Epi 196: The Stairs, Reviewed

INXS: Access All Areas

Occasionally a song comes along that sits sedately surrounded by more spectacular songs but somehow over the journey of time reveals itself sonically, lyrically and emotionally within our hearts and minds. That’s the story of INXS’ masterpiece “The Stairs” from 1990’s X album.

After the one, two punch of Suicide Blonde and Disappear, both which climbed into the Billboard Top 10 Charts, The Stairs subtly and gradually provides a moment of introspective reflection in urban living amongst the masses and social alienation. With a contemplative introduction devoid of lyrics and full band interaction until the 80th second, INXS (according to Michael Hutchence) commit to a songwriting process and pathway that was to this point, their most ambitious recording. Absent was the traditional intro, verse, chorus, verse outro song structure with a greater emphasis on lyrical resonance and escalation.

With a passioned vocal by Michael and a film clip that supports the lyrical themes of isolation and lack of community connection, INXS create a soundscape, lyric and message that some 34 years later has current day meaning in this online heavy but community lacking world. Having done deep dive episodes on more prominent singles such as What you Need, Never tear us Apart, Don’t Change, Burn for You and The One Thing, we are proud to share a unique deep cut that has only blossomed and grown in the hearts, minds and souls of true INXS fans since 1990.

Love and peace

Haydn & Bee

https://www.inxsaccessallareas.com/