Is Elegantly Wasted a good place to start with INXS?

Yes, Elegantly Wasted is recommended as a starting point for new INXS listeners. A moody blend of rock and dance beats, featuring introspective lyrics and a haunting atmosphere that captures the band's late-career essence. Released in January 1997, Elegantly Wasted was INXS's final studio album before the tragic death of lead singer Michael Hutchence later that year. At this point, the band had already experienced significant shifts in their sound and lineup since their breakthrough in the late '80s. This album reflects their evolution while grappling with themes of fame and personal turmoil.

Who is Elegantly Wasted for?

Elegantly Wasted works well if you're into introspective late-night reflections, steady rhythmic exploration and dynamic emotional journeys.

How many songs are on Elegantly Wasted?

Elegantly Wasted has 12 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Elegantly Wasted

INXS · 1997

51 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A moody blend of rock and dance beats, featuring introspective lyrics and a haunting atmosphere that captures the band's late-career essence.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Show Me (Cherry Baby) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Elegantly Wasted — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching themes of disillusionment and searching for meaning amidst chaos, highlighted by its infectious groove and melancholic lyrics.
→
Don't Lose Your Head — This track stands out for its driving rhythm and sharp commentary on maintaining one's identity amidst external pressures, showcasing Hutchence's lyrical depth.
→
I'm Just a Man — A reflective ballad that reveals vulnerability through Hutchence's expressive vocals, this song serves as a raw testament to his struggles with fame and personal challenges.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and dance elements with introspective lyrics, showcasing a distinct late-career sound.

What we noticed

The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied rhythms and dynamics.
Several tracks feature layered instrumentation, blending rock elements with electronic beats, creating a textured soundscape.
Lyrically, the album explores themes of introspection and existentialism, with many songs featuring repetitive phrases that enhance their haunting quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

introspective late-night reflections
steady rhythmic exploration
dynamic emotional journeys
mid-tempo groove and flow

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Represents the band's continued effort and sound evolution before a significant loss.
Themes: post-peak reflection· dance floor longing
Career context: Released in January 1997, Elegantly Wasted was INXS's final studio album before the tragic death of lead singer Michael Hutchence later that year. At this point, the band had already experienced significant shifts in their sound and lineup since their breakthrough in the late '80s. This album reflects their evolution while grappling with themes of fame and personal turmoil.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil