INXS is set to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking album, Listen Like Thieves, by releasing an expanded Deluxe Edition this coming spring. This special release is anticipated by fans and musicians alike, marking a significant milestone for the band that has left an indelible mark on rock music. The album is a testament to the band’s evolution and creativity, showcasing their unique sound that has captivated audiences for decades.
The highly anticipated three-CD set will feature a fresh mix of the album by renowned producers Giles Martin and Paul Hicks, along with a collection of demos, outtakes, and a live concert recording from London in 1986. Mark your calendars for May 9, as this date will bring a treasure trove of classic tunes and previously unreleased material to INXS enthusiasts everywhere. Below is the complete track listing for this exciting release.
Listen Like Thieves, launched in October 1985, was INXS’ fifth studio album and played a pivotal role in their rise to fame. This remarkable record achieved the status of the band’s largest-selling LP in the United States at that time, reaching an impressive peak of No. 11 on the charts. The album’s success can be attributed to hit singles like “What You Need,” which soared into the Top 5, along with “This Time” and the iconic title track. It achieved double-platinum certification in the U.S., setting the stage for their 1987 release, Kick, which became one of the defining albums of the 1980s and secured the group’s place in music history.
READ MORE: Discover How INXS Pioneered a New Sound with ‘Welcome to Wherever You Are’
In an insightful interview with Rolling Stone at the time of the album’s release, lead singer Michael Hutchence shared their creative process, stating, “We decided to write the album in a rehearsal situation; everybody had ideas in their heads, but not many of the songs were written before we rehearsed, and we wrote one song in the studio.” This collaborative approach showcases the band’s dynamic synergy, allowing them to create music that felt authentic and spontaneous.
Hutchence further elaborated, “It wasn?t the kind of album where you put tracks down bit by bit. We’ve done the album like a live show, and what is there is there. We want to present this record as a band – the idea of six people playing together and using traditional sounds.” This philosophy is evident throughout the album, which resonates with the energy and passion of a live performance.
Explore the Exciting Features of INXS’ ‘Listen Like Thieves’ Deluxe Edition
The “40th-Anniversary Deluxe Edition” of INXS’ Listen Like Thieves presents a meticulously crafted 2025 mix by Martin and Hicks on the first disc. Both producers are celebrated for their work on the Beatles’ catalog, and their involvement adds a layer of prestige to this release. “It’s been such an honor to work on this pivotal album from INXS’ career,” Martin remarked in a press release. He emphasized the significance of the original recordings, which were masterfully produced by Chris Thomas, helping the band carve out their distinctive sound while reaching a vast global audience. This album is truly an iconic piece of rock history.
The second CD is packed with a wealth of content, including demos for notable tracks like “Kiss the Dirt,” “This Time,” and “Shine Like It Does.” Additionally, it features alternate takes of beloved songs such as “Good and Bad Times” and “Red Red Sun,” alongside candid studio dialogue and jams from their recording sessions, offering a unique glimpse into the creative process behind the album.
The third disc is particularly exciting, as it includes a live concert recording from the BBC at London’s Royal Albert Hall, captured on June 24, 1986. This electrifying performance features songs from Listen Like Thieves as well as earlier works, showcasing the band’s powerful stage presence and musical prowess.
INXS, ‘Listen Like Thieves (40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)’ Complete Track Listing
CD1: ‘Listen Like Thieves’ (2025 Mix by Giles Martin and Paul Hicks)
1. What You Need
2. Listen Like Thieves
3. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain)
4. Shine Like It Does
5. Good + Bad Times
6. Biting Bullets
7. This Time
8. Three Sisters
9. Same Direction
10. One x One
11. Red Red Sun
CD2: Demos & Outtakes
1. “We’re rolling, it’s 1985” – Studio Dialogue
2. Funk Song #11 – Take 2 / Working Title of What You Need (Alternate Take)
3. “Press the blue and red button” – Studio Dialogue
4. Kiss The Dirt (Studio Demo)
5. Meaning of the song “Listen Like Thieves” – Interview Excerpt
6. Listen Like Thieves (Studio Demo)
7. INXS SA FM Radio Spot
8. One X One (Studio Demo)
9. This Time (Studio Demo)
10. Shine Like It Does (Studio Demo)
11. Good and Bad Times (Alternate Take)
12. Red Red Sun (Studio Jam)
13. Red Red Sun (Alternate Take)
14. Recording of Same Direction
15. Funk Song #9 (Working title of Same Direction)
16. What You Need (Studio Demo)
17. Shine Like It Does (Home Demo)
18. Listen Like Thieves (Home Demo)
19. Kiss the Dirt (Home Demo)
CD3: Live From Royal Albert Hall
Live in London, UK – June 24, 1986
1. Intro by Pete Drummond
2. Same Direction
3. Soul Mistake
4. Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down The Mountain)
5. Biting Bullets
6. Burn For You
7. Do Wot You Do
8. Original Sin
9. Different World
10. Shine Like It Does
11. Listen Like Thieves
12. One x One
13. What You Need
14. Red Red Sun
Discover the Ranked Albums of INXS
Like many influential bands that emerged during the vibrant years of the new wave era, INXS continuously evolved, never staying in one musical place for too long. Their dynamic catalog reflects this journey and showcases their ability to adapt and innovate within the rock genre.
Gallery Credit: Michael Gallucci