"Never Tear Us Apart" | ||||
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Single by INXS | ||||
from the album Kick | ||||
B-side |
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Released | June 1988 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length |
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Label | WEA | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Chris Thomas | |||
INXS singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Never Tear Us Apart" on YouTube |
"Never Tear Us Apart" is a power ballad by Australian rock band INXS, released in June 1988 by WEA as the fourth single from their sixth studio album, Kick (1987).
The music was written by keyboardist Andrew Farriss, who recorded a blues-style demo; vocalist Michael Hutchence wrote the lyrics.
"Never Tear Us Apart" is a ballad, written in the tempo of a modern Viennese waltz, layered with synthesizers and containing dramatic pauses before the instrumental breaks. Kirk Pengilly lends a saxophone solo near the end. According to the liner notes of Shine Like It Does: The Anthology (1979–1997) , the song was composed on piano as a bluesy number in the style of Fats Domino. Producer Chris Thomas suggested a synth-based arrangement instead.
The single reached No. 24 in the UK, and stayed on the charts for seven weeks. In the US, it reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In February 2014, after the Channel 7 screening of INXS: Never Tear Us Apart mini-series, "Never Tear Us Apart" charted again in Australia via download sales. It peaked at No. 11 on the ARIA Singles Chart, surpassing its original peak position of No. 14 back in 1988.
A reviewer from Cash Box said that "more impassioned crooning from Hutchence elevates this song" and also praised the "searing sax solo." [4] The Stud Brothers of Melody Maker wrote, "This pleads for passion by jump-starting a cello-like synth that kangaroos unhappily along until it collides with a great fairy of a saxophone which ultimately drags it to a sad demise." [5]
The music video for the song, featuring an extended intro, was filmed in various locations in Prague [6] along with "Guns in the Sky" and "New Sensation", all directed by Richard Lowenstein. As of December 2022, the video has a total view count of more than 93 million on YouTube from two versions, making it their most popular song on the platform. [7] [8]
After Hutchence's death in 1997, his coffin was carried out of St Andrew's Cathedral by the remaining members of INXS and his younger brother Rhett as "Never Tear Us Apart" was played in the background. [9]
In January 2018, as part of Triple M's "Ozzest 100", listing the 'most Australian' songs of all time, "Never Tear Us Apart" was ranked number 18. [10]
In 2021, it was listed at No. 282 on Rolling Stone 's "Top 500 Best Songs of All Time". [11]
The song appears in Euphoria Season 2 Episode 3. During the cold open flashback, Cal dances and embraces his friend Derek to the song. [12]
Weekly charts
| Year-end charts
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Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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Australia (ARIA) [35] | 5× Platinum | 350,000‡ |
United Kingdom (BPI) [36] | Platinum | 600,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
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United Kingdom | June 1988 | — | ||
Australia | 8 August 1988 | 7-inch vinyl | WEA | [13] |
Japan | 25 September 1988 | Mini-CD | [37] |
"Never Tear Us Apart" | ||||
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Single by Tom Jones feat. Natalie Imbruglia | ||||
from the album Reload | ||||
Released | 27 September 1999 | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 3:08 | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Johnny Douglas | |||
Tom Jonessingles chronology | ||||
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The song was covered by Tom Jones for his 1999 album Reload featuring the Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia. The cover version also includes a music video.
CD single
"Precious Heart" | ||||
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Single by Tall Paul vs. INXS | ||||
from the album INXS²: The Remixes | ||||
Released | 6 August 2001 [38] | |||
Label | Mercury | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Paul Newman | |||
INXS singles chronology | ||||
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In August 2001, a remix called "Precious Heart" was released as a single, and credited as Tall Paul vs. INXS.
Australian CD single
UK CD single
Chart (2001) | Peak position |
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Australia (ARIA) [39] | 27 |
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [40] | 57 |
Ireland (IRMA) [41] | 30 |
Scotland (OCC) [42] | 10 |
UK Singles (OCC) [43] | 14 |
UK Dance (OCC) [44] | 2 |
US Dance Club Songs ( Billboard ) [45] | 6 |
"Never Tear Us Apart" | ||||
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Single by INXS featuring Ben Harper | ||||
Released | 12 August 2010 | |||
Genre | Rock | |||
Length | 4:00 | |||
Label | Petrol Electric | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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INXSsingles chronology | ||||
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INXS re-recorded "Never Tear Us Apart" with Ben Harper and French singer Mylène Farmer, who wrote new French lyrics, for their twelfth studio album, Original Sin . The song was released on iTunes on 12 August 2010, and also as a promotional single to radio stations prior to the release of the album.
"Never Tear Us Apart" | ||||
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Single by Paloma Faith | ||||
from the album Fall to Grace | ||||
Released | 23 September 2012 | |||
Recorded | 2012 | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 3:05 | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Paloma Faith singles chronology | ||||
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"Never Tear Us Apart" was recorded by British singer Paloma Faith for a television advertisement campaign for John Lewis. The advert began airing in the UK from 15 September 2012. [46] Faith later confirmed that the song would be released as her next single on 23 September 2012. [47] She commented "I have always loved this song and I feel honoured to sing it." [47] "Never Tear Us Apart" was released as the first single from the reissued version of Faith's second studio album Fall to Grace and serves as the third single overall. [47] The artwork for the song shows the singer saluting, while wearing a metallic gold dress, with "a honeycomb-like bottom half". [47]
Faith's version of the song can be heard on the opening scene of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fifteenth-season episode "Beast's Obsession." It is also heard in the Netflix series Umbrella Academy. Faith's version also appeared in the first episode of the Showtime series Yellowjackets. [48]
Digital Spy's Lewis Corner gave Faith's version of the song four out of five stars. [49] He stated "It's a brave task to reinterpret a much-loved hit, but Faith's soulful tones immediately thwart any doubts that she can't do the song justice." [49] He added that while it was always going to be tough topping the original, Faith comes "admirably close." [49]
Chart (2012) | Peak position |
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Ireland (IRMA) [51] | 42 |
Scotland (OCC) [52] | 18 |
UK Singles (OCC) [53] | 16 |
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United Kingdom (BPI) [54] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
Country | Release date | Format |
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United Kingdom [47] | 23 September 2012 | Digital download |
In April 2021, The Teskey Brothers released a cover of "Never Tear Us Apart" in dedication to Michael Gudinski. Upon released, Josh said "This is an all-time classic Australian song that all of us love, its a pleasure to sing it and I don't know why we didn't do it earlier. We're very proud to dedicate this release to our friend Michael Gudinski who was a huge supporter of Australian music and The Teskey Brothers. Our two worlds collided and we will always be grateful for that." [55]
Since March 2014, Australian Football League club Port Adelaide has adopted "Never Tear Us Apart" as an unofficial anthem leading up to the opening bounce at its home ground, Adelaide Oval. [56] It is a reference to various difficulties the club faced when trying to enter the AFL. [57] [58]
Port Adelaide's use of the song stemmed from a trip to Anfield in November 2012 when Port Adelaide was in England to play an exhibition match against the Western Bulldogs. [59] Seeing the Anfield crowd's rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone", Matthew Richardson, Port's general manager of marketing and consumer business, sought to replicate the pre-match experience. At a meeting in mid-2013, the idea of an anthem was raised; various songs were suggested, including "Power and the Passion" by Midnight Oil and "Power to the People" by John Schumann. "Never Tear Us Apart" was suggested by Port Adelaide's events manager Tara MacLeod. It was eventually accepted, as it resonated with Port Adelaide's history: when Port Adelaide entered the AFL in 1997, it was forced to cut ties with its traditional base, the Port Adelaide Magpies, forming separate administrations and causing division amongst supporters. [59]
Initially, the song was introduced to coincide with the 60-second countdown before the start of a match, with the music playing over a video montage. Fans adopted the song, raising scarves above their heads as it was sung. [59] By June 2014, the club printed scarves with the words "Never Tear Us Apart" on them that fans would hold aloft and sing in unison prior to the start of matches. [58] [60]
INXS were an Australian rock band, formed as the Farriss Brothers in 1977 in Sydney, New South Wales. The founding members were bassist Garry Gary Beers, main composer and keyboardist Andrew Farriss, drummer Jon Farriss, guitarist Tim Farriss, lead singer and main lyricist Michael Hutchence, and guitarist and saxophonist Kirk Pengilly. For 20 years, INXS was fronted by Hutchence, whose magnetic stage presence made him the focal point of the band. Initially known for their new wave/pop style, the band later developed a harder pub rock style that included funk and dance elements.
The Greatest Hits is a greatest hits compilation released by Australian rock band INXS in 1994. The compilation was a chart success in Australia, peaking at number two, and in the UK, where it reached number three. It stalled at number 112 on the US Billboard 200; however, it was eventually certified platinum. The album included two new songs: "The Strangest Party " and "Deliver Me".
Kick is the sixth studio album by Australian rock band INXS, released on 19 October 1987 through WEA in Australia, Mercury Records in Europe, and Atlantic Records in the United States and Canada. The album was produced by British producer Chris Thomas, recorded by David Nicholas in Sydney and Paris and mixed by Bob Clearmountain at Air Studios in London.
Live Baby Live is the first live album by Australian rock band INXS. It was released on 11 November 1991 and features tracks recorded during their Summer XS Tour in Paris, New York, Chicago, London, Dublin, Glasgow, Rio de Janeiro, Montreal, Spain, Switzerland, Melbourne, Sydney, Philadelphia, and Las Vegas. The album peaked in the top 10 on both the Australian and United Kingdom albums charts. It has sold over one million copies in the United States, earning a platinum certification by the RIAA. A single, "Shining Star", was released from and ahead of the album on 21 October. It became the group's ninth Top 40 single on the UK Singles Chart, but failed to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, despite reaching the top 20 of the rock charts.
The discography of INXS, an Australian rock band, consists of 12 studio albums, 71 singles, 12 compilation albums, 4 live albums and 5 extended plays.
"Need You Tonight" is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the first single from their 1987 album, Kick, as well as the fourth song on the album. It is the only INXS single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved their highest charting position in the United Kingdom, where the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart; however, this peak was only reached after a re-release of the single in November 1988. On its first run on the UK charts in October 1987, it stalled at No. 58. It was one of the last songs recorded for the album, yet it would arguably become the band's signature song.
"Devil Inside" is a song by Australian rock band INXS. The song was written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence and was released as the second single from the band's sixth studio album, Kick, in February 1988. The song reached number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks. "Devil Inside" also peaked at number six in Australia, number three in Canada, and number two in New Zealand. Cash Box said that the band "[uses] a Daytripper-like guitar sound and riff it under a sultry, breathy vocal to put the point across."
"Don't Change" is a song by Australian rock band INXS. It was released as a single from the album Shabooh Shoobah in October 1982. It has been described as the song that made the band internationally famous.
"New Sensation" is a song by Australian rock group INXS. It was the third single released from their sixth studio album, Kick (1987). The music was composed by Andrew Farriss and the lyrics were written by Michael Hutchence. The song features a signature Kirk Pengilly sax solo and lyrics about a partying lifestyle.
"Original Sin" is a song by Australian rock group INXS, released as the first single from the band's fourth album, The Swing. It was written by Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss, and produced by Nile Rodgers.
"Mystify" is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released the fifth and final single from their sixth studio album, Kick (1987). The song was written by Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence and Tim Farriss as part of the first sessions for Kick. The song was first previewed to Australian audiences on the Australian Made tour in January 1987.
"Shining Star" is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released as the only single issued from the band's first live album, Live Baby Live (1991), on 21 October 1991. It is the one new studio track recorded for the album. Upon the song's release, it peaked at No. 21 on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart, No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming the group's ninth top-40 single in the latter country. In the United States, it peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 14 on the Album Rock Tracks chart.
Paloma Faith Blomfield is an English singer, songwriter, and actress. Her debut studio album, Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?, was released in 2009 and was certified double platinum in the UK. The album spawned the singles "Stone Cold Sober", "New York", and "Upside Down", and earned Faith her first BRIT Award nomination in 2010.
English singer and songwriter Paloma Faith has released six studio albums, 40 singles and 36 music videos. Faith made her debut in September 2009 with the studio album Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?, which peaked at number nine in the United Kingdom and was later certified double-platinum. Its first two singles, "Stone Cold Sober" and "New York", both peaked within the top twenty in the United Kingdom. The album spawned three more original singles: "Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?", "Upside Down" and "Smoke & Mirrors".
"By My Side" is a single by Australian band INXS, the third UK single and fourth Australian single taken from their seventh studio album, X (1990). The song was written by Andrew Farriss, Michael Hutchence and Kirk Pengilly as part of the 1990 sessions for the X album. Record producer Chris Thomas, who produced the album, is also given songwriting credits, specifically contributing to the chorus and arrangement, as explained in the liner notes for the X album special edition in 2002. Farriss has said "By My Side" was written about missing family and friends while touring.
"Bitter Tears" is a song by Australian rock band INXS, released as the third Australian and fourth UK single from their seventh studio album, X (1990). The song was written by Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence as part of the sessions for the X album. It peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart and number 36 in Australia. The single was released to coincide with the band headlining the SummerXS concert at Wembley Stadium in July 1991, as documented in the Live Baby Live DVD.
The discography of American indie rock band the National consists of ten studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), thirteen singles and nine music videos. The band's first two albums, were released by Brassland Records. Their next two albums were released by Beggars Banquet Records, and their subsequent albums were released by 4AD.
Fall to Grace is the second studio album by English recording artist Paloma Faith. It was released by RCA Records on 28 May 2012. She worked on the album with producer Nellee Hooper, who previously worked with artists such as Madonna, Björk, Massive Attack, and Gwen Stefani. Fall to Grace features production styles crossing the genres of pop, soul and R&B. The album was received positively by most critics. A deluxe edition was released the same day, which contains acoustic versions of five songs from the album.
Paul Newman, also known as Tall Paul or Camisra, is an English DJ, producer and remixer who is best known for remixing INXS' "Never Tear Us Apart" as "Precious Heart", as well as the tracks "Rock da House" and "Let Me Show You".
"Lullaby" is a song by English DJ and record producer Sigala and English singer-songwriter Paloma Faith. It was written by Sigala, Faith, Jess Glynne, Jin Jin, Josh Record, Andrew Bullimore and Joakim Jarl with the song's production handled by Sigala, Joe Ashworth and Jarly. It was released to digital retailers on 23 February 2018, through Ministry of Sound Recordings and B1 Recordings. "Lullaby" is included on the Zeitgeist Edition of Faith's fourth studio album, The Architect. On 12 January 2019, "Lullaby" was nominated for Best British Single at the Brit Awards.