When it was announced Michael Hutchence had passed away, many were left feeling shocked, saddened, and disturbed. Only 37 years old at the time, on November 22, 1997 the famed INXS frontman was found dead in his Sydney, Australia hotel. A fact that haunts his fans, friends, and family still 30 years later, honestly, there will never be closure dealing with this untimely loss. While no one will ever truly know how and why this happened, his legacy as one of Rock-n-Roll’s most electrifying forces lives on forever.
The unmistakable voice of INXS, Hutchence’s talents led the band to the top of the music world with multi-million records sold. A standout during the ‘80s era, with INXS, Hutchence created a sound that was powerful, highly seductive, and miles ahead of others around. More than just a voice, he was also the leading lyricist for INXS; penning the words to hits like 1987’s “Need You Tonight,” 1988’s “Devil Inside,” as well as 1990’s “Suicide Blonde,” to name a few. However, even with all the success, Hutchence had his own obstacles to overcome. Only human, like any of us he had his crosses to bare, and sadly a head injury he sustained in 1992 is often considered the main culprit of his mental health struggles.
Tragic, fortunately Hutchence’s music continues to still thrive and connect with listeners all these years later. Proving how good music never fades away, some may recall that in 1999 a posthumous solo album simply entitled Michael Hutchence emerged on record store shelves. Really a solid collection of songs, it only left you wondering what might have been if Hutchence were still alive. Would there have been more music? Would have he continued with his band of friends (Tim Farriss, Kirk Pengilly, Garry Gary Beers, Andrew Farriss, and Jon Farriss) in INXS? These are questions impossible to answer, but films like 2017’s documentary Michael Hutchence: The Last Rockstar, along with 2019’s entitled Mystify: Michael Hutchence did fill in some gaps… striking even more curiosity.
Two films worth checking out, Mystify relies heavily on achieved footage, private home videos, as well as interviews with those who knew Hutchence. Exceptionally done, there is no question it shed a lot of light on who he was. In contrast The Last Rockstar may not be as widely known, but is no less interesting. Providing further insight, The Last Rockstar was originally a two-part documentary which only aired in Australia and New Zealand, but here is the compelling part, it featured snippets of Hutchence songs no one had ever heard before. Immediately grabbing your attention, it became apparent that there was indeed unfinished music in Hutchence’s archives sitting dormant somewhere. Left with little hope that any of this material would ever be put out, now in 2024 comes the massively surprising release of two never before released Hutchence songs.
Catching many off guard, one of these two tracks, “One-Way,” first emerged back on April 5th through a digital premiere via Brooklyn Vegan. From here it was learned that both songs would only be available in a physical format only; first with “One-Way” put out as a limited edition Red 10-Inch Picture Disc on July 19th through Boss Sonics/Deko Entertainment. A decision that is applauded and a wake-up call for those out there accustomed to modern, instant gratification, all of this is made possible thanks to accomplished Producer Danny Saber who worked with Michael Hutchence on his self-titled debut, plus these two songs.
Releasing them to the public, each song is complete and sounds exceptionally well-crafted. “One-Way,” a heavily guitar driven track, is as fresh as ever and truly a must listen. Which leaves us with its companion “Save My Life”; the second song which arrived on August 9th, also in a limited edition 10-Inch Picture Disc. This time offering you both songs together on one vinyl, you can pick it up in a standard black and white via Boss Sonics, or red color via Deko Entertainment. These details aside, while “One-Way” rocks in every way, “Save My Life” is hands down the most startling discovery of both. Quite layered, “Save My Life” is haunting… even without the foreknowledge that Hutchence is deceased. That in mind, acknowledge his passing, you cannot help but be taken back by the song’s beauty and thought-provoking message.
In truth, it is curious to think these songs ever slipped through the cracks in the first place. Not just throwaway B-sides, these are songs that should be spun on radio stations worldwide not as something merely nostalgic, but to acknowledge their timeless artistry. That is why Cryptic Rock holds out hope for some more lost material in the future, but without being greedy, gives Michael Hutchence’s “One-Way” and “Save My Life” 5 out of 5 stars.
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