Excellent INXS collection from Rhino

It hasn't been that many years since the death of singer Michael Hutchence and his band INXS is already in the Rhino catalog. Rhino has presented a somewhat different collection of tracks than the previous hits collection offered by INXS' previous major recording label. Singles of several of INXS' biggest hits are here along with some remix version tracks. There are some tracks I would like to have seen added, such as Elegantly Wasted, Shine Like It Does, and Guns In The Sky, but overall this albums covers all the hits and most memorable INXS songs. INXS blended rock, funk, blues, soul, and new wave dance styles over the years into memorable modern pop hits. Their hits continue to be sampled by rap and dance DJs, and INXS songs stands up well in comparison to current popular music. For a collection of INXS songs or to review the career of Australia's most popular rock/pop export, this album is highly recommended.

The Essence Of INXS

It's true that INXS made three great studio albums in KICK, X, and WELCOME TO WHEREVER YOU ARE, but THE BEST OF INXS contains the true essence of the band's appeal. That's because they were primarily a great 80s singles band; even the aforementioned studio albums contained a bit of filler. Their sound basically distilled 70s rock, new wave, R&B, and funk/disco into an appealing blend that was best heard on singles. This compilation is better than GREATEST HITS because it includes the hard rocker "Don't Change", which was not on GREATEST HITS, and it tells the story better than the double-disc ANTHOLOGY, which, unfortunately, starts off with some awkward early synth-pop. Unless you're a true fan or were a teenager (like myself) in the late 80s, this may be all the INXS you'll ever need.

Wonders From Down Under

In the 1980's, there are just so many acts that really didn't let the music flow. While most of them were just manufactured for a time, the feeling of the songs just missed out. Unlike most of them, Inxs really were real to the top. They definitely hit the nail on what great pop music anymore. Unfortunately that ended tragically with the suicide of Michael Hutchence in 1997. Nevertheless, their feeling of music is still around for anybody who like guilty pleasures from the 1980's. Yet, there hasn't been a well-noticed hits collection that has defined their careers.



The Best Of Inxs, is a compilation of 21 tracks from the files that made Inxs out of the ordinary with great pop songs. There is really nothing but the best from Michael Hutchence & company here on this great collection. The songs here range well with a lot of great hits like the #1 smash Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, the upbeat Dissapear, What You Need which was used a few years ago as a ad campaign from Ford, and Suicide Blonde to name a few. While there are so many great songs, there are a few disadvantages with this collection. One of them is that the collection overshadows a few songs here & there like Mediate, the rhyming masterpiece from their breakthrough album, Kick, as well as any tracks from the final Inxs album, 1997's Elegantly Wasted. Nevertheless, even with those minor dissapointments, the record doesn't dissapoint to any die hard Inxs fan.



It is just a shame Inxs isn't around to make music anymore. They definitely have had quite a run with that passionate music from the 80's. Hopefully, people will keep enjoying that great vibe that is still there.



Album Cover: B



Songs: B+



Price: A-



Mastering: B 1/2+



Overall: B