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.
Along with news of the new album comes a brand new single, released today, “Mr Haze” is a soul-soaked Motown belter driven by a Donna Summer sample.
Back in 2018 Texas’ frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri and bass guitarist Johnny McElhone found some long-forgotten outtakes from the original sessions for their 1997 breakthrough album, White on Blonde – a cultural touchstone in the UK that was certified six times Platinum and won the band an Ivor Novello Award for “Outstanding Songwriting”. Initially, Sharleen and Johnny thought these undiscovered gems could be released as a ‘lost’ album but listening to the tracks inspired them to write some brand new material.
“Our excitement at finding this treasure trove of songs collided with our excitement back then and, unplanned, new songs started coming,” says Sharleen.“You could say we were inspired by ourselves!”
Hi is the beloved Scottish band’s 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 (of beloved Scottish new wave band Altered Images).
Another album highlight is the haunting piano ballad “Unbelievable. “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.” And “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.” Texas have done just that.
Hi is nothing short of a triumph. Enjoy the journey.
