INXS - Kick - 12" Vinyl LP Album - 1980s New Wave

- A pulse of 80s pop rock energy with seductive vocals and timeless hits that shook global charts

INXS - Kick 1980s Pop / New Wave 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Released in 1987, Kick is the sixth studio album by Australian rock band INXS and their most successful record. Blending pop rock, funk, and new wave, it produced four major U.S. Top 10 singles: “Need You Tonight,” “Devil Inside,” “New Sensation,” and “Never Tear Us Apart.” The album went multi-platinum worldwide, selling over 20 million copies, and firmly established INXS as global superstars. With its slick production by Chris Thomas and stylish visuals, Kick became a defining soundtrack of the late 1980s.

"Kick" Album Description:

In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of 1980s music, few bands captured the essence of the era quite like INXS. With their iconic 12" vinyl LP album "Kick", released in 1987, the Australian rock band solidified their status as pioneers of the New Wave movement. Led by the charismatic and enigmatic frontman Michael Hutchence, INXS delivered an album that remains a testament to their musical brilliance and timeless appeal.

Comprising of members Michael Hutchence, Andrew Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, Tim Farriss, Garry Gary Beers, and Jon Farriss, INXS brought a fresh and dynamic sound to the music scene. Each member contributed their unique talents to create a cohesive and eclectic musical experience, with "Kick" serving as a prime example of their collective brilliance.

The album opens with the irresistible groove of "Need You Tonight", a track that embodies the slick production and infectious hooks that define the New Wave genre. Hutchence's seductive vocals and the band's tight musicianship instantly captivate listeners, setting the tone for the rest of the album.

As the album progresses, "Kick" reveals its diverse range of styles and influences. "Devil Inside" showcases a darker and edgier side of the band, with its brooding atmosphere and haunting lyrics. The cover of "The Loved One" pays homage to their Australian roots while infusing it with their signature energy and flair.

The title track, "Kick", stands out as a bold anthem that exemplifies INXS's ability to fuse rock with pop sensibilities. With its infectious guitar riffs and powerful chorus, the song encapsulates the band's knack for crafting memorable and radio-friendly hits.

"Guns in the Sky" and "Wild Life" exude a rebellious spirit, addressing social and political themes with a sense of urgency. These tracks serve as a reminder of INXS's willingness to tackle important issues and use their platform to make a statement.

One of the album's undeniable highlights is "New Sensation". Its vibrant energy and catchy hooks make it an instant classic. Hutchence's dynamic vocal performance shines through, perfectly complemented by the band's tight instrumentation and memorable melodies.

INXS showcases their versatility and emotional depth in the haunting ballad "Never Tear Us Apart". Hutchence's soulful vocals and the band's delicate arrangement create a timeless and heartfelt song that resonates with listeners.

"Calling All Nations" and "Mystify" continue to demonstrate the band's ability to seamlessly blend different musical elements, ranging from rock to funk, while maintaining their distinctive sound. These tracks showcase the band's musical dexterity and their willingness to experiment with various styles.

Closing out the album is "Tiny Daggers", a frenetic and energetic track that leaves listeners craving more. Its frenzied tempo and infectious rhythm provide a fitting conclusion to a musical journey filled with memorable moments.

One cannot discuss INXS without mentioning the magnetic presence of Michael Hutchence. As the band's charismatic frontman, his powerful and seductive vocals, combined with his captivating stage presence, made him an icon of the era. Hutchence's tragic and untimely death in 1997 left a void in the music world, but his contributions to "Kick" and INXS's legacy remain indelible.

"Kick" catapulted INXS to international stardom, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries and solidifying their status as one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. Its seamless blend of rock, pop, and New Wave elements, combined with Hutchence's magnetic presence, made it a genre-defining album that continues to resonate with audiences to this day.

Decades after its release, "Kick" remains a testament to the musical prowess and creative vision of INXS. With its infectious hooks, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged performances, the album showcases the band's ability to push boundaries and create music that stands the test of time. INXS's "Kick" is a true masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire generations of music lovers around the world.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Pop Rock / New Wave (Australian)

Label & Catalognr:

Mercury 832 721 (832721)

Album Packaging

Original custom inner sleeve with album details, lyrics and photos.

