🌟 Breaking Into a New Market
By 1985, INXS had conquered the Australian charts, but breaking into the U.S. market was a different challenge entirely.
“What You Need”, the lead single from their album Listen Like Thieves, became the gateway. With its irresistible fusion of funk and rock, the song announced to America: INXS had arrived, and they weren’t here to follow anyone.
The track’s pulsating bassline, sharp guitar riffs, and crisp percussion created a groove that was impossible to ignore. Combined with Michael Hutchence’s magnetic vocal delivery, it became clear that this wasn’t just a band — it was an experience, a sonic force that demanded attention.
🎤 Michael Hutchence – Commanding the Crowd
Hutchence’s voice on “What You Need” is a masterclass in controlled energy. He walks the line between whisper and roar, teasing and commanding at the same time.
Every line drips with charisma, every pause builds tension. He had an uncanny ability to make listeners feel like the song was a conversation just for them.
On stage, Hutchence’s movements were hypnotic — his swagger matched the song’s rhythm perfectly. Fans felt every note and every word. It wasn’t just performance; it was seduction and persuasion rolled into one.
🎸 A Funk-Rock Fusion
The genius of “What You Need” lies in its balance. The song blends the tight, syncopated grooves of funk with the raw edge of rock.
Andrew Farriss’s guitar work is precise yet playful, while the rhythm section anchors the track with irresistible momentum. Every element feels purposeful, creating a sound that was fresh for mid-80s American radio.
Producers knew the song’s potential. Chris Thomas polished it just enough to appeal to U.S. audiences without losing the band’s authentic energy. The result? A hit that climbed the Billboard charts and cemented INXS’s presence in a market they had long sought to conquer.
🎬 Visual Identity – MTV Era
The music video for “What You Need” amplified the band’s image for the MTV generation. Michael Hutchence, stylish and enigmatic, prowled the screen with kinetic energy. Quick cuts, flashing lights, and charismatic stage presence made it impossible to look away.
The visual presentation wasn’t just decoration — it became part of the song’s identity. Hutchence wasn’t just singing; he was shaping perception. America didn’t just hear INXS; it saw them, fully realized.
🌏 Global Recognition
“What You Need” reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, a remarkable achievement for an Australian band at the time. Suddenly, INXS wasn’t just a local sensation; they were a global force.
The song’s success opened doors for tours across North America and Europe. Every performance, every radio play, and every TV appearance reinforced their unique blend of style, musicianship, and charisma.
🔥 The Live Energy
While the studio recording was tight and polished, the live version of “What You Need” became something entirely different.
In concerts, the groove stretched, instruments traded subtle improvisations, and Hutchence’s voice soared over the crowd’s roar. The song became a ritual of energy and connection — a moment when band and audience were in perfect sync.
Fans often cite “What You Need” as the song that truly introduced them to INXS’s live power. It’s a track that translates from record to arena seamlessly, never losing its infectious energy.
💎 Legacy
Decades later, “What You Need” remains a testament to INXS’s artistry. Its blend of funk, rock, and pop feels timeless. New generations rediscover the song on streaming platforms, while older fans revisit the track with nostalgia.
It’s more than a hit — it’s the moment INXS stepped confidently onto the global stage, proving they were capable of more than catchy singles. They were innovators, performers, and storytellers all at once.
Even in retrospect, “What You Need” exemplifies what made INXS extraordinary: a perfect fusion of groove, charisma, and musical intelligence, all carried by a frontman who could command the world with just his voice.
🎵 Song: “What You Need” – INXS (1985)