Kick

Up until 1987, Inxs had been a band that had established themselves in their native Australia and was beginning to gain a following in the United States. Their 1985 effort "Listen Like Thieves" produced a hit single "What You Need" - yet this six member band from Australia still had not established themselves as a name band in the mainstream U.S. music scene. In 1987, that would all change when the follow-up to "Listen Like Thieves" was released - simply called "Kick".

One fact that I find amazing about Inxs is that this six member band stuck together from their formation in the late 1970s through Michael Hutchence's untimely death in 1997. During this period, the band would release 10 studio albums, 1 Greatest Hits album, and 1 Live album. This has allowed the band to meld together and grow professionally. Much of this is due to the fact that three band members are brothers: Andrew Farriss (Keyboards), Jon Farriss (Drums), and Tim Farriss (Guitar). The other three members also stuck tightly with the band the whole way. These members include: Michael Hutchence (Lead Vocals), Garry Gary Beers (Bass), and Kirk Pengilly (Guitar and Sax). Hutchence - known for his long hair and theatrical performances in concert often gets the most publicity. But the remaining five members all make major contributions from a musicianship standpoint. In addition, Hutchence is not just eye candy - he plays a key role in the songwriting. It is worth noting for "Kick" that the majority of the songs are written by Hutchence and Andrew Farriss.

I think Inxs' musical style can be considered an offshoot of the Punk and New-Wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. They definitely fit in with the synth-pop movement of the early 1980s."Kick" does incorporate some more traditional Rock sounds into their portfolio - particularly with the use of Guitars. In 1987, 80s music landscape was moving away from synth-pop to a more natural guitar-laden sound. However, Inxs still basically stuck with their formula - still keeping to their roots and doing what they do best.

"Kick" consists of 12 songs for a total of just under 40 minutes of music. The title "Kick" comes from one of the tracks, but the word "Kick" is also referenced in the songs, "Devil Inside" and "Tiny Daggers". There were many Top 10 songs from this album, but it is actually some of the songs not released on radio that really make an impact.

"Guns in the Sky": This opening track immediately establishes the strong guitar presence of Pengilly and Tim Farriss. Jon Farriss kicks off the song with some nice drum work. The best part is when Hutchence sings the chorus "Guns in the Sky" followed by some guitar rifts. Very short track - under 2 1/2 minutes.

"New Sensation": This song brings in some of the New Wave roots of the band. This will have more of a balance of Andrew Farriss' Keyboards in it. This song was a hit on the radio, but I've always found it a bit overrated.

"Devil Inside": An amazing song. This was the second single from "Kick" and although it didn't go #1, it helped put the band on the map. While Hutchence's vocals are amazing, this is another song where guitar work dominates. The guitar work is incredible - particularly in the last minute of the song. Jon Farriss again shines on drums.

"Need You Tonight": This was the first single from the collection released - and it did go #1. More great guitar work to open the song. You'll hear some great guitar rifts as the song goes on. This song does incorporate some of the New Wave roots of the band. This song is augmented when it is played in conjunction with....

"Mediate": Very underrated song. "Need You Tonight" segues into this song. On the video for "Need You Tonight", they also play the segue into "Mediate". This is one of the most unique songs as almost every word in this song rhyhmes with the ending "...ate". This is one of the first songs where we hear Kirk Pengilly's sax.'

"The Loved One": Another very underrated song. This song almost has a bluesy like "jam" quality to it. The chorus to this song is amazing. This is a third party song.

"Wild Life": Another song that reflects the New Wave roots of the band. This is another song that has a catchy chorus - nice balance of keyboards and guitars.

"Never Tear Us Apart": This is a slower song, but it almost has a theatrical/epic quality to it. This song moves me every time I hear it. You'll hear some sax work in it - the band provides great background vocals as well.

"Mystify": Great keyboard intro to this song with Hutchence's vocals. This song has almost a "alley cat" sound to it - a nice spin to it.

"Kick": This is a song worthy of being the title track. Hutchence's vocals really help to elevate this song, but the rest of the band makes contributions from an instrumentation standpoint - including Pengilly's Sax. Another very underrated tune.

"Calling All Nations": This song is reflective of the New Wave roots of the band. Another song with a catchy chorus.

"Tiny Daggers": This is another great and underrated song. Once again a complete effort from the band. I love the harmonies and guitar rifts of this song. Garry Gary Beers delivers some great Bass work. The best part is when Hutchence sings "all you got to do is ''Kick' it in!".

My version of the liner notes are pretty thin. The lyrics are included in a compressed fashion with multiple lines of the lyrics on a single line - makes it difficult to read. Overall, this music on this collection backs up the enormous commercial success of this album. This is a great album and one that is highly recommended.

In 1984 when INXS released 'The Swing' it was hard to believe there was still a huge depth of talent to come. "KICK" is truly a remarkable album. The songwriting talents of Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence once again stand out but with this album the band has an everlasting legacy in rock music. Need You Tonight, New Sensation, Devil Inside and Never Tears us Apart. A collection of four singles that are indeed classics. The range from Rock anthem, guitar riff Devil Inside through to the ballad of Never Tear Us Apart which was fittingly played at Michael's funeral. These tracks are supported by the rejuvenated Australian classic "The Loved One", first heard on INXS'S INXSIVE back in 1981. If the album needs any further qualities try and get a video of its film clips especially New Sensation and Never Tear Us Apart shot in beautiful Prague. Everyone who enjoys INXS to any degree must have this CD in their collection

In the early '80s, INXS nurtured a quirky sound that was aching to make it big. It worked in small steps: a tiny hit or two from the uneven Shabooh Shoobah, a powerfully crafted single from The Swing, ("Original Sin"), a full-on smash from Listen Like Thieves ("What You Need). From here, it was inevitable that INXS would make it big time. It's not for nothing that they succeeded, either. This album, replete with power pop attitude and music aimed directly at the gut, helped define the '80s, You'd have to have lived in a vacuum during 1987-88 not to have grooved to "Need You Tonight/Mediate," "Devil Inside," or "New Sensation." All are wild, overblown Big Statements of lust, self-assertion, or party life -- all utterly enticing, danceable and FUN. Most of the rest of the album jives in a similarly urgent and accessible vein, especially "Guns in the Sky," "Mystify," and "The Loved One." As a break, "Never Tear Us Apart" is a beautiful (if lyrically empty) ballad. All the above songs, really, are the essential ones from Kick; you can safely fast forward past the rest. Still, Kick ranks as one of the most fun albums from the '80s, and the commercial apex of INXS's career.