“What You Need” is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released in August 1985 with “Sweet as Sin” o the B-side. It was the lead single from their fifth studio album, “Listen Like Thieves”. The track marked a significant turning point in the band’s career, propelling them to greater international recognition and commercial success.
“What You Need” was written by band members Andrew Farriss, Jon Farriss and Michael Hutchence. The song was produced by Chris Thomas, a renowned producer who had previously worked with artists like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. The collaboration with Thomas helped shape the band’s sound, blending rock with elements of funk and dance music.
The music video for “What You Need” was directed by Richard Lowenstein, who worked on several other INXS videos. The video features a mix of live performance footage and surreal, colorful animations, creating a visually striking and memorable experience. The energetic visuals match the song’s lively vibe and helped increase its appeal on music television channels like MTV.
“What You Need” achieved significant commercial success, especially in the United States. It became INXS’s first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 5. The song also performed well in other countries, reaching number 21 20 in Canada and number 2 in Australia. This success helped establish INXS as a prominent international act.