Texas make a very welcome return with their exhilarating new album ‘Hi’, flexing their rock soul muscle with 14 tracks that easily rank amongst the best of their stellar career. Scotland’s finest, Texas are a band in their prime, fuelled by the swagger of their recent acclaimed collaboration with the Wu-Tang Clan. Back in 2018 Sharleen Spiteri and bass guitarist Johnny McElhone found some outtakes from the original ‘White on Blonde’ sessions that they forgot existed. Initially they thought these undiscovered gems could be released as a ‘lost’ album but listening to the tracks inspired them to write some really strong new material.
“Our excitement at finding this treasure trove of songs collided with our excitement back then and, unplanned, new songs started coming,” Sharleen says. “You could say we were inspired by ourselves!”
‘Hi’ is Texas’ 10th album, a stunning result of looking back with eyes fixed firmly on the future. Three of the songs were written in lockdown, in Scotland, Wales, LA and Sweden. Collaborations include ‘Dark Fire’, written with Richard Hawley, a lovely tune that recalls the spirit of a slow dance at a high school prom while ‘Look What You’ve Done’, is an intoxicating, classic duet where Sharleen trades verses with Clare Grogan (Altered Images).
‘Mr Haze’ is a soul -soaked Motown belter driven by a Donna Summer sample while another album highlight is the haunting piano ballad ‘Unbelievable’ with beautiful lyrics. “We don’t usually do ballads,” Sharleen admits. “But this one really stuck. The words are very intimate and personal while the music sounds really epic.”
‘Just Wanna Be Liked’ recalls their roots, equal parts Morricone and
Wim Wenders.
“All our albums have cinematic songs,” Sharleen says. “Morricone in particular is still a huge influence. We’re referencing our past but also writing from the position we’re in now. Being able to stand back from what you’ve achieved gives you a different perspective. Our aim has only ever been to make great music.”
Luckily for us, Texas have done just that. New album ‘Hi’ is nothing short of a triumph. Enjoy the journey.
