The title "X" represents the roman numeral "10" for the 10th anniversary of INXS' first album.
Following up an album as huge-selling and pop-culturally omnipresent as INXS's 1987 breakthrough KICK was a daunting proposition. But, possibly because most of KICK's best moments were killed by overexposure, X stands the test of time better than its predecessor.
Opening with the hypnotic, twitchy "Suicide Blonde," one of the band's finest singles, X careens through 11 unpretentious Stones-meet-techno dance-rock tracks, including the fine rocker "Disappear" and the impressive, emotional ballad "Bitter Tears." While INXS should be applauded simply for not making KICK PART II, X is a great album in its own right.
The original 11-song album remastered with 5 bonus tracks including the non-LP single side 'Deepest Red' and the previously unreleased 'Waiting To Be Free', 'Salvation Jane' (demo), 'Who Pays The Price' (demo) and 'Dark of Night' (demo). Atlantic/Rhino. 2002.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
Recorded at Rhinoceros Studios, Sydney, Australia. Originally released on Atlantic (82140). Includes liner notes by Chris Thomas.
INXS: Michael Hutchence (vocals); Kirk Pengilly (guitar, saxophone, background vocals); Andrew Farriss (guitar, keyboards); Tim Farriss (guitar); John Farriss (keyboards, drums); Garry Gary Beers (bass).
Personnel: Kirk Pengilly (vocals, guitar, saxophone, programming); Michael Hutchence (vocals); Andrew Farriss (guitar, keyboards); Tim Farriss (guitar); Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica); Jon Farriss (drums, percussion, programming).
Audio Remasterers: Don Bartley; Mark Opitz; Andrew Farriss.
Audio Remixer: Mark Opitz.
Recording information: Air Force Studio, New Zealand (1988-1990); MCA Studios, Los Angeles, CA (1988-1990); Rhinoceros Studios, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia (1988-1990).
Photographers: Michael Halsband; Wendy McDougall; Grant Matthews.
Additional personnel: Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica).Rolling Stone (11/1/90) - 3.5 Stars - Very Good - "..their best and most cohesive album, they focus their strengths, coming up not only with tough, state-of-the-art pop but with the casual confidence of a mature collective personality...big-audience rock & roll that feels right for our times.." Q - 3 Stars - Good - Included in Q's list of the Fifty Best Albums of 1990. Stereo Review (1/91) - Performance "High-octane" / Recording "Hot" - "...the band's most flinty, knife-edged album of rock noir to date... there's not a wasted note or loose end to be found in "X."...a durable program of danceable, rhythm-based rock that rarely lets up in intensity or impact.." New York Times (Publisher) (11/18/90) - "...achieves a high standard here--rock-and-roll you can dance to."
Almost as good as kick X is just shy of the quality of kick. It is an excellent album from start to finish. Submitted by Terr (Dallas, TX) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
one of my faves when i got the cd back in the day when it came out, I truly despised Suicide Blonde. But, the rest of the cd rocked. Now, I really like the entire cd and it is a good add on to my collection. this was one of the the best cds that they did after the heyday of listen like thieves and kick Submitted by Lori (Mpls MN) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
X marks the spot. Having hit the big time big time (if you know what I mean) our gallant Aussie heroes put together the follow-up
which they imaginatively called "X".
It's just as well "Kick" went before this album...the sparks of brilliance shine all-too-briefly on this release.
The single "Disappear" and the tracks "Suicide blond" and "Hear that sound" went on to be INXS classics, but the other 75% of the album can be described as instantly forgettable.
Familiarity brings the album slightly more listens, but it's not a patch on what went before. Submitted by a reviewer (Somewhere in England.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Almost as good as kick
X marks the spot.
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