CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#79 NEVER TEAR US APART

INXS

(1987)

Writers: Andrew Farris; Michael Hutchence
 

INXS released many outstanding singles, but the jewel in its crown remains the elegant love song "Never Tear Us Apart". The track started as a piece of music composed by band member Andrew Farris. His demo had a bluesy approach. He presented his composition to lead vocalist Michael Hutchence who added lyrics. Producer Chris Thomas transformed the song when he proposed a synth-based arrangement. Hutchence delivered his most sensitive vocal, heightening the drama of his lyrics with breathtaking pauses. The climactic sax solo from Kirk Pengilly complements the track's beauty.
The song wound up on the group's 1987 album 'Kick'. It was issued as a single the following year. Accompanied by a brilliant video shot in Prague and directed by Richard Lowenstein, the disc charted around the world. In the US, the single reached #7 and peaked at #24 in Britain. "Never Tear Us Apart" also made the Top 20 in Australia, Canada, Belgium and the Netherlands. 
 Hutchence died in November 1997. As the charismatic lead singer's coffin was being carried out of his funeral by his younger brother Rhett and the surviving member of INXS, "Never Tear..." was played. In 2014, a mini-series aired on Australian TV, with the song as its title. "Never Tear..." was re-released. The single returned to the Australian charts and, climbing to #11, surpassed its original chart peak position. 
The band has struggled to fill the void left by the dynamic Hutchence. A TV series entitled "Rock Star: INXS" had competitors from around the world vie for a chance to join the group. J. D. Fortune triumphed, but his cocaine habit later led to his expulsion. The group worked with guest vocalists that included Rob Thomas before announcing in 2012 there would no more touring.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.