After much patience and time, we finally get to dive deep with our album review and a broader discussion on INXS’ 1997 Elegantly Wasted, recorded in Vancouver/Dublin by the late Bruce Fairbairn. Having enjoyed the longest recording hiatus of their career since 1993’s underrated Full Moon Dirty Hearts, the band returned with a vibrant, more accessible, and lyrically heartfelt album that has grown in appreciation with time.
With 11, 12, and 13 tracks released in different formats for different regions, Michael and Andrew seem refreshed and reignited in their endeavors with songs that explore a range of musical sonics and styles but still remain quintessentially INXS. No mean feat that!!!
Bee and I go through Side One with both a 1997 and 2023 lens to see if it still stacks up musically. For now, sit back and enjoy what was Michael’s final musical contribution to the INXS legacy. Enjoy.
Love and peace ✌️ Haydn