INXS “Underneath the Colours” and “Kick” both released on this date, October 19th, 1981 and 1987, their 2nd and 6th studio albums. Underneath the Colours was mostly an Australian hit, reaching #15 on those charts with the single “Stay Young” reaching #21. Kick, by contrast, was a massive international success with four singles reaching the top 10 in the US: “New Sensation,” “Devil Inside,” “Never Tear Us Apart” and the sexy slinky “Need You Tonight,” that single’s video (along with its tack-on “Meditate”) winning five MTV VMA’s.

The band’s evolution from local(ish) Australian rock band at the time of their second album into international superstars in just six years is startling, and the production value and complexity that comes with money and success is reflected in the differences between the two albums. Underneath the Colours is lean, sparsely accented pop; Kick is highly polished dance rock dripping with confident swagger.