Switch - INXS (2005)
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Genre:
Rock / Pop
Artist
Track |
 Buy it at Amazon! |
Why did I buy it?
So far I've just heard a preview - but I'll be out to buy it upon release.
This is INXS's first studio album since the death of Michael Hutchence 8 years
ago, and was made in just a month once their new singer, JD Fortune, had been
recruited through a reality TV show. Don't let that put you off - all of the
competitors were gigging musicians with fantastic voices, and JD was a very
worthy winner - edgy and charismatic. One of his songs, "Pretty Vegas", is
on this album.
When you hear the opening track, "Devil's Party", it's hard to realise it's
not Hutch singing. JD's sultry voice definitely emulates him, but I'm not
sure it's deliberate. The melody of Devil's Party is similar to "Original Sin" and
so with familiar voice and tune, it's easy for an INXS fan to drop into the
album and be hooked from the off. In fact, it's almost like Hutch never
left - I suspect the real test won't come until their live shows.
Generally, this is a fast paced album in INXS's familiar style, upbeat
rock that you can dance to, with soulful and bluesy edges here and there.
There are a few ballads such as "Afterglow", which is where JD's voice seems
more distinctive, and on the final track, "God's Top Ten", he is joined by
Suzie McNeal (the last woman to be eliminated on Rock Star INXS).
As ever, the songs are skillfully written so there are no cheesy moments,
just good solid songs. Even the playful "Hot girls" is pulled off
with style. Kirk's distinctive sax playing is back too, most notably
in "Perfect Strangers".
This is a fun, punchy and sometimes reflective and beautiful album.
It shows that their reality show wasn't just a gimmick; INXS are
definitely back on top form with a new singer to take them forward
for many more years to come.
Absolutely!
This page last updated: 01 September 2022
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