What does Listen Like Thieves sound like?

A vibrant fusion of rock and funk with an infectious energy that invites listeners to move and feel alive. Rooted in alternative rock and new wave. Start with "What You Need".

Is Listen Like Thieves a good place to start with INXS?

Yes, Listen Like Thieves is recommended as a starting point for new INXS listeners. A vibrant fusion of rock and funk with an infectious energy that invites listeners to move and feel alive. When 'Listen Like Thieves' was released in 1985, INXS was transitioning from their earlier pub rock roots into a more polished sound, following their previous album 'Shabooh Shoobah'. This album marked a significant turning point, as it not only elevated their profile internationally but also laid the groundwork for their commercial breakthrough with 'Kick' just a few years later.

Who is Listen Like Thieves for?

Listen Like Thieves works well if you're into steady pacing with vibrant peaks, sing-along choruses for gatherings and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on Listen Like Thieves?

Listen Like Thieves has 11 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Listen Like Thieves

INXS · 1985

37 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of rock and funk with an infectious energy that invites listeners to move and feel alive.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What You Need Start here — As the lead single, this track perfectly encapsulates the band's signature sound with its catchy hooks and rhythmic drive, establishing INXS's presence on the charts.
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Listen Like Thieves — The title track showcases a more mature lyrical depth, combining powerful vocals with infectious instrumentation that became emblematic of the band's evolving style.
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This Time — This song stands out for its emotive delivery and engaging arrangement, illustrating the band's ability to blend rock energy with introspective lyrics.

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

The album showcases a strong blend of rock and funk with varied pacing and solid production, marking a key moment in INXS's evolution.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features driving rhythms and upbeat tempos, while the second half introduces more introspective tracks that slow down the pace.
Several songs incorporate layered guitar riffs and prominent bass lines, creating a textured sound that blends rock with funk elements.
The lead vocals often alternate between melodic hooks and more spoken delivery, adding variety to the vocal presentation across tracks.

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

steady pacing with vibrant peaks
sing-along choruses for gatherings
short tracks for quick enjoyment
anthemic melodies that uplift

Maybe skip if you

prefer lengthy, complex compositions
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked INXS's transition to a polished sound and wider recognition.
Themes: desire and connection· Australian rock scene· neon-lit nightlife
Career context: When 'Listen Like Thieves' was released in 1985, INXS was transitioning from their earlier pub rock roots into a more polished sound, following their previous album 'Shabooh Shoobah'. This album marked a significant turning point, as it not only elevated their profile internationally but also laid the groundwork for their commercial breakthrough with 'Kick' just a few years later.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil