Is The Years 1979–1997 a good place to start with INXS?

Yes, The Years 1979–1997 is recommended as a starting point for new INXS listeners. A captivating blend of rock, funk, and new wave that showcases INXS's evolution through infectious grooves and anthemic choruses. Released in 2002, this compilation album arrived after INXS had enjoyed significant success in the 1980s and 90s with hits like Need You Tonight. By this time, the band was transitioning through a period of lineup changes and exploring new musical directions post their frontman Michael Hutchence's death in 1997. This collection serves as both a retrospective and a bridge to their future endeavors.

Who is The Years 1979–1997 for?

The Years 1979–1997 works well if you're into infectious melodies for dancing, dynamic collection of hits and wave-like pacing for engagement.

How many songs are on The Years 1979–1997?

The Years 1979–1997 has 41 tracks, running approximately 155 minutes.

The Years 1979–1997

INXS · 2002

155 min · 41 tracks · alternative rock

A captivating blend of rock, funk, and new wave that showcases INXS's evolution through infectious grooves and anthemic choruses.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Just Keep Walking Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
→
Need You Tonight — This track encapsulates the quintessential sound of INXS, merging sultry vocals with a danceable groove that defined their mainstream breakthrough.
→
New Sensation — With its infectious energy and catchy chorus, this song exemplifies INXS’s ability to create vibrant anthems that resonate across generations.
→
Devil Inside — This iconic track features dark, provocative lyrics paired with an irresistible rhythm, showcasing the band’s flair for blending rock with deeper themes.
→
Never Tear Us Apart — As one of their most emotive ballads, this song highlights Hutchence’s powerful delivery while weaving themes of love and longing into its fabric.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The compilation highlights INXS's career but lacks cohesive flow due to its diverse eras and live tracks.

What we noticed

Several tracks are live versions, which introduce variations in performance and energy compared to their studio counterparts.
The first half of the album emphasizes the band's early hits, while the latter half includes more recent material, creating a contrast in sound and style.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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

infectious melodies for dancing
dynamic collection of hits
wave-like pacing for engagement
nostalgic vibes from past decades
for upbeat gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer single, focused tracks
seek slow, contemplative music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Compilation highlighting the band's evolution, not a primary entry or breakthrough.
Themes: late '80s optimism· new wave evolution
Career context: Released in 2002, this compilation album arrived after INXS had enjoyed significant success in the 1980s and 90s with hits like Need You Tonight. By this time, the band was transitioning through a period of lineup changes and exploring new musical directions post their frontman Michael Hutchence's death in 1997. This collection serves as both a retrospective and a bridge to their future endeavors.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil