The Day Inxs Decided To Ditch Their Early Punk Sound For Global Pop-Rock Dominance

April 1, 2025

It was a chilly morning in Sydney, Australia, in 1982, and the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a golden light on the city. INXS, a band made up of five passionate musicians, sat together in their cramped rehearsal space, their hearts heavy with uncertainty. They had been pouring their soul into their music, embracing a raw punk rock sound that echoed the restless energy of their youth. But as they listened to the radio, tuning in to the vibrant beats of pop-rock bands quickly climbing the charts, each member felt a stirring in their hearts—a desire to reach a wider audience and create something that would resonate with millions.

The band’s lead singer, Michael Hutchence, took a deep breath, his dark hair falling into his eyes as he spoke. “What if we shifted our sound? What if we could write songs that were not just for us, but for everyone?” The room fell silent as they pondered his words. It wasn’t an easy decision; their punk roots were a part of who they were, but deep down, they knew they had the talent and the ambition to carve a new path. INXS huddled together, tossing around ideas and letting their creativity take flight, determined to blend their edgy style with the infectious melodies that were sweeping the world.

As the weeks turned into months, the band poured every ounce of their energy into writing and recording their new album, “Shabooh Shoobah.” They experimented with sounds, mixing funk, rock, and pop in a bold way that felt exhilarating yet terrifying. It was hard work, and there were times when doubts crept in, but Hutchence and his bandmates pushed through the frustrations. They knew they were onto something special, something that could set them apart from their peers. With each new track they created, the thrill of possibility ignited their spirits, fueling late nights filled with laughter and music.

When “Shabooh Shoobah” was finally released in 1982, the band held their breath as the world listened. Would people embrace their new sound? To their delight, the album soared to success, filled with hits like “The One Thing” that captured the hearts of fans everywhere. Suddenly, INXS was on the map, their music echoing across countries and worlds they had only dreamed of visiting. The band had transformed, moving from the underground punk scene to a global sensation with every note they played.

The change was more than just a shift in sound; it was a testament to their resilience and passion for music. They learned that taking risks could lead to extraordinary outcomes. Riding the wave of their newfound success, INXS continued to evolve, creating iconic albums and unforgettable songs that defined an era. Their journey inspired other musicians to embrace change, reminding everyone that it’s okay to dream big and chase the melodies that resonate within us.

Years later, as they reflected on that chilly morning in their rehearsal space, the members of INXS understood that it wasn’t just about the music—it was about believing in themselves and daring to follow their hearts. They had taken a leap into the unknown, and the world had welcomed them with open arms. That decision to evolve, to strive for something greater, marked not only the beginning of their rise but also set a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead to greatness.