When INXS released Kick in 1987, they were already on an upward climb—but this album rocketed them into the stratosphere. Full of bold, danceable rock songs and unforgettable hooks, Kick became a defining moment in the ’80s music scene, turning INXS into global icons. However, beyond its chart-topping singles and MTV domination, Kick holds several untold stories that reveal the creative energy and risks that went into making it.
1. The “Need You Tonight” Riff Almost Didn’t Make It
The iconic riff for “Need You Tonight” was born out of a rush for a cab. As Andrew Farriss waited for a taxi to the airport to write more material, the riff came to him. He asked the driver to wait, went back to his room, and spent 45 minutes recording the riff—leaving a very angry cab driver outside. That riff became the backbone of INXS’s biggest hit.
2. A Rejected Album Concept Led to a Defining Masterpiece
Atlantic Records initially rejected Kick, arguing it didn’t have any hit singles. However, the band believed in the album’s potential and convinced the label to release it as-is. The result? Four top 10 U.S. singles, including “New Sensation” and “Devil Inside.”
3. “Never Tear Us Apart” Was a Last-Minute Transformation
Originally a simple piano ballad, “Never Tear Us Apart” was given a dramatic overhaul by producer Chris Thomas. He substituted strings for piano, creating a cinematic anthem that became one of the band’s most beloved tracks.
4. The Hong Kong Writing Retreat
When producer Chris Thomas wanted more material, he sent Hutchence and Farriss to Hong Kong. This led to the creation of essential tracks, including “Need You Tonight” and “Calling All Nations.” The trip not only produced music but cemented Michael Hutchence and Farriss’s writing partnership.
5. The Visuals Were as Groundbreaking as the Music
The music video for “Need You Tonight/Mediate” pioneered visual effects that paired INXS’s funk-rock sound with edgy graphics. The video won five MTV Video Music Awards, helping to boost the album’s U.S. success and showing how closely Kick was tied to the MTV era.
Kick remains an absolutely scorcher of a record. From chance inspirations to career-defining decisions, the album’s story is as captivating as its music.
