Inxs’S Rare Unreleased Collaboration With Madonna

April 2, 2025

In the summer of 1990, the air in Los Angeles crackled with creative energy. Two music giants, INXS and Madonna, were both at the height of their careers. INXS, known for their electrifying sound and hits like “Need You Tonight,” was eager to experiment with new styles, while Madonna was ready to push her boundaries even further. They were drawn together by a shared passion for music and a desire to create something extraordinary. What happened next would become a captivating story of collaboration, creativity, and the unpredictable nature of fame.

As the band and Madonna began to write together, they found themselves exploring new musical territory. Their goal was to craft a song that combined INXS’s rock-infused rhythms with Madonna’s pop sensibilities. It was a whirlwind of ideas, each artist feeding off the other’s energy. They spent long nights in the studio, laughing and sharing stories between takes. The atmosphere was electric, filled with hope and excitement. The song they were working on, reportedly titled “The One,” captured themes of love and longing, blending their distinct styles into something unique, something magical.

But as the days turned into weeks, the pressure began to mount. Each artist was fiercely protective of their vision, and as the collaboration continued, they struggled to find common ground. Madonna, always the iconoclast, wanted to explore bold themes, while INXS felt a strong connection to the more raw and emotional aspects of the song. Despite their differences, they kept pushing each other, forging ahead in the name of art. It was a true test of their resilience, forcing them to confront their own artistic identities while trying to create something entirely new.

Eventually, after countless hours in the studio, a version of “The One” emerged. It was a sound that echoed the energy of the time, full of promise and potential. But just as they were ready to release it, the music industry shifted unpredictably. With the rise of new musical trends and the changing tastes of the public, both INXS and Madonna faced challenges in their careers. They decided to shelve the song, hoping to revisit it in the future when the moment felt right. While it was disappointing, both artists understood the landscape of the music world; sometimes, the timing is everything.

Years later, as both INXS and Madonna continued to evolve as musicians, the memory of that collaboration became a treasured moment in their careers. For Madonna, it was a reminder of the power of collaboration, and for INXS, it marked a period of growth where creativity flourished despite challenges. The song “The One” never saw the light of day, but the experience left both artists inspired and motivated to fearlessly pursue their own paths. They learned that creating art is not always about the end product but about the journey and the connections made along the way.

Ultimately, that summer in 1990 taught them resilience, pushing them to maintain their passion for music in a changing world. While the world may never hear “The One,” the spirit of that collaboration lived on in their future works, influencing them to continue taking risks and exploring new territories. They carried with them the lessons learned from trying to blend their distinct styles and the joy of working with someone who shared their passion. In the end, both artists emerged stronger, ready to share their music with the world, knowing that the heart of creation can thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.