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INXS - Switch Audio CD

A fair review of the INXS "Switch" 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: Switch
Rating:
Release Date: 2005-11-29
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Devil’s Party 2: Pretty Vegas 3: Afterglow 4: Hot Girls 5: Perfect Stranger 6: Remember Who’s Your Man 7: Hungry 8: Never Let You Go 9: Like It or Not 10: Us 11: God’s Top Ten

Pretty good comeback
But the band still had one asset: Andrew Farriss, the musical creative force behind many INXS songs. Many people expressed reservations about INXS' inability to survive without Michael Hutchence, and the band's revolving door of (mostly unsuitable) new lead singers convinced many fans that they should just give it away. The songs were there, the band just needed to get the right frontman. Having finally found J. D. Fortune, INXS embarked on a full-scale comeback with 'Switch'.

Comeback albums tend to be very conservative affairs, and 'Switch' is no exception. It takes few risks, and clearly attempts to replicate the sound of INXS' heyday, especially 'Listen Like Thieves', 'Kick', and 'X'. You won't hear any groundbreaking new developments from the band here. But at this stage of their career, I seriously doubt anyone is expecting INXS to branch out in brave new sonic directions. And the band was badly drifting musically even before Hutchence's death. So why not just give the fans what they want, and return to your classic sound?

Provided you can accept that this album breaks no new ground and is little more than a note-for-note rewrite of their 80's classics, 'Switch' is good fun. Fortune does a reasonable job of imitating Hutchence's vocals, and also his sex-rock-God confidence. Since the band choose not to advance musically or lyrically, having a younger lead singer means they can still write songs about Vegas, partying, one night stands and 'hot girls' without looking ridiculous. And the musicians are still in good form; Tim Farriss nailing a memorable riff for nearly every song, and Kirk's long-lost sax making frequent appearances.

Don't expect a classic, but 'Switch' is arguably stronger and more focussed than anything they've done since 'Welcome To Wherever You Are'. At the very least, the band sounds like it's having fun and enjoying making music again, and after a decade of difficulties that is no bad thing.


Better Than Anticipated
I got it, put it in the car cd player and let it run. I bought this album really not expecting much but having enjoyed the two singles, Afterglow and Pretty Vegas. My wife and I have been INXS fans since the early days. No, this is not Michael Hutchence, never will be, and could never even hope to be, but for all that, JD Fortune actually does a pretty good job taking the reins of an iconic rock band. I've listened to it a couple of times now (only had it for approximately 4 hours) and I find more to enjoy about it with each listen. The singles, are great, but I will be honest. . . the album is solid. I'm not into the song by song breakdown reviews. . . they can be rather tedious sometimes. . . but I can only think of a couple of songs that really didn't leave any feeling. Hot Girls was pretty killer. . Who's Your Man. . really cool groove.
If you liked INXS in the past definitely give this an honest try. It's the music you grew to love, just with a new direction not far from the original. It's a shame JD Fortune sank himself recently but for my money he did a good job and I hope they find an equally talented lead singer to helm future efforts.


IN THE FINE TRADITION OF INXS

I first heard this cd on my Walkman after checking it
out of the local library. I own the INXS cds Kick; Greatest Hits; and Taste It. I listened to the whole cd
without knowing it was a new vocalist. That being
said I still like this cd very much. The song Afterglow
is a five star song, while the remaining songs are
worthy of 4 stars a piece. If you like the albums I
mentioned I owned, I would venture to say you would
find this cd a welcome addition to your collection.


Nice try, but not great


This album does have a good sound that brings back memories of the old INXS. This album has a sound slightly similar to that of the old INXS, but to me it feels more like an imitation that tries too hard to be the old INXS. But it doesn't have a great sound that it should. I guess it was a decent try as their first album. The songs start off well, but then go into a mediocre sound and end poorly. The lead singer needs to stop trying to be an impersonator, stop trying to be like Michael Hutchence and develop his own style.

I loved the songs of the old INXS (with Michael Hutchence), and I have them loaded on my MP3 CDs in my car. But regarding this CD, I don't want to load any of the songs on my MP3 CDs. (I only listen to music in my car, and I don't own an iPod so I am selective of the songs. )

INXS still has the rest of the group who did write great songs in the past, and all it takes is the proper performance, which I think the new lead singer can be able to develop into posibly on the next album.

One of the great songs is Devil's Party.
Some of the songs that start off well but become mediocre are:
Pretty Vegas, Afterglow, God's Top Ten.
The other songs are just ok.


Slightly Lacking
It's deep, rich and sexy. JD Fortune really has a great voice. I was so looking forward to this album. However I think his voice is underused. The music is louder than him making it difficult to hear him. I like a few of the songs. Devils Party is to much like the Devil Inside. Pretty Vegas I love but again the music is to loud compared to the voice. Some of the songs seem alike. I felt dissappointed but still it's good. I'm hoping for a better second album. I give it a four because his voice is so good. .


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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