INXS is back. Albeit, in a slightly altered form. This is their first release of new material since 1997's Elegantly Wasted, and the first since the tragic death of frontman Michael Hutchence. I have been a fan of INXS ever since I was first introduced to Kick. The pop sound, Hutchence's incredible voice, it all came together and created something that struck a chord in my mind. I didn't follow their career terribly closely, but their popularity waned in the early to mid 1990's. They were on the verge of a comeback with Elegantly Wasted, not to mention Hutchence's own solo album, when that shot was shot down.
Fast forward to 2005, INXS is making another comeback. They started this with a search for a new lead singer. The way they went about this caused me to lose a chunk of respect I had for them. They used a reality show, entitled Rock Star, to bring out the contenders. I also suspect that this was a test for what kind of market value the INXS name still held. I have a distaste for reality television in general, so I avoided this series like the plague. I believe this helped me listen to this album as an INXS album, and not some sort of American Idol wannabe.
Switch is their debut release with new singer, J.D. Fortune. It took a few listens, but it has grown on me. It is not really the INXS I remember, but the uniquely identifiable pop sounds are there. As I listened, something dawned on me, this may sound like INXS, but it really isn't. This is a collection of previously unrecorded INXS songs played by an INXS cover band. I know this isn't really the case, but that is what it reminds me of.
Shortly after the Rock Star finale, the band released their first new song, co-written by their new bandmate, "Pretty Vegas." It was a pretty good track, energetic, catchy, poppy, everything that that helped define what INXS was in their prime. Now, a couple of months later, the new album is here for the taking.
One of the standout songs is the opening track, "Devil's Party." It almost sounds like an outtake from the Kick era. Precise drumming, sax sections, high strumming, and a soulful lead vocal all work to ease the listener into this new generation. The energy and party atmosphere gets kicked up a few notches with the anthem "Hot Girls," I see this as being a crowd favorite live cut. Also on the rocking side is "Hungry," a fun, electronic track. INXS always had a good handle on more romantic type pop tracks, one that is a lot of fun is "Never Let You Go." It is incredibly infectious and groove ready.
Article comments
1 - Triniman
Definitely listen to The Swing, it's my second favorite INXS album after Listen Like Thieves. Shabooh Shabooh also has some great songs on it. I'm not as pumped about this new album since I think INXS should have folded when Hutchence died, but it will be interesting to see how the fans react to it. What I've seen and heard of Fortune doesn't impress and I wonder if he will be replaced down the road with someone stronger and more charasmatic.
2 - MKT
Good review, I would add that Hutchence was a much more dynamic if not powerful singer than Fortune, with songs like Afterglow, Never Let You Go and Remember Who's Your Man...INXS have moved far closer to the pop realm than on other efforts of the 1990's . In fact not since The Swing album have INXS walked that rope so tightly.....the first and impressive single Pretty Vegas being the obvious "hanging grimly on to the rock tag with our finger nails" exception.
Perfect Strangers throws in some 1960's Partridge Family doot do do doo, or Austen Powers if you like. But the transitions are flat for what you expect from INXS.
Afterglow, the second single as a soundscape is quite impressive and reminds a bit of the U2 of the 00's but doesn't standout on radio against a plethora of other candycaned soft pop tunes and nor does it call on the lost loyalty of all those INXS fans who deserted INXS in the early to mid 90's.
All in all the album is missing the Hutchence lyrical genius, and some of his unique vocal talents....while Fortune brings a change of style more associated with the lounge act he was prior to winning his jaunt with INXS.
The radio friendly three chord Pretty Vegas makes you want to believe anything's possible but the rest of the album only teases of the possibilities lost.
INXS were at their peak when they combined a hybrid of funk, rock and pop together that made you want to dance....this probably can't consistently occur with JD Fortune but future results will be interesting.
3 - MARTIN
Hi all!
I'm an INXS fan and i like to invite everybody to my INXS forum, there you can find rare stuff (for free, of course) as many bootlegs concerts and rare and live videos too in direct download (Rapidshare & Megaupload), so come on and join us!
Martin