Texas is a Scottish rock band founded by Johnny McElhone and lead vocalist Sharleen Spiteri in 1986. Their name comes from the 1984 movie Paris, Texas. So while their music has nothing to do with the Lone Star State, their name does have some connection to Texas (Paris is a city in northeast Texas). Still, when I say that "I love Texas" I have to qualify it with "the Scottish band, not the state". Their debut album, the brilliant Southside, was released in 1989 and featured the hits I Don't Want A Lover, Everyday Now and Thrill Has Gone. I remember my uncle getting the album on vinyl and recording it on a blank cassette. So I've been a fan since I was 9 years old! You can imagine how excited I was to see them live in the stunning Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town.
The band released The Very Best Of 1989 - 2023 in June this year, a career spanning collection of 24 of their biggest songs from the past 24 years as well as two new singles, After All and Keep On Talking. I opted for the exclusive Platinum Edition of the album (limited and numbered) which included 2 LPs pressed on platinum colored vinyl, a double-sided fold out poster signed by Sharleen and outer sleeve printed on bespoke platinum colour mirror board, a t-shirt and a tote bag. The album is a vignette of the band's illustrious career and also serves as a reminder of their timeless appeal.
Here is my ranking of all 24 songs on the album:
1. I Don't Want A Lover (Southside, 1989) : When I hear that blues slide guitar intro, followed by the throbbing drums, my feet start tapping and I'm instantly transported back to when my love for Texas first started.
2. Mr Haze (Hi, 2021) : This was one of my favorite songs from 2021, an up-tempo Motown-inspired track that samples Donna Summer's Love's Unkind.
3. Summer Son (The Hush, 1999) : A firm favorite on my annual summer playlists since its release; perhaps it because the song is infused with what J.D. Considine from The Baltimore Sun referred to as "an ABBA-esque melancholy".
4. Say What You Want (White On Blonde, 1997) : The first single from White On Blonde and their biggest commercially successful hit.
5. Sleep (Red Book, 2005) : A string-laden track that features Paul Buchanan from fellow Scottish musical group the Blue Nile.
6. So-Called Friend (Ricks Road, 1993) : This was the lead single from their third album, Ricks Road that boasts a catchy a southern twang and some guitar work reminiscent of their first album.
7. Everyday Now (Southside, 1989) : A song that has been described as "a bluesy ballad which drips with soul" from the band's first album.
8. The Conversation (The Conversation, 2003) : The title track from their album and an instant favorite, with catchy, twitchy guitar hooks.
9. Let's Work It Out (Jump On Board, 2017) : The wonderfully groovy disco-tinged lead single from Jump On Board.
10. In Our Lifetime (The Hush, 1999) : This laid-back, multilayered track was a big hit for the band and was also featured on the Notting Hill soundtrack.
11. In Demand (The Greatest Hits, 2000) : I love Sharleen's smooth and sultry vocals on this track.
12. After All (The Very Best Of 1989 - 2023, 2023) : Scottish Music Network describes the new single as a stomping new track that sees Sharleen "unleashing her inner Dave Grohl" on the drums.
13. Inner Smile (The Greatest Hits, 2000) : A superb pop song with a video that sees Sharleen dressed as Elvis as an homage to the King of Rock 'n Roll.
14. Hi (Hi, 2021) : Renowned For Sound describes the lead single and title track from Hi as "a beautifully crafted cinematic pop ballad".
15. Start A Family (Texas 25, 2015) : The downtempo track includes a spoken-word performance by actor Alan Rickman while Sharleen adds her soulful vocals to a beautiful melody.
16. When We Are Together (The Hush, 1999) : A fun pop tune that reflects the Britpop era of the late 90s.
17. Black Eyed Boy (White On Blonde, 1997) : An upbeat and catchy song with a slightly darker undertone, with references to a "black eyed soul".
18. Halo (White On Blonde, 1997) : A great song that highlights Sharleen's amazing vocals, but not one of my favorites overall.
19. So In Love With You (Ricks Road, 1993) : The powerful ballad was the most successful single from Ricks Road.
20. Keep On Talking (The Very Best Of 1989 - 2023, 2023) : A previously unreleased track which is a cover of the Northern Soul song.
21. Insane (White On Blonde, 1997) : The fifth and final single from White On Blonde that just didn't grab me as much as the other singles from the album.
22. Put Your Arms Around Me (White On Blonde, 1997) : A beautiful ballad that explores the complexities of relationships.
23. Tired Of Being Alone (Ricks Road, 1993) : The 1971 Al Green hit got the Texas treatment and appeared on the band's third album. It's...okay but not great.
24. Say What You Want (All Day Everyday) (The Greatest Hits, 2000) : A remixed and rereleased version of the 1997 hit featuring Wu Tang Clan that I could have done without on this compilation.
I would have included the following omissions on another LP:
From Southside (1989): Thrill Has Gone and Tell Me Why
From The Greatest Hits (2000): Guitar Song
From Careful What You Wish For (2003): Carnival Girl and Careful What You Wish For
From Red Book (2005): Can't Resist and Red Book
From The Conversation (2013): Dry Your Eyes and Talk About Love
From Jump On Board (2017): Midnight
From Hi (2021): Heaven Knows and You Can Call Me
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