Texas, Hi Review

Sharleen Spiteri is the driving force behind the band Texas. Spiteri was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and her father was a Merchant seaman and was away from home for three months at a time. He played guitar, and her mother was a window dresser by trade and sang as well. Music was a prominent feature of Spiteri’s early life, with big sing-songs being held at her grandmother’s house regularly. Spiteri says, “I was a happy child. I had a lot of friends and a loving family who supported every step I made. As an artist, I really appreciate the unique approach to the audience. For those I love, besides that, I dedicate a song to them; I also like to do special things—birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, etc. I always look to be creative depending on the specific occasion.” Trained and working as a hairdresser in Glasgow, Spiteri formed the band Texas in 1986, so named after, she watched a movie and decided she liked the name. Texas rocketed to success during the 1990s, in a time when the music world was dominated by all-male bands. The fans instantly fell in love with her soulful voice and her talent on the guitar. The group became so successful that as of 2013, it is believed that their albums have sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Four years after the release of their last album, Jump On Board, which reached #1 in the French charts, the Scottish band is back with Hi, their tenth studio album.

Bottom Line: On Hi, Texas searched for the lost treasures from their past, searched unknown recordings, forgotten sessions, and then returned to the studio to make their 10th album. With 14 tracks, Texas hits all the marks that made their music stand out and the outstanding vocals of the emblematic singer Sharleen Spiteri. “Mr Haze” opens the deluxe set of fourteen tracks with an energetic song filled with soaring vocals and a mix of male and female backing vocals. “Just Want to Be Liked” has a slinky beat, and Spiteri singing sensually in her lower register for the verses. The bari saxophone is a nice touch. “Dark Fire” has a happy rhythm and rich vocal doubling and harmony. The retro 50s style fits Spiteri’s voice, and the track flows nicely with the others. Overall, Hi (Deluxe) is fourteen songs that show Texas can cover many genres and is not afraid to explore sounds and textures. That’s the short of it!

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