Curated Artist Library
Forge Brief
INXS
1977-2012
Sensual, theatrical, new-wave-template — rock as Sydney-Australia-via-LA ritual.
Genres
rocknew wavefunk rockpop rock
Vocal character
Michael Hutchence: distinctive Australian-accented baritone-tenor with theatrical projection — almost-spoken intimate verses lifting to wailed chorus peaks. Multi-tracked harmonies on himself on choruses.
Production markers
Chris Thomas productionlive-band foundation (Andrew Farriss keyboards + Tim Farriss guitar + Garry Beers bass + Jon Farriss drums + Kirk Pengilly sax)funk-influenced rhythm sectionorchestral overdubs on power balladshorn-section punctuation occasionally
Lyrical themes
romantic obsession + desire (Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart)observation of love's costscelebration of dance-floor + sexspecific named situationsobservation of fame + outsider perspective
Signature moves
cold-open guitar or synth riff before vocal entersMichael Hutchence sensual vocal whisper-to-belt transitionextended outro with shifting harmonymulti-tracked vocal harmony stack on the chorus
Avoid — off-brand for this artist
EDM dropsrap featuresmetal screamed vocalsauto-tunecountry productionlo-fi indie production
More like INXS
- Adam Ant
1977-1990
new wavepost-punkglam rock-revival - Cyndi Lauper
1977-present
new wavepopdance-pop - Don Henley
1982-present (solo)
rocksoft rockpop rock - Duran Duran
1978-present
new wavesynth-popnew romantic - Eurythmics
1980-2005
new wavesynth-poppop rock
Ranked by genre overlap + era proximity. Browse the full library →