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INXS - Kick Audio CD

A fair review of the INXS "Kick" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all INXS reviews here, or go back to the INXS tabs.

INXS Band: INXS
Title: Kick
Rating:
Release Date: 2002-10-15
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Guns in the Sky 2: New Sensation 3: Devil Inside 4: Need You Tonight 5: Mediate 6: Loved One 7: Wild Life 8: Never Tear Us Apart 9: Mystify 10: Kick 11: Calling All Nations 12: Tiny Daggers 13: Move On [Guitar Version][#][*] 14: Jesus Was a Man [#][*] 15: Mystify [Chicago Demo][#][*] 16: Trap [#][*][Demo Version]

INXS at their commercial best
While it doesn't quite match the creativity of their early New Wave classics like 'The Swing', it is still a very strong collection. 'Kick' is INXS' most commercially successful album, and one of their best. The album builds on the more conventional pop/funk/rock direction of 'What You Need', but what stands out the most with 'Kick' is the consistency. Whereas 'What You Need' had some great singles and some flat spots, every song on 'Kick' is memorable. It's no surprise the album kept throwing off singles; nearly everything here would be worthy of single release.

'Guns In The Sky': INXS never went in for social commentary, but there is a definite political message in this opener. Yet the band still make the song catchy, with a stomping rock riff. Musically, this is one of the more straightforward rock songs here.

'New Sensation': the perfect INXS single; a funky rhythm, infectious guitar riff, some raw leads from Tim Farriss, sax blasts, and a great vocal performance from Hutchence. A deserved hit.

'Devil Inside': sultry, funky song that gives Hutchence a chance to play up his sex-God persona. Quite subdued musically (until the final part of the song), which only amplifies Hutchence's seductive vocals.

'Need You Tonight': another funky song with even more seductive vocals than 'Devil Inside', but the song is really driven by the sharp guitar stabs. The song leads directly into 'Mediate'

'Mediate': musical extension of 'Need You Tonight', with Hutchence reciting a list of "-ates" ("liberate, fascinate, mediate. . . ") in a vaguely rap style. Famous for its "Subterranean Homesick Blues" style video.

'The Loved One': this cover of The Loved Ones' classic apparently dates from the early 80's, but it is a great take on the song and fits the rock feel of the album.

'Wild Life': probably the closest thing to a weak song here. A funky rocker in the mould of 'New Sensation'.

'Never Tear Us Apart': simple, string-tinged ballad has become one of the band's best known songs. Doesn't really deviate too much from the rock ballad formula, but it works thanks to Hutchence's surprisingly passionate and sensitive vocals. Also famous for Kirk's out-of-nowhere sax solo.

'Mystify': this keyboard-driven pop/rock song is my personal favourite and the hidden gem of the album. Highlight is the simple but anthemic chorus and the shift into the more urgent bridge.

'Kick': the title track is one of the more straightforward rockers, although driven as much by Kirk's sax as by the guitats. Great performance from Hutchence, too.

'Calling All Nations': another song containing a vaguely social/political message. Still, it's surprisingly sexy and funky, as Hutchence calls on all nations to "come on down to the party!"

'Tiny Daggers': another of the more rock-oriented songs, with surprisingly barbed, pointed lyrics. "Who put those tiny daggers in your heart?" Hutchence demands over the rock riffs.

Fans of INXS' early work may be a little disappointed at the more streamlined sound on display, and I personally believe 'The Swing' just shades this album for that reason. But most people would regard 'Kick' as INXS' best album, and the band would never again reach this level of consistency and focus. Highly recommended for dedicated and casual INXS fans alike.

Five stars.


Over zealous sound mixer
I recently got the "Best Of" remix and it's great. This mix sounds like the echo machine was turned on and forgotten about. This mix DOES sound more spacious but artificially/electronically induced. . . after the fact. It's too obvious it wasn't originally recorded this way. They must have hired a local high school kid to operate the sound mixer cause it sucks. All kinds of echos (special effects?) and just distant sounding. . . . like a poor bootleg copy. . . Hmm I wonder.


INXS at its peak!
This is INXS at its peak. This is a great album from start to finish. Quality songs and great production that still works today. One of the best pop/rock albums of all time, in my opinion.

Other INXS albums are good, but if you're only going to get one, this is it.


the original songs are still good, two new ones are horrible
The original songs from the 80's are still good. Be ready to hit the skip button to get past certain songs that were inserted on the CD for some unfathomable reason.

.


Kick in the pants
I loved all the songs played on the radio so much, i decided to purchase the CD. Kick came out when i was in my late teens. I have to say honestly that, except for the hit songs, i really didn't care much for the rest of them.

If it didn't have so many hits, i would have given it 3 stars. Still, wonderful to go back to and listen to those great songs.


You can see a complete list of all INXS discography, or go back to the INXS tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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