INXS: The One Thing

It was the summer of 1982 and a band from Australia was primed for their first American hit. INXS’ third album “Shabooh Shoobah” was ready to be released by ATCO Records and its initial single, “The One Thing,” was already climbing the charts. Although the single only peaked at 30, it became an Album Oriented Rock classic and charted at #2. Ah the 80s, I remember playing this cut oh so well.

“The One Thing” was the perfect record to gain the attention of the American public. It was a catchy tune, had a moderately successful run on Top 40 radio, and MTV was playing this very strange video by this band with a unique spelling of “In Excess.” While it served as an introduction to the band, they would not repeat their Top 40 success in the US until 1985’s “What You Need.” More hits would follow in the late 80s and early 90s.

Composed by keyboardist Andrew Farriss and lead singer Michael Hutchence, “The One Thing” set the stage for INXS’ frontal attack on American audiences.