"Switch" is the eleventh studio album by the Australian rock band INXS, released on November 29, 2005. It was the band's first full-length studio album since the death of their original lead singer, Michael Hutchence, in 1997. The album marked a new era for the band, with J.D. Fortune as the new lead vocalist, who was selected through the reality TV show Rock Star: INXS.
Produced by Guy Chambers, Switch features a mix of rock and pop tracks with some nods to the band's earlier sound, while also incorporating newer influences. The album received mixed critical reviews, with some praising Fortune's vocals and the inclusion of guest artists, including Suzie McNeil, while others criticized the album for its inconsistency and the band's reliance on Hutchence's vocal style.
The album's lead single, "Pretty Vegas," written by Fortune and Andrew Farriss, was released digitally on iTunes in October 2005 and became a moderate hit, reaching number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other singles, such as "Afterglow" and "Devil's Party," were released throughout 2006. Switch achieved commercial success, particularly in Canada, where it went platinum and topped the charts. It also peaked at number 17 on the U.S. Billboard 200.
The album is notable for its emotional depth, with tracks like "God's Top Ten" and "Afterglow" dedicated to Hutchence. The band also released several special edition versions of the album, including a DualDisc version with enhanced content and a tour edition featuring live tracks.
Following the release of Switch, INXS embarked on a world tour, beginning in January 2006, and continued to perform into 2007. The album's success helped revive the band's career, although Switch remains their last album of original material.
