Mystify is a song with two years that should be stated clearly. It first appeared on the album Kick, released in 1987, and it was released as a single in 1989. That distinction matters, because Mystify was part of Kick in 1987, but its single release came in 1989, after several other Kick singles had already succeeded. By that time, INXS were global stars, and Mystify gave audiences another reason to return to Kick. It was a softer, more atmospheric track than the album up-tempo hits, and it showed a different side of the band.
Kick in 1987, Single in 1989
Kick was released in 1987, and its singles continued into 1988 and 1989. Need You Tonight, Devil Inside, New Sensation and Never Tear Us Apart had already been released, and Mystify followed as a single in 1989. That long life was unusual, but it reflected the album strength. Each single gave Kick fresh attention, and Mystify was no exception. By 1989, the album was already a classic, but a new single could still reach radio and introduce the track to listeners who had not yet heard it as an album song. The 1989 release therefore extended Kick story into a third calendar year.
Written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss
Mystify was written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss. Their writing for this track was more atmospheric than for the up-tempo Kick singles. The song was built around a gentle rhythm, keyboards and a vocal that was soft and intimate. Hutchence sang it with a sense of wonder, which matched the title. The track did not need a loud chorus to be effective. It needed space, and the band gave it space. That restraint made Mystify stand out on Kick, where many tracks were designed for dance floors and large venues.
What the Song Is About
At its centre, Mystify is about fascination and attraction. The singer describes being mystified by someone, by a feeling that is difficult to explain but impossible to ignore. That sense of mystery gives the song its title and its mood. The lyric does not try to solve the mystery. It celebrates it, presenting attraction as something that does not need to be fully understood to be real. Hutchence vocal captures that feeling well, with a mixture of tenderness and intensity that made the song feel personal to many listeners.
The Sound: Atmospheric and Gentle
Musically, Mystify is atmospheric, gentle and well produced. The drums are soft, the keyboards create a dreamlike texture, and the guitar adds subtle colour. Hutchence vocal is at the centre, singing with clarity and emotion. The production by Chris Thomas kept the sound clean, which allowed the atmosphere to come through. The track sounded modern in 1989, but it also sounded timeless, because it did not rely on a particular production trend. It relied on melody, mood and performance, which are qualities that survive changes in fashion.
Single Release in 1989
As a single in 1989, Mystify performed well in several markets, including the United Kingdom, where it reached the top 20, and in Australia, where INXS were already national stars. In the United States, it was not released as a commercial single in the same way as earlier Kick singles, but it was still heard as part of the album and on radio. The 1989 single release in other markets helped Kick remain visible, and it gave the band another track to perform on tour. For many fans outside America, Mystify became one of the most loved Kick songs, precisely because it was less well known than the bigger hits.
Video and Live Performance
The music video for Mystify presented the band in a more reflective, atmospheric style, which matched the song mood. Hutchence performed with a quiet intensity, and the video helped audiences see a different side of INXS. On tour, Mystify worked as a moment of calm between more energetic tracks, giving concerts a sense of variety. That variety was important for a band that performed long shows, because it allowed audiences to experience different moods. A setlist that included both New Sensation and Mystify showed the full range of Kick.
Why It Still Matters
Today, Mystify is remembered as one of the more atmospheric tracks on Kick, and it has a loyal following among INXS fans. It is not as famous as Need You Tonight or Never Tear Us Apart, but it has a special place in the band catalogue because of its mood. It shows that Kick was not only about energy. It was also about atmosphere, and Mystify provided that atmosphere. For listeners exploring Kick today, it is a track that rewards close listening, because its details become clearer with each play.
Where It Fits in the Band Story
Within the story of INXS, Mystify, from Kick in 1987 and released as a single in 1989, marks the later stage of the Kick period. It showed that the album could still produce singles two years after its release, and that the band had depth beyond its biggest hits. For new listeners, it is a good way to hear the softer side of Kick. For long-time fans, it remains a favourite because it captures a feeling that is difficult to name, but easy to recognise: the sense of being mystified by someone, and of enjoying that mystery.
A Note on Listening Today
Listening to Mystify today, its gentle atmosphere still feels distinctive, and its vocal still feels intimate. It is a song that rewards quiet listening, and it remains a perfect example of how INXS could move from anthemic singles to a more reflective mood without losing their identity, from Kick in 1987 to single release in 1989.
That quiet quality is why Mystify continues to be valued by fans who know Kick well, and why it deserves a place alongside the album better-known singles in any account of INXS in 1989.