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record

Year & Country:

1987 – Made in Holland

Producers:
  • Chris Thomas – Producer.
    Chris Thomas was a renowned British record producer who worked with acts such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Elton John, and the Sex Pistols. His polished yet energetic style helped give INXS "Kick" its radio-ready and international sound.
Sound & Recording Engineers:
  • David Nicholas – Sound Engineer.
    David Nicholas, an Australian sound engineer, was closely associated with INXS throughout the 1980s. His sharp mixing and technical expertise played a crucial role in shaping the punchy, dance-rock sound of "Kick".

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Michael Hutchence – Vocals,:
    Michael Hutchence was the charismatic frontman of INXS, known for his powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Beyond INXS, he also fronted the side-project Max Q with Ollie Olsen. He became an international rock icon until his untimely death in 1997.
  • Andrew Farriss – Keyboards, Guitar:
    Andrew Farriss was the principal songwriter of INXS, composing many of their biggest hits. After INXS, he launched a solo career blending rock with country and Americana influences, continuing his reputation as a versatile songwriter.
  • Kirk Pengilly – Guitar, Saxophone, Vocals:
    Kirk Pengilly contributed guitar, saxophone, and backing vocals to INXS. He is noted for his versatility as a musician and later became active in Australian media and charity work alongside his music career.
  • Tim Farriss – Guitar
  • Garry Gary Beers – Bass
  • Jon Farriss – Drums, Percussion

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Guns in the Sky
  2. New Sensation Single
    Released as a single in 1988, became a global hit with its upbeat, horn-driven sound.
  3. Devil Inside Single
    Released as a single in 1988, reaching Top 10 in the U.S. and showcasing the band’s darker edge.
  4. Need You Tonight Single
    Released as a single in 1987, became INXS’s only U.S. Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit.
  5. Mediate
    Famously connected with “Need You Tonight” in the video, mimicking Bob Dylan’s cue-card style.
  6. The Loved One Cover
    Cover of The Loved Ones’ 1966 Australian classic.
Video: INXS - Need You Tonight (Official Music Video)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Wild Life
  2. Never Tear Us Apart Single
    Released in 1988, became one of INXS’s signature ballads with orchestral arrangements.
  3. Mystify Single
    Released as a single in 1989, highlighting Hutchence’s vocals and the band’s pop sensibility.
  4. Kick Single
    Released as a single in 1988, it reinforced the album’s identity with its energetic title track.
  5. Calling All Nations
  6. Tiny Daggers
Video: INXS - Never Tear Us Apart (Official Music Video)
Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the 1987 INXS album Kick. The artwork is a bold collage: on the right, Michael Hutchence stares intently with curly hair falling over one eye and a black leather jacket. On the left, a band member in dark denim and sunglasses stands confidently. In the center foreground, another crouches in a black and white striped shirt and red-laced boots. Above them, legs on a skateboard mid-air add rebellious energy. The band’s name INXS appears in block letters with stars, and the title KICK in bold red beneath.

The front cover of Kick radiates 1980s confidence and energy. On the far right, Michael Hutchence dominates the frame with a penetrating gaze, his curly hair spilling over his face, leather jacket collar pulled high, giving him a magnetic, almost cinematic presence.

On the opposite side, another band member poses in a black denim jacket with a patterned collar and dark sunglasses, exuding a detached, cool attitude. Beneath the bold album title, a figure crouches low to the ground, dressed in a black and white striped shirt and red-laced boots, arms wrapped tightly around his knees, adding visual tension and contrast.

Above the group, a skateboard flies mid-air, with only the legs of its rider visible. This dynamic detail injects a rebellious, youthful spirit. At the center, framed between the figures, the album title INXS KICK appears in block lettering, accented with stars, reinforcing the band’s bold branding. The overall design captures a sense of playful anarchy fused with sleek new wave aesthetics, embodying the album’s worldwide appeal.

Album Back Cover Photo
Back cover of the 1987 INXS album Kick. Against a stark white background, one band member stands wide-legged holding an electric guitar, another bends forward in a sleeveless denim jacket, and a third points directly at the viewer in a black cap and jacket. A large hand with bracelets appears cropped at the top right. The full track listing is printed in bold black type on the left side, and the Mercury catalog number 832 721-1 is shown in the upper right corner.

