Switch, the first INXS studio album in eight years, raises as many questions as it answers.

In stores Tuesday, the 11-track collection sounds more or less stuck in the '80s, when the Aussie band previously ruled the charts -- yet that's where most dance-rock music is currently at. The disc also features new lead singer J.D. Fortune, who pales in comparison to original frontman Michael Hutchence, but there's a kind of odd Canadian pride associated with the Nova Scotia native's involvement.

And then there is the most questionable aspect of all: How Fortune was chosen over 15 finalists during the reality series Rock Star: INXS, cheapening the band's legacy in the eyes of many fans.

Still, INXS knew what they were doing given the anticipation for this album and its North American tour, which has sold out all over the place, including Toronto on Feb. 6 and 7 at Massey Hall.

After all is said and done, this record could have turned out a lot worse. Songwriter and keyboardist/guitarist Andrew Farriss did well in hooking up with producer-songwriter Guy Chambers (Queen, Robbie Williams) and seasoned songwriters like Desmond Child. Fortune also co-writes three songs.

The result is a slicker, more polished INXS with a mix of party-hearty anthems, sleazy rockers, melancholy ballads and contemplative love songs. But the biggest surprise is the inclusion of Rock Star: INXS contestant and Toronto native Suzie McNeil, who sings backing vocals along with fellow finalist Deanna Johnston.

Here's a track-by-track look at Switch:

Devil's Party 3:25

A swampy, sexy, funky rocker with plenty of Memphis horns. Fortune, weighing in on his first song as co-writer, recalls a more clean-cut-sounding Hutchence. Sometimes you just can't shake your inner Elvis impersonator -- Fortune's former job.

Pretty Vegas 3:27

The first single, famously co-written by Fortune on the reality show, is hooky, guitar-driven and full of attitude. While it sounds like classic INXS -- particularly Devil Inside -- it's still no New Sensation. "It ain't pretty, after the show, it ain't pretty when the pretty leaves you, with no place to go," goes the now familiar chorus.

Afterglow 4:08

The biggest departure on the album is also the first standout track. This dreamy pop ballad with pretty guitar builds in intensity as it comes to a dramatic conclusion, with plenty of strings, synths, and McNeil's meaty backing vocals. Meanwhile, the subject matter is Hutchence.

"Touch me, and I will follow, in your afterglow," sings a gentler-sounding Fortune. "Heal me from all this sorrow, as I let you go."

Hot Girls 3:30

A rock ode to strippers.

Apparently, there were plenty of peeler bars near the band's Santa Monica studios.

In addition to some female spoken-word Japanese, McNeil weighs in with big-sounding backing vocals. You can already see the women working the poles to this one.

Perfect Strangers 4:12

The best funk rock song on the record, which recalls the INXS classic The Strangest Party, is also about anonymous one-night stands. Oh, well, so much for clean living. It still rocks with a nice sax solo from Kirk Pengilly. "Don't tell me your name, just use that pretty mouth," sings Fortune, at his most Hutchence yet. "Let's just keep this simple, in the a.m. it's goodbye." Cold!

Remember Who's Your Man 3:28

A more low-key, acoustic, mid-tempo love ballad and the first sign that someone actually has a heart here. "Driving downtown to your house, your lights are never on/ You got me hooked, I want to drown, without your hand, I'm going down," sings Fortune, who also shows off his falsetto.

Hungry 4:47

Another album standout, this Bowie-esque New Wave number gathers strength from '80s-sounding synths and a relentless pace that takes a dramatic pause about midway through.

Never Let You Go 4:18

The third song co-written by Fortune has a ska beat, a nice sax solo and some unfortunate lyrics: "If someday I find me the answer, I'll move down south and marry a dancer." Ouch.

Like It Or Not 3:44

Another ska-influenced song with a sax solo, but way more rocking. Unfortunately, it's also pretty forgettable. "Sex is sex and love is love, mix it up, that's the stuff," Fortune sings. "Like it or not, love is the God."

Us 4:07

The most Robbie Williams-like track on the disc -- not coincidentally co-written by Chambers -- is also the one with the biggest social conscience as INXS makes a plea for the haves to start looking after the have-nots in this messed-up world. Way too earnest and yet catchy at the same time with McNeil wailing away in the background again. "Hungry babies on television, can you feel the shame, you've got to keep on giving to one another, 'cause it's all going to happen again," Fortune sings.

God's Top Ten 4:54

A pretty piano hook kicks off this soulful, strings-laden tribute to Hutchence, his late partner Paula Yates and their daughter Tiger Lily, with McNeil and Fortune trading verses and singing together. "Baby's got mama's eyes, she was always beautiful, when you hear his voice, feel his arms around you, you remember mama smiling, Daddy's little girl, bad weather, cold media storm," they both sing.