The year of 1987 was a big one in the world of music. Def Leppard released Hysteria, U2 released The Joshua Tree, Michael Jackson released Bad, and Depeche Mode released Music for the Masses… just to name a few. Really a list of records that stand up as some of the biggest all-time, another essential album from that year, and perhaps the entire decade, would have to be INXS’ Kick.
Kick, the band’s sixth studio album, was sort of an explosion for INXS because it built on their earlier success. Always a unique band, INXS had their share of praise early on, but everything started to swell larger with 1983’s Shabooh Shoobah (featuring “Don’t Change”), 1984’s The Swing (including “Original Sin”), and 1985’s Listen Like Thieves (with the hit “What You Need”). Really a volcano ready to pop, Kick was that eruption. Bigger than ever, and thus prime to take over the mainstream Rock world, it captured INXS the international fame they so rightfully deserved.
Originally released on October 19th of 1987, Kick went on a rampage with four US top 10 singles – “New Sensation,” “Never Tear Us Apart,” “Devil Inside,” and “Need You Tonight.” Just the tip of the iceberg, the songs anchored an album filled with modern Rock mixing Funk, Soul, and Pop. In fact, it stands as INXS’ most successful studio album, going on to achieve six times platinum status and reaching number three on the Billboard 200.
Truly amazing, the album exemplified the band – Michael Hutchence, Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, Andrew, Jon, and Tim Farriss – had extraordinary talent. Furthermore, to this day, it reminds everyone of how truly special the late Hutchence was as a performer, singer and songwriter. A landmark in many ways for INXS, Atlantic Records honored Kick in 2023 with a very special vinyl pressing. A part of the label’s 75th anniversary reissue series, the new vinyl pressing arrived on July 7th and has plenty of compelling aspects.
Not the first time available on vinyl, what this new edition of Kick offers is a solid pressing on 180-gram vinyl, at 45rpm. Presented as a double LP, it also features a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket with film Lamination by Stoughton Printing. Something that will certainly not be lost on those who truly appreciate the art of vinyl, it is classy and well put together. Beyond this, and the biggest feature of all, it is printed to crystal-clear vinyl. All the exciting visual aspects of this edition, let us not forget the sound, which is superable thanks to the aforementioned heavyweight 180-gram pressing.
Overall, Atlantic Records did a fine job with this limited-edition crystal-clear vinyl production. With this, there is still plenty more going on within the world of INXS which includes the new fans written book Calling All Nations – A Fan History Of INXS. Released on October 3rd, INXS currently have it for sale via their website in several really cool packages including a super deluxe edition with loads of goodies including signatures from Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, as well as Andrew, Jon Farriss, and Tim Farriss. A really great item to look at and acquire, it is also well worth picking up a copy of the new Atlantic Records’ limited-edition pressing of Kick, because Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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