»X« was the natural follow-up to the outstanding breakthrough album of INXS, »Kick«.
»X« is more polished, less spontaneous. As if the sextet is really wanting to do "the right thing". But this may exactly be the weakness of this album! 'Cause the refreshingly youthful spontanity of the songs on »Kick« is missing here.
Still, there are a number of really great rock compositions on this one. Like the powerful hit and opener »Suicide Blonde« with the crispy harmonica, the nearly symphonic semi-ballad »By My Side«, or the album's best track »The Stairs« where Michael Hutchences great way of singing comes through even more catching than on the other songs.
»X« is one of the two INXS albums you MUST own!