Shabooh Shoobah cover

Released 44 years ago this October

Shabooh Shoobah

INXS · 1982

35 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant fusion of new wave and rock, pulsating with rhythmic grooves and anthemic choruses that invite movement.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Don't Change — This track serves as an anthem for resilience and individuality, featuring a soaring chorus that captures the essence of youthful defiance.
  • →
    The One Thing Start here — With its infectious hook and driving beat, this song exemplifies INXS's ability to merge pop sensibilities with rock energy, becoming a staple in their live performances.
  • →
    Black and White — This track combines funk influences with introspective lyrics, highlighting the band's versatility and knack for melding different genres effectively.
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    Spy of Love — With its sultry groove and compelling narrative about desire, this song showcases the band's flair for creating captivating melodies paired with engaging storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and energetic performances, establishing INXS's sound in the early '80s.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a driving beat on 'The One Thing' that sets a high-energy tone, which is maintained through the first half.
  • Tracks like 'Don't Change' feature anthemic choruses that encourage sing-alongs, while others like 'Jan's Song' slow down for introspection.
  • The use of layered guitars and synthesizers creates a rich texture, particularly evident in tracks such as 'Black and White' and 'Golden Playpen'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short, punchy song bursts
  • energetic workout motivation
  • immediate hooks and energy
  • vibrant, uplifting atmospheres

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified INXS's presence, reaching No. 1 in Australia and gaining wider recognition.
Themes
dance-floor transformation· Sydney nightlife· underground club culture
Career context
Shabooh Shoobah was INXS's second studio album, released in 1982, following their self-titled debut. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out their distinct sound and identity within the burgeoning Australian rock scene, laying the groundwork for their future international success.
Stylistic neighbors
Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil
New to INXS? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Don't Change

    The narrator shifts from expressing vulnerability to a powerful declaration of self-acceptance in the chorus.

    This transition emphasizes a journey from uncertainty to boldness, serving as a rallying cry for listeners to embrace their true selves.

Tracklist

  • 1 The One Thing Start here 3:23
  • 2 To Look at You 3:54
  • 3 Spy of Love 3:55
  • 4 Soul Mistake 2:56
  • 5 Here Comes 2:59
  • 6 Black and White 3:39
  • 7 Golden Playpen 3:02
  • 8 Jan's Song 3:19
  • 9 Old World New World 3:37
  • 10 Don't Change 4:24

What to play next

Dekadance
Listen next

Dekadance

1983

Continues the energetic vibe with remixes and live versions, enhancing the Shabooh Shoobah experience.
INXSIVE
Go back to

INXSIVE

1982

Serves as a solid introduction to their sound leading into Shabooh Shoobah.
Full INXS discography Where to start with INXS Artists like INXS
alternative rock funk rock new wave

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Rio

Rio

Duran Duran

Shares vibrant pop sensibilities with infectious grooves and a danceable new wave energy.

Remain in Light

Remain in Light

Talking Heads

Explores similar rhythmic experimentation and funk influences within a new wave context.

Wild Planet

Wild Planet

The B-52's

Captures the same upbeat, party atmosphere with quirky melodies and a dance-rock vibe.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata