With X, there was enough variation to that album to differentiate it from Kick but still keep the style of INXS intact. With Welcome To Wherever You Are, they did something completely out of left field that couldn't be more different from their last two albums if they tried. Aside from a couple of classic songs from the guys (Baby Don't Cry and Not Enough Time), this was a bit jarring to say the least. I would definitely categorize this one an acquired taste if you are still stuck on the sound and writing style of Kick and X. For me, I absolutely love this album for all the reasons that most seem to want to trash it for.

People really shouldn't condemn the album or why the band changed musically when they didn't really have a choice in the matter. The album came out at a time when Grunge was completely dominating the airwaves, so that in turn made them look at how viable their brand of music could survive. I for one am glad they went down this road. Any album that opens up with a heavily sitar-influenced song gets an A+ from me. The song is so damn cool. Heaven Sent is is a harder sounding INXS song that doesn't disappoint with a very catchy chorus.

Communication is one of my favorite songs on this album and so unlike anything they ever did before or since. I've never heard anyone else for that matter come up with something as unique as the pulsating rhythm to drive this one. Taste It is a much darker song as far as mood goes, but it works. Not Enough Time is definitive INXS in that classic mold a great song to play over and over. All Around is probably the one song that I could do without. More filler than anything else. It's passable.

Now we come to Baby Don't Cry. This was a HUGE departure for them with the inclusion of an orchestra to the song and it works extremely well. It's kind of like how Guns N Roses went and recorded November Rain. They sound nothing alike, just pointing out how extreme both songs were for each band. Also, the video for Baby Don't Cry is so damn cool. But be forewarned when listening to the song. Once is never enough and you are sure to have it stuck in your head for a couple of weeks after the fact.

Beautiful Girl is the last big name song on the album and its.... beautiful piece of music with Andrew Ferris' piano framing the entire song. Michael's voice is very raw and open here. No added FX or overdubbing of any kind which makes his performance all the more impressive. Love this one a lot. The arrangement is just flawless. Back On Line has another great arrangement that further proves they can write something original every time.

If I do have one criticize about this one, it's the Remastered Edition which is the one I have that has 5 additional songs that had Alternate versions. Unlike the added bonus content on Kick, this one doesn't really add much to it with the exception of The Answer with it's subtle drumming, or is it  b o n g o ' s ? I've never really been able to tell. Whatever it is, it's really cool. If I were rating this album on the original release, then it would definitely get 4 1/2 Stars from me.

Fave Songs: Questions, Communication, Not Enough Time, Beautiful Girl, Back On Line, Men and Women and the MVP award goes to Baby Don't Cry. Duh.