The back cover of Kick continues the album’s bold, collage-like design, set against a clean white backdrop. On the left, a guitarist stands with legs spread wide, holding a sunburst electric guitar in a dramatic pose. His tight black pants and boots emphasize the rock attitude.

At the center, another figure bends slightly forward, dressed in a sleeveless denim jacket with patches layered over a black shirt, his stance energetic and casual. To his right, a bandmate in a black jacket and cap leans toward the viewer, pointing directly outward, creating a confrontational, engaging gesture.

Floating above them, cropped at the wrist, a large hand adorned with chunky bracelets and a gold ring extends into the frame, adding surreal visual tension. On the far left, the complete track listing is printed in crisp black lettering, while the Mercury Records catalog details and barcode sit neatly in the upper right corner. This playful, fragmented composition reflects the band’s stylish and rebellious 1980s identity.

First Photo of Custom Inner Sleeve
Custom inner sleeve of the 1987 INXS album Kick. The design is divided into six black-and-white photographic panels: top left shows Michael Hutchence's intense eye framed by wet hair; top center displays a hand gripping a saxophone; top right shows the back of a denim vest featuring a cartoon dinosaur patch. Bottom left features a hand holding a skateboard with spiral artwork and wristbands; bottom center shows legs in tight jeans with ornate cowboy boots; bottom right presents a face shadowed under a cap decorated with embroidered laurels. Along the far right margin, repetitive vertical text spells out variations of INXS Kick.

The custom inner sleeve for Kick is a collage of striking black-and-white images, each highlighting a different detail of the band’s style and personality. In the upper left panel, Michael Hutchence’s piercing eye peers through strands of wet hair, an intimate and enigmatic close-up.

Beside it, a close-up of a hand grasping a saxophone showcases the group’s instrumental diversity, while the third upper panel reveals the back of a denim vest decorated with a cartoon dinosaur patch and Japanese-style lettering.

On the lower row, the first panel features a hand gripping a skateboard covered in graphic artwork, accented by leather wristbands. The center frame captures legs clad in tight jeans and elaborate cowboy boots with spurs, emphasizing rock-and-roll fashion. The final panel presents a figure’s face shadowed under a military-style cap, its brim embroidered with laurel leaves and an eagle insignia, hiding the eyes for a mysterious effect.

Running down the right edge, repetitive vertical text spells variations of “INXS Kick,” reinforcing the album’s identity in a bold typographic pattern. This sleeve merges street culture, rock iconography, and playful imagery into a vivid statement of the band’s 1980s aesthetic.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Close-up of Side One label of the 1987 INXS album Kick. The label is light beige with the INXS KICK logo printed in large grey block letters across the center, with stars as decoration. The track listing for Side One is displayed in black text: Guns in the Sky, New Sensation, Devil Inside, Need You Tonight, Mediate, and The Loved One, with composer credits and timings. The Mercury Records logo appears at the top, along with catalog number 832 721-1. Technical credits include production by Chris Thomas and mixing by Bob Clearmountain. Marked Made in Holland, with BIEM/STEMRA rights society logos on the right.

This close-up of the Side One record label for Kick showcases a clean Mercury Records design in beige and grey. The bold block lettering of INXS KICK spans the center of the label, interrupted by a row of stars, creating a striking and recognizable identity.

At the top sits the Mercury logo, the number "1" designating the side, and the catalog reference 832 721-1. Along the outer edge, fine print notes copyright and reproduction restrictions. On the right, the BIEM/STEMRA logos appear beside the catalog code.

The track listing is printed in clear black text: "Guns in the Sky," "New Sensation," "Devil Inside," "Need You Tonight," "Mediate," and "The Loved One," each with composer credits and precise running times. Production credits identify Chris Thomas as producer and Bob Clearmountain as mixer, with recording locations in Sydney and Paris. Stamped "Made in Holland," the label emphasizes this edition’s European pressing details.

