INXS’s Pivotal ‘Listen Like Thieves’ Album Celebrates 40 Years with Definitive Deluxe Edition

Sydney, Australia – Forty years after its initial release, INXS’s landmark album, “Listen Like Thieves,” is set to receive a comprehensive 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, offering fans a deep dive into the creative core of one of the band’s most pivotal records. Originally released in 1985, the album marked a critical step in the Australian rock group’s journey towards global superstardom, solidifying their signature blend of rock dynamism and pop sensibility.

The Genesis of “Listen Like Thieves”

At the heart of the album’s creation was a deliberate focus on capturing the raw, unadulterated energy of INXS performing together. This was a key insight shared by the band’s charismatic frontman, Michael Hutchence, in a candid 1985 interview with Rolling Stone magazine. Hutchence described the recording process as being designed to harness the band’s collective power, stating that the original album successfully captured this kinetic, “raw energy”.

Breaking from typical songwriting conventions of the time, which might heavily rely on studio experimentation from the outset, INXS opted for a more organic approach for “Listen Like Thieves.” Hutchence revealed in the Rolling Stone interview that the band made a conscious decision to write the album’s material primarily in a rehearsal setting. This allowed the songs to develop naturally through live jams and collaborative sessions, fostering a sense of immediacy and collective input.

According to Hutchence, “most songs developed there,” during these intensive rehearsal periods. This method ensured that the tracks were road-tested and deeply embedded in the band’s collective musical intuition before hitting the recording studio. Only “one song was written in the studio,” he noted, highlighting the prevalence of the rehearsal-room genesis for the majority of the album’s tracks. This focus on capturing their live chemistry in a studio environment was instrumental in defining the album’s sound.

Context and Impact (1985)

Released in 1985, “Listen Like Thieves” followed the band’s successful 1984 album, “The Swing.” While “The Swing” had already established INXS’s international presence, “Listen Like Thieves” propelled them to new heights, particularly in North America, where it became their first Top 20 album on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned several hit singles, including the title track and the breakout hit “What You Need,” which became their first Top 5 single in the United States. This success was critical, setting the stage for the global phenomenon that would be their next album, 1987’s “Kick.”

The musical landscape of 1985 was a vibrant mix of pop, rock, new wave, and burgeoning alternative sounds. INXS occupied a unique space, blending rock instrumentation with danceable rhythms and sophisticated pop hooks. “Listen Like Thieves” showcased their growing maturity as songwriters and performers, delivering an album that was both commercially accessible and artistically cohesive. The rehearsal-driven writing process, as described by Hutchence, arguably contributed to the album’s taut, energetic feel that resonated with audiences.

The Significance of the Deluxe Edition

A 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition serves not merely as a re-release but as a historical document and a celebration of a landmark recording. While specific track listings for the bonus content are typically announced closer to the release date, deluxe editions commonly include a newly remastered version of the original album, ensuring optimal audio fidelity for contemporary listening. More significantly, they often feature a wealth of supplementary material, such as B-sides, demos, outtakes, alternative mixes, and live recordings from the era.

For “Listen Like Thieves,” such bonus content could offer invaluable insights into the band’s creative process during those crucial rehearsal sessions and the subsequent studio work. Hearing early versions or live performances from 1985 would provide context for Hutchence’s description of the album’s “raw energy” and the development of the songs, from their rehearsal beginnings to their polished final forms. It allows fans and musicologists alike to explore the layers beneath the well-known tracks.

Legacy and Enduring Appeal

Four decades on, “Listen Like Thieves” remains a fan favorite and a cornerstone of the INXS discography. It captures the band on the cusp of global domination, brimming with confidence and creative vitality. Michael Hutchence, with his electrifying stage presence and evocative lyrics, is central to the album’s enduring appeal. His insights from the 1985 Rolling Stone interview underscore the band’s deliberate artistic choices in crafting this album.

The album’s success cemented INXS’s reputation as a formidable live act and a studio force capable of crafting globally resonant hits. It stands as a testament to the power of their collaborative writing process, particularly their decision to forge the core of the album in the crucible of live rehearsal.

Conclusion

The forthcoming 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of INXS’s “Listen Like Thieves” is a significant event for music enthusiasts. It offers a chance to revisit a pivotal album in the history of Australian and international rock music, presented with enhanced audio and the potential addition of illuminating bonus materials. By delving into the writing process that Michael Hutchence described – focused on capturing “raw energy” born in rehearsal – fans can gain a renewed appreciation for the creative intensity that defined INXS during this formative period. It’s an opportunity to listen again, perhaps listen like thieves themselves, to the vibrant sounds that stole the hearts of millions worldwide.