The One Thing

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "The One Thing" by INXS from their killer album Shabooh Shoobah! This track, released in July 1982, was the band’s first single to break into the US Top 40, hitting number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1983. It was a game-changer, with its music video—directed by Soren Jensen—becoming one of the first to light up MTV’s airwaves. The video’s decadent banquet vibe, featuring frontman Michael Hutchence and his then-girlfriend Michele Bennett, mixed with clips of the band rocking out, gave it a sexy, rebellious edge that screamed INXS. Fun fact: the song’s success came after the band took a gamble, recording it at their own expense at Paradise Studios with producer Mark Opitz, whose work impressed WEA Australia enough to secure INXS a global recording deal.

Another cool tidbit comes from the recording process. The band wasn’t initially sold on Opitz for the whole album, so Hutchence, Andrew Farriss, and Kirk Pengilly jetted off to the UK and US to scout other producers. They came back empty-handed, realizing Opitz’s raw, live-energy-capturing style—honed with bands like AC/DC and Cold Chisel—was perfect. Andrew Farriss’ synth hooks and Tim Farriss’ gritty guitar riffs in "The One Thing" blend new wave swagger with rock ‘n’ roll punch, a sound that had fans like Wayne Coyne and Chan Marshall raving years later. Posts on X from the band’s official account in 2022 celebrated a rare live version of the song from the US Festival, showing its enduring love among fans. Oh, and vinyl nerds, check this: the UK 12-inch single had different RPM speeds on each side, a quirky detail that drove collectors wild!

Now, let’s rewind to how INXS got their start. Formed in Sydney, Australia, in 1977 as The Farriss Brothers, the band was a family affair with brothers Andrew (keyboards), Jon (drums), and Tim (guitar) Farriss, joined by Garry Gary Beers (bass), Kirk Pengilly (guitar/sax), and the magnetic Michael Hutchence (vocals). They started as a scrappy pub rock outfit, gigging around Sydney’s local scene with a mix of punk, funk, and new wave vibes. Originally called The Vegetables, they changed their name to INXS (pronounced “in excess”) in 1979, inspired by the band XTC and a nod to their high-energy style. Their early years were all about relentless touring, building a cult following in Australia with their first two albums, INXS (1980) and Underneath the Colours (1981), before Shabooh Shoobah launched them globally. Hutchence’s Jagger-esque charisma and the band’s tight, danceable grooves made them stand out, setting the stage for their ‘80s domination.

Want to dive deeper into INXS? Check out their official website for tour updates, merch, and more. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest posts and throwbacks. Fans, you’re not alone—join the INXS Access All Areas Facebook group to swap stories, rare pics, and vinyl finds with fellow devotees. For more fan love, INXS Web is a treasure trove of discographies, photos, and band history. So, Zoo Freaks, crank up "The One Thing," vibe with the Zoo Crew, and let INXS take you to that wild, electric place!