What makes What You Need by INXS notable?

The song reached No. 1 on the Australian charts and marked INXS's first significant chart success in the United States, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its infectious blend of rock and dance elements helped define the sound of the era and solidified INXS's place in the new wave movement. Released in January 1985, 'What You Need' was a pivotal single for INXS, marking their rise to international prominence following their earlier albums. This track served as a bridge from their Australian success to global recognition, laying the groundwork for their subsequent breakthrough album, 'Listen Like Thieves'.

How many songs are on What You Need?

What You Need has 4 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

What You Need

INXS · 1985

20 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Funky grooves and catchy hooks intertwine with an energetic vocal delivery, embodying the spirit of mid-'80s rock and dance.

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Top tracks — play these first

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What You Need — This title track encapsulates the band's signature sound with its irresistible chorus and dynamic instrumentation, making it an anthem that propelled their career forward.
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Burn for You — With its slower tempo and emotive lyrics, this track showcases the band's versatility, balancing upbeat dance-rock with deeper emotional resonance.
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Melting in the Sun — This track highlights INXS's knack for blending funk and rock elements while maintaining a catchy hook, illustrating their innovative approach to songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single blends rock and dance elements effectively but lacks cohesion across all tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving beat with syncopated guitar riffs and prominent brass elements, creating a danceable groove.
The extended remix adds layers of instrumentation and lengthens the song's sections, emphasizing its rhythmic qualities.
The two additional tracks, 'Melting in the Sun' and 'Burn for You', showcase a more melodic approach, contrasting with the energetic lead single.

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: 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked INXS's rise to international prominence and chart success.
Themes: danceable desire· mid-80s rock energy· pub rock charisma
Career context: Released in January 1985, 'What You Need' was a pivotal single for INXS, marking their rise to international prominence following their earlier albums. This track served as a bridge from their Australian success to global recognition, laying the groundwork for their subsequent breakthrough album, 'Listen Like Thieves'.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· The B-52's· Midnight Oil