What does Kick sound like?

A vibrant blend of rock, funk, and dance rhythms that electrifies with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses. Rooted in alternative rock and new wave. Start with "New Sensation".

Is Kick a good place to start with INXS?

Yes, Kick is recommended as a starting point for new INXS listeners. A vibrant blend of rock, funk, and dance rhythms that electrifies with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses. Released in 1987, 'Kick' was INXS's sixth studio album and marked their commercial peak. Following the moderate success of their previous album, 'Listen Like Thieves', this record propelled them into international stardom, largely due to its infectious sound and Michael Hutchence's magnetic presence.

Kick works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, energetic workout motivation and immediate hooks and energy.

How many songs are on Kick?

Kick has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Kick

INXS · 1987

39 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of rock, funk, and dance rhythms that electrifies with catchy hooks and anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Sensation Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Need You Tonight — This track features a sultry blend of rock and dance elements, highlighted by its memorable chorus and smooth guitar riff, making it the definitive anthem of the album.
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Devil Inside — With its haunting lyrics and driving beat, this song encapsulates the darker themes present in the album while showcasing Hutchence's vocal prowess.
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Never Tear Us Apart — The sweeping melody and orchestral arrangement provide a poignant contrast to the album's more upbeat tracks, showcasing emotional depth and lyrical sophistication.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Kick combines energetic rock with funk influences, showcasing strong hooks and varied tempos.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature driving rhythms and prominent guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy tone that persists through the early part of the album.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing their anthemic quality.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
energetic workout motivation
immediate hooks and energy
short, punchy songs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album established INXS's reputation and achieved significant commercial success.
Themes: nightclub allure· Australian rock scene· intimate desire
Career context: Released in 1987, 'Kick' was INXS's sixth studio album and marked their commercial peak. Following the moderate success of their previous album, 'Listen Like Thieves', this record propelled them into international stardom, largely due to its infectious sound and Michael Hutchence's magnetic presence.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil