INXS Album: “X”

INXS were coming off a massive high before this album got underway. "Kick" was one of the biggest albums of the year, they had their first American number one single and had polished off a world tour that was successful beyond their wildest dreams. The demands on the band weighed in heavy - everything had to be bigger and more amazing than before. It made "X" an album that couldn't possibly live up to anyone's expectations.

The band was also obviously aware of their position. Many of the songs on "X" sound over-thought out. Only the initial single sounds at all spontaneous, with Charlie Musselwhite's killer harmonica riff elevating "Suicide Blonde" to a classic. And the catchy "doo doo doo" chorus on "Disappear" made that song a worthy single as well. But then the songs begin to lose steam. "Bitter Tears" and "By My Side" hold up the best, but the "Kick" factor is literally not there.

That having been said, "X" is still a very satisfying listen. Had this been that album before "Kick" and after "Listen Like Thieves," I doubt it would get the bad rap it often gets. They explored some funky sounds here ("Bitter Tears" and "Who Pays The Price") that would have also made strong singles. Micael Hutchence is one of rock's all time great frontmen, and I've always been a sucker for Kirk Pengilly's sax riffs. While this would not be my first choice for an INXS purchase, I still recommend "X" to fans of the band's style of rock.

"X" is, in my opinion, the last great INXS album with that classic INXS sound. I didn't buy it until 10 years after it's release. Why? I don't know. I'm glad I finally did because it's much better than I expected it to be. It wasn't as big a hit as some of their other "classics," such as "The Swing," "Listen Like Thieves," or "Kick," but it is just as good as all of them. I know it had some minor hits, but "X" is a classic album that never really became classic. If you like INXS at all, buy "X." You won't regret it.

I purchased this Inxs' album when it was released because I liked a lot the single "Disappear"that climbed the Hot 100 'till to number 8;i was very surprised to discover that many songs were good as the single i prefered."Lately" is a pop tune with a great chorus,"Hear that sound" is a contagious classic Inxs'song,"By my side" is a tender love song" and "Bitter tears" is a semi-rock song that makes you stand up and move.I was very sorry at the new of Michael Hutchence's death;I always thought he was one of the most charismatic singer in the pop-rock music.

When I first started listening to INXS (Thanks to my library buying "Shine Like It Does: The Anthology (1979-1997)" around 2003 I didn't really care for them because I was growning out of old "Horrible, Bad" ones and into new ones. When I first bought X around sometime in 2004 it was one of my first INXS albums (Thanks to the discount section at Record And Tape Traders In Westminster "Home of The Ravens Training Camp At McDaniel College"). Let me just say that the first time I heard this album I loved it, I probably already knew that this would be my favorite INXS album (It would be hard to beat). Also I was and still am shocked that this album is so/still neglected (Even somewhat by INXS or ex-INXS fans), probably even more because today's music is mostly absolute garbage and most people have lost focus on what good music really is or even what music should sound like. I like any other good music (My second favorite album ever is "Pet Sounds" by "The Beach Boys" and yes, Depeche Mode is the only artist that makes three albums that have no filler at all that I like/own). If you know people who don't know who INXS is, then switch them on to them (For the love of Michael R.I.P. 1960-1997). Now for the songs on this album, there is no filler at "All" on this album, all the songs are the best they can be. Even though all of them could not have been singles, for me there is no top track on this album (Suicide Blonde, Disappear, The Stairs, Faith In Each Other, By My Side, Lately, Who Pays The Price, Know The Difference, Bitter Tears, On My Way, Hear That Sound) all of them sound great. Also my opinion is that this album should have done better than, yes "Kick" (Yes honestly Kick had some filler on it and X is more poppy sounding in a great mature way than "Kick", also don't get me wrong though "Kick" was a wonderful album that finally got INXS known internationally). The song "The Stairs" was probably the best song on the album, that should have been another hit single (There was a video and an import single made for it though). "X" is such a great album I had to buy the 2002 reissue and eventually the English vinyl LP. Oh, yeah how could I forget the bonus tracks, of course they make the album even better and worth buying this version. I more than highly recommended this album if you don't own it yet.

INXS..."the 80's band". I DON'T WANNA HEAR IT ANYMORE ! INXS has been reinventing themselves since their first LP. This album consists of some of the best hits that were never hits. "the stairs" has to be one of the greatest INXS songs of all time. so much warmth in Michael's voice and so much gold in those lyrics. it gives me inspiration every time i hear it. there's the 'pop' songs on here like "know the difference" and "lately" but they're still great songs and very entertaining. on top of all those stands "who pays the price" and "bitter tears" which shine over the album. Michael's vocals on "bitter tears" is just haunting. then the closer "hear that sound" is a great song but i perfer the live version off Live Baby Live. just wanted to let all of you know that INXS will live on forever. and this album is one of the reasons.