Original Sin

Filling the shoes of the late singer Michael Hutchence is an impossible task and surely some INXS fans will not take kindly to hearing the catalog he amassed with his band being reinterpreted by a long list of impressive guests. Considering that Hutchence delivered definitive versions of these songs, these reinterpretations are very much a daring adventure. The artist featured on any given track is given plenty of room to explore. Tricky turns “Mediate” upside down into a keyboard-heavy piece where guitars are used strategically. Ben Harper adds his hippie-roots soul to a passionate read of “Never Tear Us Apart” that sounds like a call out to Hutchence. Train’s Pat Monahan turns “Beautiful Girl” into one of his songs. Nikka Costa dares to take on “Kick” by turning the song into a moody reverie. Deborah de Corral transforms “New Sensation” into a husky blues. Project Rockstar winner JD Fortune emulates Hutchence on “The Stairs” for an eerie event. The bonus track, “Devil Inside,” featuring Ben Harper and Nikka Costa, is a seductive winner, capturing Hutchence’s raw sexuality and allowing the band to sizzle.