Why Michael Hutchence Believed “Kick” Was His “Diary Dressed As An Album”

April 1, 2025

Michael Hutchence was a force of nature, a charismatic frontman for the Australian rock band INXS. As he poured his heart and soul into the band’s music, his life became a whirlwind of excitement and challenges. By the time they were working on their album “Kick,” Michael had been on an intense journey that would ultimately shape the stories woven into the songs. He believed that “Kick” was his “diary dressed as an album,” capturing the essence of his experiences and emotions during one of the most dynamic periods of his life.

When INXS began to write the songs for “Kick,” Michael was living in a fast-paced world filled with both the glitz of fame and the struggles of personal battles. He had a deep desire to express his feelings, to share his joys and sorrows. Each track on the album became a page in his diary; stories about love, desire, and longing fitted together to create a captivating narrative. With every note and lyric, he unlocked memories and emotions that spoke not just to him but to everyone who listened.

The opening track, “Guns in the Sky,” set the tone for a raw exploration of life’s chaos. Michael, along with his bandmates, poured their frustrations and hopes into the music, using it as a way to process the complexities of their fame and the world around them. The song was more than just a catchy tune—it was a reflection of a young man’s struggle to find clarity amidst confusion. As the album progressed, hits like “Need You Tonight” and “New Sensation” turned into anthems of liberation and self-discovery. Each song was like a diary entry filled with the highs and lows of love and life.

As “Kick” climbed the charts, it took both Michael and INXS to unprecedented heights. The album became a global sensation, and Michael felt the rush of success like a powerful wave. But amid the fame, he remained grounded, recalling what inspired him to write those songs in the first place. He often said in interviews that his music was a way to connect with others, to show them they were not alone in their struggles. This belief fueled his passion, driving him to construct a world where vulnerability and strength coexisted beautifully.

However, the pressure of fame and the intensity of his emotions eventually took a toll on Michael. Even as “Kick” brought critical acclaim and established him as a rock legend, he faced his own battles with mental health and personal relationships. Yet, through it all, he remained resilient. Music was his safe haven, allowing him to navigate through life’s challenges. Michael would often find solace in his lyrics, reflecting on the moments that shaped him, understanding that every note in “Kick” was a reminder of perseverance and the power of self-expression.

Years later, “Kick” would be remembered not just as an album, but as a testament to Michael Hutchence’s journey. Each song resonated with fans around the world, echoing the emotions he’d poured into it. His belief that the album was his “diary” became a powerful lesson for many: that sharing our stories through art can create connections that inspire and uplift others. Michael’s legacy lived on through his music, reminding us that even in our most vulnerable moments, we can find strength, creativity, and the courage to continue telling our own stories.