Let’s take a stroll back to 1993 and chat about a pretty intriguing album from INXS called 'Full Moon, Dirty Hearts'. Released smack in the middle of the grunge era, this album brought something different to the table, mixing the familiar shine of INXS with a rougher, more experimental edge.
So, why dive back into this album? Well, it came hot on the heels of 'Welcome to Wherever You Are' and instead of hitting the road, INXS jumped straight back into the studio to whip up something new. That rapid follow-up resulted in 'Full Moon, Dirty Hearts', a mixtape of innovation that’s not just another album. It’s layered with bass-heavy grooves in tracks like "The Gift" and "Cut Your Roses Down," and sticks with you thanks to big, anthemic choruses in "Days of Rust" and "Time."
The timing for the release of INXS's album "Full Moon, Dirty Hearts" in 1993 proved challenging, particularly in the United States. This period was dominated by the grunge movement, a genre that defined the American music scene and drastically differed from the style INXS was known for. As a result, despite featuring legendary guest artists like Ray Charles and Chrissie Hynde, the album did not achieve significant chart success or radio play in the U.S., flying somewhat under the radar.
Conversely, the reception in Australia was much warmer. There, "Full Moon, Dirty Hearts" enjoyed a more positive response, reflecting the band's established fan base and enduring popularity in their home country. This stark contrast in success between the two countries highlighted how regional musical tastes influenced the album's impact and reception during an era when grunge and alternative rock were at their peak in America.
But here’s the cool part: revisiting 'Full Moon, Dirty Hearts' today shows us it was a bit of a crystal ball into future sounds. Those subtle electronic vibes tucked into the tracks? They were hinting at what was going to be big later in the '90s and beyond. It’s like a bridge between the classic INXS sound and the new loop heavy sounds that later took over alternative music.
So, what do you think about this album now? Does it feel like a forward-thinking masterpiece, or more like a curious piece of music history? Drop your thoughts and let's chat about where this album fits into the larger story of 90s rock. It’s always fun to revisit these albums and maybe, just maybe, we’ll all come to appreciate the hidden layers a bit more.
Songs in this Episode
Intro - The Gift
21:17 - Time
25:13 - Cut Your Roses Down
32:16 - Kill The Pain
41:12 - Please (You Got That...)
Outro - Days of Rust
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INXS - Full Moon, Dirty Hearts | 90s Rock Album Review