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**The Swing: INXS Finds Their Groove Between Ambition and Accessibility**

By 1984, INXS stood at a fascinating crossroads. The Australian sextet had already delivered two albums that showcased their evolving identity: the raw, post-punk energy of their 1980 self-titled debut and the more polished, commercially savvy "Shabooh Shoobah" in 1982. The debut had been all angular guitars and Michael Hutchence's sneering charisma, a promising but unrefined statement from six guys from Sydney who clearly had something to prove. "Shabooh Shoobah," meanwhile, had given them their first real taste of international success, particularly in America, with hits like "The One Thing" proving they could craft radio-friendly anthems without completely sacrificing their edge.

Enter "The Swing," the album that would cement INXS as masters of the sweet spot between underground credibility and mainstream appeal. Recorded at the height of the mid-80s new wave explosion, the album finds the band fully embracing their role as purveyors of sophisticated dance-rock, complete with Nile Rodgers' golden touch behind the production desk. The legendary guitarist and producer, fresh off his work with David Bowie and Duran Duran, understood exactly how to harness INXS's natural groove while adding the kind of sonic sheen that could conquer both clubs and radio stations.

The album opens with "Original Sin," a track that immediately announces the band's newfound confidence. Built around a hypnotic saxophone line courtesy of session legend Ray Barretto and driven by Jon Farriss's thunderous drumming, it's a song that manages to be both exotic and familiar, mysterious yet undeniably catchy. Hutchence's vocals have never sounded more assured, sliding between vulnerable crooning and commanding swagger with the ease of a true frontman coming into his own. The track's success on MTV and radio proved that INXS could compete with anyone in the increasingly crowded new wave marketplace.

"I Send a Message" follows as perhaps the album's most perfectly crafted pop song, a testament to the songwriting partnership between Andrew Farriss and Hutchence. The track builds from a simple keyboard motif into a soaring anthem, complete with one of those choruses that seems designed to soundtrack late-night drives and dancefloor revelations. It's the kind of song that makes you understand why INXS would soon be selling out arenas worldwide.

The album's crown jewel, however, might be "Burn for You," a slow-burning seduction that showcases the band's ability to create atmosphere. Tim Farriss's guitar work here is particularly noteworthy, weaving melodic lines that complement rather than compete with Hutchence's vocals. The song's cinematic quality hints at the band's future soundtrack work, while its emotional depth proves they were more than just another pretty new wave band.

Musically, "The Swing" represents INXS at their most eclectic and adventurous. The funk influences are more pronounced than ever, thanks partly to Rodgers' involvement, but the band never loses sight of their rock roots. Tracks like "Dancing on the Jetty" pulse with an almost tribal energy, while "All the Voices" experiments with layered vocals and atmospheric production in ways that feel genuinely innovative rather than merely trendy.

The rhythm section of Garry Gary Beers and Jon Farriss deserves particular credit for giving these songs their irresistible forward momentum. Their interplay provides the foundation that allows everyone else to take risks, whether it's Kirk Pengilly's saxophone flourishes or Andrew Farriss's increasingly sophisticated keyboard arrangements.

Looking back nearly four decades later, "The Swing" occupies a unique position in the INXS catalog. While their debut announced their arrival and "Shabooh Shoobah" proved their commercial viability, "The Swing" demonstrated their artistic maturity. It's the album where all their influences – post-punk attitude, dance-rock groove, pop sensibility, and rock star charisma – finally coalesced into something that felt both distinctive and timeless.

The album's legacy lies not just in its individual tracks, impressive as they are, but in how it positioned INXS for their imperial phase. Without "The Swing," there would be no "Listen Like Thieves," no "Kick," and certainly no "Need You Tonight." It's the album where INXS