INXS Album: “Elegantly Wasted”

Elegantly Wasted is a very intense album with a variation of unique musical styles. Ranging from the soul-sound of "Searching" to the power of "Don't Lose Your Head", it can be upbeat, melodic, and passionate. It manages to maintain a dance element without being "teeny-bopper" music. Lyrically, it is very mature, and gives a very personal look at the life of Michael Hutchence, a gifted and extremely talented man, with songs such as "I'm Just A Man" and "Building Bridges". You know that every word he sings is meant, and written not to sell, but written from the bottom of his heart. This is INXS' most mature, powerful, and certainly their best album yet.

Inxs are back in the spotlight with RockStar: Inxs. Yada yada yada...

However, the most talented member of the band (IMO) is no longer with us.

This release captures some of the best Inxs songs ever recorded.

"Don't Lose Your Head" is such a catchy and poppy song. However, it has very deep lyrics that someone could spend days thinking about. I know I have. Imagine the music of John Mellencamp's "Jack and Diane" meets the lyrics of Hutch. Then you have about a 80% idea of how awesome this track is. Nothing I could say could do it justice.

"Searching" is a song that isn't very catchy the first time you hear it. However, it will grow on you quickly. It is a VERY amazing song. The lyrics make you wonder what state of mind, Michael was in during this time.

"Elegantly Wasted" is the title track and it has a different style to it. It doesn't really sound like anything Inxs have done before (IMO.) This isn't a bad thing though. The song has a great hook and once again, Michael's lyrics and voice shine.

Also I would say check out "Girl On Fire" because is catchy if you give it a chance.

Michael Hutchence may be gone. To some Inxs are gone with him. However, this album hopefully will remind people how talented Michael Hutchence was, and how great Inxs were back in 1997.

By C.S.

"Elegantly Wasted" marks the Aussie groups fouth studio release since the mega- hit success of "Kick". Musically the band continues to create songs in a similar guitar driven manner they have taken since the 1986 "Listen Like Thieves" album where they began to strip down on the heavy dosage of synthesizers that had been so prevalent on their previous records,"Shabooh Shoobah" and "The Swing".

C/S.

I am listening to this now as I write the Review. Elegantly Wasted and Show Me (Cherry Baby) Rock. Searching is one of the most personal songs I have ever heard. Get this album. It is worth it. It is modern without being trendy. It should have done better than it did in the US. Get it as soon as you can.

I remember hearing on the news the story of the shocking death of Michael Hutchence. I had only just gotten this album when I heard and it was so unbelievable that such a talented young singer/songwriter/musician could possibly be dead. This album is just so good...how could it be possible that he would not be around to make more! The title song was a big hit and has so many layers to it and depth to it. This excellent rock album will forever stand as a memorial to this great entertainer, and the 24 page boolet is packed with colour photos of what once was.