INXS – Devil Inside

About the song

Released in 1988 as the second single from their massively successful album Kick, “Devil Inside” solidified INXS’s status as global rock icons. Written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, the song delves into the primal, often destructive urges that lie within human nature. It quickly became a top 10 hit in the US and a significant success internationally, showcasing the band’s seamless blend of rock swagger, funk grooves, and pop sensibility.

The sound and style: “Devil Inside” is a prime example of INXS’s signature sound from the late 80s: a powerful fusion of hard rock energy, tight funk rhythms, and a slick, polished pop production. It’s driven by a propulsive, almost hypnotic beat and a menacing guitar riff, creating an atmosphere that is both alluring and slightly dangerous. The sound is highly dynamic, moving from slinky verses to an explosive, anthemic chorus, perfectly suited for arenas.

Musical features:

• Driving, Funky Beat: A prominent, consistent drum beat provides the backbone, anchoring the song with a relentless, danceable rhythm.
• Distinctive Guitar Riff: Andrew Farriss’s guitar riff is dark, bluesy, and instantly recognizable, serving as the primary melodic hook alongside the vocals.
• Michael Hutchence’s Charismatic Vocals: Hutchence delivers the lyrics with his characteristic blend of seductive swagger and raw power, conveying the song’s themes of inner struggle and temptation with undeniable charisma. His vocal performance is both gritty and smooth.
• Grooving Bassline: Garry Gary Beers’s bassline is deep and rhythmic, providing a solid, funky foundation that locks in with the drums.
• Layered Production: The song features a rich, layered production typical of the era, with synths and backing vocals adding texture and depth without obscuring the core rock elements.
• Dynamic Shifts: The song expertly builds tension in the verses before releasing it in the powerful, anthemic chorus, creating a compelling sense of ebb and flow.

It’s edgy, rhythmic, and possesses an undeniable rock-and-roll snarl, perfectly capturing the darker side of their Kick sound.

Lyrical themes and atmosphere:

“Every single one of us, the devil inside / Every single one of us, the devil inside”

The lyrics explore the universal concept of inner demons, primitive instincts, and the darker aspects of the human psyche. Hutchence sings about these urges as an inherent part of being human, something that “cries and screams and begs and bleeds.” The atmosphere is one of psychological tension, a recognition of raw, untamed desires and the constant battle within. There’s a sense of both fascination and a slightly unsettling acceptance of this “devil inside.”

Themes:

• Inner Conflict/Dark Side of Human Nature: The core theme revolves around the inherent struggle with one’s own darker impulses and desires.
• Temptation and Desire: The allure of primal urges and the difficulty of resisting them.
• Universal Experience: The idea that everyone possesses this “devil inside,” making it a shared human condition.
• Primal Instincts: A focus on the raw, unfiltered aspects of human behavior rather than refined emotions.
• Self-Recognition: A candid acknowledgment of one’s own flaws and capacity for darkness.

Unlike many rock songs about external forces, “Devil Inside” turns the gaze inward, exploring the landscape of the human soul.

Legacy and impact:

• Global Hit: A major single from Kick, contributing significantly to the album’s immense commercial success and solidifying INXS’s international stardom.
• Arena Anthem: Became a staple of their electrifying live shows, with its powerful chorus and driving rhythm making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Signature Sound: A prime example of the band’s ability to combine rock attitude with irresistible funk and pop appeal, defining their sound in the late 80s.
• Enduring Popularity: Continues to be one of INXS’s most recognizable and frequently played songs on classic rock and 80s radio.
• Cultural Reference: Its title and theme have become shorthand for acknowledging one’s inner struggles or mischievous impulses.

“Devil Inside” is a bold and captivating exploration of human nature’s shadowy corners, delivered with INXS’s signature blend of power and panache.

Final thoughts: “Devil Inside” is a masterclass in modern rock songwriting and performance. It’s a song that immediately grabs you with its insistent groove and menacing guitar riff, then holds you with Michael Hutchence’s compelling vocal delivery. It taps into a universal truth about the complexities of the human psyche, making it both relatable and enduringly powerful. It’s a testament to INXS’s ability to craft intelligent, infectious rock music that resonated globally, proving that sometimes, the most compelling stories are found within.

Video

Lyrics

“Devil Inside”

Here come the woman with the look in her eye
Raised on leather, with flesh on her mind
Words as weapons, sharper than knives
Makes you wonder how the other half die, other half die
Makes you wonder, wonder, wonderHere come the man with the look in his eye
He’s fed on nothing, but full of pride
Look at them go, look at them kick
Makes you wonder how the other half liveDevil inside, the devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Devil inside, devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside

Oh-oh, oh
Mm

Here come the world with the look in its eye
Future uncertain, but certainly slight
Look at the faces, listen to the bells
It’s hard to believe we need a place called hell, place called hell

The devil inside, the devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Devil inside, the devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Oh oh hoo
Na na na na na

306

Here comes the woman with the look in her eye
She’s raised on leather, with flesh on her mind
Words as weapons, sharper than knives
Makes you wonder how the other half die

Devil inside, the devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Devil inside, the devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Devil inside, devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Devil inside, devil inside
Every single one of us, the devil inside
Oh, ho ho
Na na na

The devil inside, yeah, yeah, yeah
Ah huh huh
The devil inside, yeah, yeah, yeah
Oh, huh huh, ah
Oh, huh huh
Ah yeah