🔥 From Pub Rock to Pop Royalty
Before 1987, INXS was already a respected name in their native Australia and steadily growing in international markets. But their sound — a mix of new wave, rock, and funk — hadn’t yet broken into full global superstardom. That changed with Kick. Released in October 1987, it was more than just an album; it was a calculated leap, a bold risk, and ultimately, a cultural phenomenon.
INXS had always had charisma. Michael Hutchence’s smoldering presence, the band’s slick grooves, and tight musicianship earned them a loyal fan base. But Kick delivered something different — a seamless blend of commercial pop and rock, funky basslines, danceable hooks, and a sexual swagger that couldn’t be ignored. It was the sound of a band stepping fully into its identity.
💥 A Label Almost Said No
Kick wasn’t an easy sell at first. Atlantic Records famously hated the album when it was first presented. They reportedly offered the band $1 million to go back to the studio and record something else. The label thought it was too funky, too pop-oriented, too different from their previous work. INXS, along with their manager and producer Chris Thomas, refused.
It was a career-defining moment. The band had faith in the sound they had created. Michael Hutchence’s confidence was unshakeable, and the songs — “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart” — were undeniable. Their choice to stick to their vision would ultimately pay off, in platinum.
🌍 World Domination, One Hit at a Time
Kick didn’t just succeed. It exploded.
“Need You Tonight” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, INXS’s only U.S. chart-topper. “Devil Inside” peaked at No. 2. “New Sensation” and “Never Tear Us Apart” became staples of late-80s radio, and Kick would go on to sell over 20 million copies worldwide.
But more than numbers, it was the energy. The slick, stylish videos on MTV made Hutchence a global sex symbol, often compared to Mick Jagger and Jim Morrison. INXS had evolved from pub rockers to arena kings. Their live shows were electric, drawing crowds of thousands from Australia to Wembley Stadium.
🖤 The Hutchence Magnetism
Michael Hutchence had always had a certain mystique. He wasn’t just a frontman; he was the fire in the machine. With Kick, his voice became more versatile, sensual, and commanding. He could seduce in a whisper on “Need You Tonight” or cry out with aching vulnerability in “Never Tear Us Apart.”
The album allowed his theatricality to shine. Hutchence wasn’t just singing lyrics — he was embodying them. It gave INXS a dangerous edge, a glamour that was as much about mood as it was about sound.
📀 Legacy Etched in Vinyl
Kick became the album that defined INXS, but it also defined an era. It captured the glossy tension of the late 80s: sexy but controlled, dark but danceable. And it showed that rock bands could still conquer pop charts if they knew how to play it right.
The album was also a blueprint for genre blending before it became standard. Rock, funk, pop, and even touches of soul — Kick fused them all without losing identity. The risk that almost got it shelved ended up being what made it unforgettable.
Even decades later, its tracks are featured in commercials, movies, and playlists, reintroducing the band to new generations. Kick wasn’t just a moment — it was a movement.