"Shabooh Shoobah" is the third studio album by Australian rock band INXS, released on October 13, 1982. It marked a significant step in the band's career, peaking at No. 5 on the ARIA Albums Chart and spending 94 weeks on the chart. This was their first album to receive a worldwide release, appearing on the US Billboard 200 and the Hot Pop Albums Chart.
The album evolved after INXS recorded "The One Thing" at their own expense with producer Mark Opitz, which prompted them to sign a recording deal with WEA Australia and its sister labels for international distribution. Initially skeptical about Opitz's ability to produce an entire album, the band ultimately decided to work with him after successful initial recordings. They recorded at Rhinoceros Studios, with Tim Farriss noting that Opitz captured the band's live sound effectively.
The title Shabooh Shoobah is an onomatopoeia derived from a rhythm in the song "Spy of Love," and the album cover features a striking image of a naked male torso alongside a whippet, created by Michael Hutchence and photographer Grant Matthews.
The album produced four singles: "The One Thing," "Don't Change," "To Look at You," and "Black and White." The music videos for "Don't Change" and "Spy of Love" were directed by Scott Hicks, who later gained acclaim for his film Shine.
Upon its international release, Shabooh Shoobah peaked at No. 52 on the US Billboard 200 and No. 46 on the Hot Pop Albums chart. "The One Thing" became INXS's first US Top 30 hit, gaining significant airplay on MTV, which contributed to the band's growing popularity. They embarked on their first US tour in 1983, supporting acts like Adam and the Ants and Hall & Oates, gradually building their presence in the US market.
In 2022, to celebrate the album's 40th anniversary, a digital-only Deluxe Edition was released, featuring 15 bonus tracks, a clear vinyl reissue, and a live recording from the US Festival in 1983, which included performances of nine of the album's ten songs. This reissue highlighted the enduring legacy of Shabooh Shoobah and its impact on INXS's career.
