Beautiful Girl cover

Beautiful Girl

INXS · 1993

19 min · 5 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of dance-rock rhythms and alternative melodies, underscored by a playful yet introspective lyrical tone.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beautiful Girl Start here — This track encapsulates the album's lively spirit with its catchy chorus and danceable groove, making it a standout hit that highlights the band's signature style.
  • →
    Strange Desire — The original recording of this song showcases a deeper, more introspective side of INXS, blending atmospheric instrumentation with poignant lyrics that reflect longing and desire.
  • →
    Ashtar Speaks — This track stands out for its experimental approach, combining ethereal sounds with rhythmic undercurrents that exemplify the band's willingness to push sonic boundaries.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
40 /100
Lowland
Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The record showcases varied tempos and styles but lacks strong cohesion across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • The title track 'Beautiful Girl' features a prominent dance-rock beat that drives the song forward, while the verses incorporate a more introspective melody.
  • The second track, 'Strange Desire', contrasts with a slower tempo and a more atmospheric arrangement, creating a noticeable shift in mood.
  • The instrumental track 'Wishing Well' closes the album with a minimalist approach, relying on layered synths and rhythmic elements without vocals.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo groove flow
  • short sessions of vibrant energy
  • inviting melodies for gatherings
  • easygoing background for conversations

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy immersive experiences
  • seek intense emotional depth

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a shift in sound from earlier work, incorporating eclectic elements.
Themes
early '90s longing· dance floor romance· pub rock energy
Career context
Released in early 1993, Beautiful Girl was INXS's first album after their commercial peak with Kick in 1987. By this time, the band was exploring a more eclectic sound, incorporating elements of funk and new wave while attempting to recapture the energy of their earlier hits without frontman Michael Hutchence's iconic charisma fully present.
Stylistic neighbors
Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Beautiful Girl

    The narrative shifts from admiration to vulnerability as the singer reflects on unrequited love amidst vibrant imagery.

    This juxtaposition enriches the emotional depth of the song, illustrating how beauty can evoke both joy and pain.

Tracklist

  • 1 Beautiful Girl Start here 3:29
  • 2 Strange Desire (original recording) 4:40
  • 3 In My Living Room 3:57
  • 4 Ashtar Speaks 3:40
  • 5 Wishing Well (instrumental) 3:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata