1987's "Kick" would prove to be an International breakthrough for the Australian band, Inxs. In addition to being a commercial success - it also had some of the band's most creative work. Now the bar would be raised high for Inxs to make a follow-up. Thus in 1990, Inxs would release their seventh studio album - simply titled "X". In some ways "X" picks up where "Kick" left off. "X" brings back producer Chris Thomas who did an outstanding job with "Kick". Some of the tracks on "X" will prove to be some of the strongest material the band has done to date. Other tracks, while still good will prove to fall short because "Kick" set the bar high.

One fact that I find amazing about Inxs is that this six member band stuck together from their formation in the late 1970s through Michael Hutchence's untimely death in 1997. During this period, the band would release 10 studio albums, 1 Greatest Hits album, and 1 Live album. This has allowed the band to meld together and grow professionally. Much of this is due to the fact that three band members are brothers: Andrew Farriss (Keyboards), Jon Farriss (Drums), and Tim Farriss (Guitar). The other three members also stuck tightly with the band the whole way. These members include: Michael Hutchence (Lead Vocals), Garry Gary Beers (Bass), and Kirk Pengilly (Guitar and Sax). Hutchence - known for his long hair and theatrical performances in concert often gets the most publicity. But the remaining five members all make major contributions from a musicianship standpoint. In addition, Hutchence is not just eye candy - he plays a key role in the songwriting. Like on the "Kick" album, the majority of the songs are written by Hutchence and Andrew Farriss (9 of the 11 tracks were the combination of this duo).

I think Inxs' musical style can be considered an offshoot of the Punk and New-Wave movements of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Early in their careers, they definitely fit in with the synth-pop movement of the early 1980s. When "Kick" was released, one of its strengths was to incorporate some more traditional Rock sounds into their portfolio - particularly with the use of Guitars. To some extent, this fit in with the transition of the 80s music landscape from synth-pop to guitar laden sounds - although on "X", Inxs did not transition the guitar sound to a complete extreme. "X" continues the formula that worked for "Kick" - incorporating a Rock sound while still keeping to their some of their New Wave roots. Inxs also explores some new territory by introducing harmonica into two songs. One other difference I would make between "Kick" and "X" is that "X" has a bit of darker, haunting quality.

As mentioned above, there is some very strong material on this album. Perhaps the strongest track on this collection is "The Stairs". This could be one of the most underrated songs of all time. This is a complete effort by the band with all members fully contributing. This song is also very intense from a lyrical standpoint - combine it with the outstanding musicianship and it takes on a "3 dimensional" effect. For starters, this song has one of the greatest instrumental introductions of all time - the first 1:40 of instrumentals set the tone for the intense vocals of Michael Hutchence. You'll hear all of the instruments in full force as they slowly build up during that intro.. Once Michael's vocals come on - they truly take center stage. Most people know of Michael's tragic suicide in 1997. The song has a bit of a haunting feeling when you hear it now - especially with the lyrics "The nature of your tragedy is chained around your neck... There are reasons here to give your life".

There are other songs that are very strong. Songs like "By My Side", "Lately", and "Hear That Sound" are as good as any song by Inxs. The music and lyrics in "By My Side" does have that haunting quality. This was a song written by Andrew, Kirk, and producer Chris Thomas. Andrew's keyboard is very strong throughout this tune. Michael also demonstrates powerful vocals on that track. Michael also shows some of the best vocal ranges he has ever shown on "Lately". "Lately" features some great guitar and bass work as well. "Hear That Sound" is a track that will take a little while to get into, but it will grow on you. The chorus has almost a "jam" feel with the whole band as Michael sings "Hear that Sound".

Also worth mentioning is "Bitter Tears". With it's "jamming" qualities, this song will also slowly grow on you. The two singles that were released are good tracks as well. These songs also reflect Inxs' New Wave roots very well. "Disappear" is probably the better of the two. The harmonies that open the song are excellent. The guitar work is outstanding on the chorus. The haunting quality is referenced in the lyrics in terms of "pain and suffering". The other single was "Suicide Blonde". The title alone gives this song a haunting feel. Kirk's trademark Saxaphone is featured in this song.

The other songs are good - I wouldn't say there are any lemons, but they aren't as good as the ones mentioned. It is worth noting that the harmonica sound on "Who Pays the Price" and "On My Way" deserves some credit, but it doesn't elevate those songs to the level of the ones above. All of the lyrics are included, but like "Kick" are in a compressed fashion with multiple lines of the lyrics on a single line - makes it difficult to read. The liner notes fold out - as to make one side a poster of the band. While this song may have some of Inxs' strongest tracks, top to bottom it doesn't have the depth of "Kick". It still is an excellent collection - highly recommended.

If you are a fan of INXS, even slightly, you'll love X. Virtually every song is excellent. This album, along with INXS's 1992 release "Welcome to wherever you are" are to INXS fans what U2's "Achtung Baby" and "The Joshua Tree" are to their fans. Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss come through once again with an album full of wonderfully written and composed tracks. Jon Farriss was as good as ever on drums as well. Sadly, Michael is no longer with us. When listening to X, you'll be reminded of just how much the world lost on November 22, 1997.

inxs "follow up" too the magnifcent album "kick" really it was a commerical failure in the eyes of the critics and some fans everybody thought they would make another "kick" like when most bands make an album that strikes a chord in the hearts of people they expect the bands to carry on doing that formula for the rest of their career but that wasn't the case in the house of inxs
they made a completely different sounding album too the brilliant "kick" which features some of inxs "classic" soundin' songs..that have as much punch as any songs off of kick"
yeah they may not havin' the hit single feel of kick
but they dig deeper and keep a hold
[i'm not sayin' kick is rubbish because it'a a favorite of mine]
this album features the singles "suicide blonde" "disappear"
the former where andrew descriptions his ideas for the video
where two women hit each with fish and hutchence crackin' up laughin'
this album features a classic "the stairs" "who pays the price"
"bitter tears"

the follow up that got luke-warm reception due to the success of the previous album shame again it's a classic

This is one of my road trip CDs, I always make sure to have this one in the car with me. All the songs are good and listenable but my personal favorite is Faith in Each Other, it sends a positive message and I like the music and the lyrics. In a way it doesn't sound like your typical INXS song, but I enjoy it nonetheless. Other favorites include Know the Difference, Lately, Hear that Sound, Bitter Tears and Disappear which I think is one of the best songs INXS has ever recorded.

This is my favorite INXS CD, while it's pretty hard to top Kick which I also really enjoy, for some reason this one is always the one I reach for. It's hard to believe that it's 16 years old, seems like it was just yesterday that I first heard these songs. This one may not have been as successful as Kick, but I think it is just as good if not better.

Taken on its own merits, 'X' is pretty good. But as a follow-up to the critical and commercial smash 'Kick', the album is a bit of a let down.

The problem is that INXS clearly want to hold on to their casual 'Kick' fans, so they play it very safe. Almost too safe; the pop elements are pushed to the fore and the production is slick, flattening everything down so it won't make a mess. Not a note or lyric is out of place, even Kirk's saxophone is deemed too intrusive for most songs! And the songs are safe as well, all clearly designed for commerical radio play, with little of the quirkiness or subtlety that characterises INXS' best work.

Of the tracks here, "Suicide Blonde" and "Disappear" are the two clear highlights, while "By My Side" is another under-rated gem. Those apart, "Bitter Tears" has a strong Louie-Louie stomp, and the sharp harmonica blasts liven up "Who Pays The Price" a bit, but there's not a great deal else to take away from this.

Unfortunately, the timidity of this album would only be emphasised within a year, when grunge and alternative rock suddenly made INXS look very dated. In this context, 'X' was the start of the band's decline, and it's hard not to wish they'd made this album more like 'Welcome to Wherever You Are' to keep them relevant in the early 90's.