Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

It's amazing how many established acts have come roaring back with strong, vital releases this year. Add INXS to the list which includes Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, and yes, Neil Diamond. I'm not comparing INXS to Neil Diamond other than to say that like Diamond, INXS delivers a CD that is instantly recognizable with the best of their past work. If you wonder where INXS was going with "Full Moon Dirty Hearts" or "Elegantly Wasted," the answer is: back home where they could create "Switch." My suggestion for a worthy example of their homecoming would be the song "Perfect Strangers." Specifically, just wait until Kirk Pengilly signs in with his brilliant signature saxophone. It's an INXS song that could easily have been found on "Kick" "X" or "Welcome to Wherever You Are." There's a healthy mix of ballads that are equally INXS-strong. "Remember Who's Your Man" could have well been sung by Michael Hutchence (and it would have been great). However it isn't sung by Michael: and in my opinion, it's equally great. Newcomer JD Fortune nails it. Yes he won his job on a reality TV show. I'm fascinated by people that discredit this process, when at the end of the day, what it amounted to for INXS was ultimately the longest audition process in rock and roll history. (Anyone who knows of a band that spent more time with as many singers please correct me.) JD sounds here like the JD of the television show- his range is impressive, his attitude is sexual and arrogant and everything right about INXS and what Michael Hutchence exuded on songs like "Devil Inside" and "Need You Tonight." If you watched the show, you'll likely agree that INXS made the right choice and Mr. Fortune is "Roit For Our Band: INXS." "Switch" is also roit for OB: INXS. Welcome home boys.