International superstars INXS blazed a path to major success while holding tight to their underground credentials. The Australian band’s blend of rock swagger, new wave cool, and funk rhythms made their songs an infectious pleasure, while the sexual energy and charisma of lead singer Michael Hutchence propelled them to new heights on stage and television. Their songs became archetypes for late 1980s rock & roll, influencing artists in alternative, pop, and electronic music, including U2 and Duran Duran.

In 1977, brothers Andrew (keyboards), Jon (drums), and Tim Farriss (lead guitar) formed a pub rock band with friends Garry Gary Beers (bass), Kirk Pengilly (guitar/sax), and Michael Hutchence (vocals). After cutting their teeth in Sydney, they earned the opening slot for fellow Aussie rockers Midnight Oil – thus INXS (“in excess”) were officially born. Their first two albums were made on a tight budget, while Shabooh Shoobah (1982) saw them adding post-punk tension and developing the template for future songs. The final developmental step came when Nile Rodgers produced the single “Original Sin.” The song’s lyrics dream of racial equality while the music mixes chucking guitar, lush synthesizers, honking sax, a pumped-up dance beat, and sultry vocals.

Veteran producer Chris Thomas (Roxy Music, the Pretenders) helped INXS create the artistic breakthrough Listen Like Thieves (1985), a darker album that balanced the new wave punch of “What You Need” with the moody “Kiss the Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain).” This all culminated in 1987’s smash Kick, an album that generated four Top Ten singles in the U.S. – “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “Devil Inside,” and “Need You Tonight.” Every sound is a perfect moment – clean, clear, and powerful. Hutchence whispers and moans, shouts and squeaks, and delivers the lyrics with passion. During the 1990s, they stormed into the alternative rock scene with songs like “Suicide Blonde” and “The Gift.”

INXS’ musical journey was tragically cut short when Michael Hutchence was found dead on November 22, 1997. While the band made attempts to carry on, it became clear it was impossible to replace his unique heart and soul. Still, their music continues to inspire fans around the globe, including a multitude of musicians like the Killers, Maroon 5, No Doubt, and Dua Lipa – who reinterpreted “Need You Tonight” in her hit “Break My Heart” (2020).

Nominees: Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss, Tim Farriss, Michael Hutchence, Kirk Pengilly