Search - Texas :: Ricks Road

My favorite Texas CD

Paul Kendall | Los Angeles | 01/10/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Texas definitely get kudos for evolving as a band over the years. Still though, Ricks Road noses out White on Blonde as my personal favorite.



The last release of the more rock/blues side of the band, this CD is Southside with muscle. Sharleen's voice is really outstanding, it's no wonder they made the transition to different styles so seamlessly. Great tracks include the uptempo "So Called Friend", "Fade Away" and "You Got to Live a Little", the atmospheric "Fearing These Days" which would sound right at home on a Maria McKee record, the slower "Listen To Me" and my favorite, the cover of Al Green's "Tired of Being Alone". "Winter's End" closes things out in fine style.



I was actually fortunate enough to catch Texas live when they supported James in 1994. A terrific show, one that I will always remember.







"

Still a good road, but watch out for some detours

Brent D. Davies | Chicago, IL USA | 08/27/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As mentioned in my "Mother's Heaven" review, I have the first 5 Texas Cd's. "Rick's Road" comfortably settles in as the 2nd best effort. They get away from the success of their previous release in search of that elusive first US hit and it takes its toll a bit, but it also allows them to stretch their wings a bit, meander and continue to show off their main assets---soul, Spiteri's voice and Cooder-esque guitar. Their is a trade off, but ultimately a good one. The highlights are "So Called Friend" (which they played on the Tonight Show), "Listen To Me", "Hear Me Now", "Fearing These Days" and "Winter's End". Ultimately, the band throws so many different song style nuances, anxiously awaiting to see which direction they should go---likely based on a hit in the US that sadly never came. They do an excellent cover of Al Green's "Tired or Being Along" but it's bitter sweet. It sounds nice, but it lead them down the soulless, glossy motown retro sound which robbed hard core fans of the great potential they had when they started. While "White On Blonde" is interesting, this is Texas' last good album, IMO."