INXS - Selected Vinyl Album Discography and Album Cover Gallery

INXS Band Description:

INXS was an Australian rock band that achieved worldwide success during the 1980s and early 1990s. The band's unique sound, which blended elements of rock, pop, and funk, helped to establish them as one of the most innovative and influential groups of their era. INXS was known for their charismatic frontman, Michael Hutchence, who was widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and charismatic performers of his generation.

The origins of INXS can be traced back to 1977, when brothers Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss formed a band with their schoolmates, Michael Hutchence, Garry Gary Beers, and Kirk Pengilly. The band began playing gigs around Sydney, and soon built up a following for their high-energy live performances. In 1980, INXS released their self-titled debut album, which included the hit single "Just Keep Walking." The album was a commercial success in Australia, and helped to establish INXS as one of the country's most promising new bands.

INXS continued to build their fanbase over the next few years, releasing a string of successful albums, including "Underneath the Colours" (1981), "Shabooh Shoobah" (1982), and "The Swing" (1984). These albums showcased the band's eclectic musical style, which drew from a wide range of influences, including funk, reggae, and new wave. The band's popularity began to spread beyond Australia, and they started to gain a following in Europe and the United States.

In 1987, INXS released their breakthrough album, "Kick." The album was a massive commercial success, and featured hit singles such as "New Sensation," "Devil Inside," and "Need You Tonight." The album's success was due in large part to the band's innovative music videos, which were directed by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Lowenstein. These videos helped to establish INXS as one of the most visually striking and stylish bands of their era.

INXS continued to enjoy success throughout the 1990s, releasing several more hit albums, including "X" (1990), "Welcome to Wherever You Are" (1992), and "Elegantly Wasted" (1997). However, the band's fortunes took a tragic turn in 1997, when lead singer Michael Hutchence was found dead in a hotel room in Sydney. Hutchence's death was a devastating blow to the band, and they struggled to continue without him.

Despite this setback, INXS continued to perform and record music with a series of guest vocalists, including Terence Trent D'Arby and Jon Stevens. In 2005, the band launched a reality TV show called "Rock Star: INXS," which aimed to find a new lead singer for the band. Canadian singer J.D. Fortune won the competition, and went on to record one album with the band, "Switch" (2005).

Today, INXS is remembered as one of the most innovative and influential bands of the 1980s and early 1990s. Their unique sound, stylish image, and dynamic live performances helped to establish them as one of the most iconic bands of their era. Although the band's legacy was marred by the tragic death of Michael Hutchence, their music continues to inspire new generations of fans, and their influence can be heard in the work of countless musicians who have followed in their footsteps.

The Farriss Brothers and Their Role in INXS

INXS was built around the three Farriss brothers — Tim, Andrew, and Jon — who formed the backbone of the band from its earliest days in Sydney in 1977 until the group’s official retirement in 2012. Their combined musicianship, songwriting, and rhythm shaped INXS’s sound and ensured its consistency across decades.

  • Tim Farriss – Lead Guitar
    1977 – 2012
    Founding member and guitarist, remained with INXS until the band retired.
  • Andrew Farriss – Keyboards, Guitar, Songwriter
    1977 – 2012
    Founding member, principal songwriter, active until the end of INXS.
  • Jon Farriss – Drums, Percussion
    1977 – 2012
    Founding member and drummer, stayed throughout the band’s career until retirement.
Updated INXS - Kick album front cover vinyl LP album https://vinyl-records.nl
INXS - Kick 12" Vinyl LP

Released in 1987, INXS’s Kick blends pop rock, funk, and new wave into a career-defining album. With hits like Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, and Never Tear Us Apart, and polished production by Chris Thomas, it became a global sensation selling over 20 million copies.

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Thumbnail of INXS - Need You Tonight album front cover

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"Need You Tonight" is the fourth song on INXS's 1987 album Kick as well as the first single from the album released worldwide. It is the only INXS single to reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Thumbnail of INXS - New Sensation album front cover

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INXS – “New Sensation” 12” Maxi Single captures the Australian rock icons at their peak, delivering an extended, club-ready version of the 1987 hit from the landmark Kick album. Pressed in Holland on Mercury (870 092-1), it boasts crisp Chris Thomas production, vibrant sleeve art, and grooves built for both the dance floor and collectors’ shelves.

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Thumbnail of INXS - X album front cover

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