Manager Chris Murphy’s deft promotion and strategic radio play led the album to smash through American markets, earning INXS a devoted following in the process.

In summary, Kick is the quintessential INXS album—bold, sophisticated, and effortlessly stylish. It’s an album that deftly blends rock and dance elements, defining the sound of an era. INXS’s ability to push boundaries while crafting universally appealing songs is what makes Kick such a timeless classic, one that not only cemented their place in music history but continues to influence artists today. It’s no surprise that Kick remains a landmark album, and its impact is still felt decades after its release.

Kick is, without question, the album that made INXS a global household name and solidified their place in the pantheon of rock’s most memorable acts. A true classic that still holds up today.