On October 19, 1987, the landscape of global pop-rock was irrevocably altered with the release of "Kick," the sixth studio album by Australian band INXS. At a time when rock was fragmenting into hair metal and alternative scenes, INXS delivered a masterclass in synthesis, blending rock, funk, and dance music into a cohesive, impossibly catchy package. The album didn't just give the band a handful of hits; it catapulted them from Australian heroes to international superstars, defining the sound of the late 1980s and cementing their place in music history. "Kick" was a perfect storm of impeccable songwriting, charismatic performance, and slick production that arrived at the perfect moment to dominate global airwaves and MTV.
What it is
"Kick" is a 12-track album that serves as a tour de force of INXS's artistic and commercial powers. Produced by Chris Thomas, the record is a masterfully crafted collection of songs that seamlessly fuse rock guitar riffs with danceable funk grooves. Led by the slinky, charismatic vocals of Michael Hutchence, the album boasts a string of iconic singles, including the US number-one hit "Need You Tonight," the anthemic "New Sensation," the driving "Devil Inside," and the epic ballad "Never Tear Us Apart." The sound is polished yet powerful, utilizing synthesizers, saxophones, and tight rhythms to create a sonic tapestry that was both contemporary and timeless. It was an album designed for stadiums, radio, and dance floors simultaneously, with each track offering a distinct hook and personality.
How it came to be
Following the success of their 1985 album "Listen Like Thieves," INXS aimed for an even bigger international breakthrough. The band, along with producer Chris Thomas, spent months in Sydney and Paris crafting the songs. They intentionally sought to create an album where every track could be a single. The band's manager, Chris Murphy, initially had to fight for the album's release. When he presented it to executives at Atlantic Records, they were reportedly unimpressed, stating it was too diverse and lacked a cohesive sound for American rock radio. Murphy, however, believed so strongly in the project that he bet them $1 million that it would be a massive success, staging a secret college radio campaign to build grassroots momentum for "Need You Tonight" before the label officially got behind it. His gamble paid off spectacularly.
How many it sold
"Kick" became a colossal commercial success, far exceeding the band's previous achievements. The album has sold over 20 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. In the United States, it was certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, while in their native Australia, it went 7x Platinum. The album peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 in the US and reached number 1 in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It spawned four US Top 10 singles ("Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside," "New Sensation," and "Never Tear Us Apart"), a rare feat that demonstrated its incredible depth and mainstream appeal. The album's massive sales were propelled by heavy rotation of its stylish music videos on MTV, which perfectly captured the band's swagger and Hutchence's magnetic stage presence.
Why it resonated
"Kick" resonated so profoundly because it was the perfect album for its time, delivered by a band at the absolute peak of its powers. It was musically sophisticated enough for rock fans, with Kirk Pengilly's sax and the Farriss brothers' tight instrumentation, yet irresistibly danceable for a pop audience. The songs were about love, lust, and life, delivered with a confident, sexy swagger by Michael Hutchence, who became one of the era's definitive frontmen. The production by Chris Thomas was flawless, creating a sound that was big, glossy, and radio-ready without sacrificing the band's raw energy. In an era of musical excess, "Kick" felt lean, focused, and effortlessly cool, making it an essential soundtrack for the late 1980s.
Impact today
The legacy of "Kick" is immense. It is consistently ranked among the greatest albums of the 1980s and a landmark release in Australian music history. The album's singles remain staples on classic rock and 80s radio stations worldwide. Its fusion of rock, funk, and dance-pop influenced countless artists, bridging genres in a way that became more common in subsequent decades. Bands like The 1975 and The Killers have cited INXS and the sound of "Kick" as an inspiration. The album stands as the definitive statement from INXS, a timeless classic that perfectly captures the lightning-in-a-bottle moment when a great band became global superstars.
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