Listen Like Thieves (studio album) by INXS

From Brad1770 11/29/2021 22:48

Through their previous three albums ‘Underneath the Colours’, ‘Shabooh Shoobah’ and most notable ‘The Swing’ INXS had slowly built their reputation to become one of Australia’s premier bands. So when ‘Listen Like Thieves’ hit in 1985 with its suit of smash hit singles there was no debate - INXS had risen to undeniably without question become Australia’s number one artist
I recall seeing INXS on the Listen Like Thieves tour and by then they were playing massive outdoor theatres playing to 50,000 having well and truely outgrown any indoor venues

However this album was INXS’ breakthrough album in America eventually cracking the US top 10 and setting the scene for superstardom with follow up ‘ Kick’

My favourite INXS album except for the filler instrumental track “ Three Sisters” ( what were they thinking?)

The album from the time I got into INXS and probably the most listened to after Kick. More of a straight up rock album that still sounds good today. The four singles are obvious highlights but Shine Like It Does is my personal favourite. Although Kick was my favourite album full-stop for a long while I think other INXS albums (this one included) have aged better.

perhaps not as good as Kick but it has a 'looser, more relaxed' feel to it.

Kiss The Dirt is the best track on this album

From timtooky 04/26/2014 21:39

they wanted it all - and they got it - after this one. but it's a clear pointer to kick.

From junodog4 03/22/2014 20:54

Not quite on the level of Kick and X, but still worthwhile. INXS has found their sound, but aren't as confident as they were on Kick.

INXS best album,

It becomes obvious with the first track "What You Need" that INXS was shooting for international superstardom with Listen Like Thieves. "What You Need" was after all their first American Top 10 Hit in 1986, peaking at #6 on the Billboard charts. The title track and "Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain" (one of their best tracks they ever recorded) continue this winning streak, however beyond these tracks it becomes apparent that the band's Aussie edge has been tempered somewhat. As a result the remainder of the album is a hit or miss affair. The hits ("Shine Like It Does," "Biting Bullets," "This Time" and "Red Red Sun") are memorable while the misses, while not bad, are somewhat less memorable. More success would be in store for the group with the follow-up Kick.

Meh. Its OK.

From lightmyway 05/19/2012 00:00

Good album! This album feels a lot more put-together than their previous ones did, all the pieces are in place.