AUSTRALIAN PRIDE

One of their better efforts.Came right after THE SWING which is my favourite INXS album and before KICK so it's often forgotten or overlooked but this kicks ass!

This is the album that got them noticed

While 'The Swing' was a massive underground hit, it was really 'Listen Like Thieves' and the huge single 'What You Need' that got everyone to notice, and positioned the band for major chart success with the follow-up, 'Kick'. While not as good as the previous album, in my view, this album again demonstrated Michael Hutchence's ability to mesmerize musically. His hair was growing longer into his patented coif, and the band was becoming more comfortable with the studio -- apparent by this well-produced album. The album is just a classic, from the first song to the last.

This is what you need!

INXS never looked back after this album, at least for a few years. After the excellent 'The Swing' the year before, INXS followed it up with more of the same solid funky catchy rock songs. The opening volley of three track in particular stand out for me. The groove of 'What You Need', the downright infectious title track and the sulty 'Kiss The Dirt' are some of the finest songs of the time. Also there is the stomping 'One x One' and anthemic 'This Time' both live favourites. Listening again to this album it's hard to believe it's 20 years old, it also shows how underrated INXS were. Although the next album 'Kick' would break the band internationally, this album and 'The Swing' are superior in my opinion and I think they still stand as the musical highlights of their career.