Search - Texas :: Southside

These Scots make great rock music

J. Houzet | Chicago, IL | 02/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Texas' debut is still their best album. The band never again matched the memorable hooks and melodies present in abundance on this album. I remember when I first heard "I Don't Want a Lover" on the radio, I thought it was the Eurythmics. This was their sound in the Revenge album era. Sharleen Spiteri has a strong singing voice (much more listenable than her speaking voice - yikes!) But it's on the strength of Spiteri and Johnny McElhone's songwriting and Ally McErlaine's guitar riffs that this album is so aurally pleasing. They followed the simple rock formula of guitar-bass-drums and were very successful at it.

At least six of the tracks here were released as singles around the world. Besides the first single "I Don't Want a Lover," there was "Thrill has Gone," "Tell Me Why" (excellent riff!), "Everyday Now," "Prayer for You" and "Fight the Feeling." Many of the songs are low-key, bluesy tracks that suit Spiteri's voice. Other highlights are the instrumental "Southside" and the bonus track "Faith," which I only heard for the first time when I bought the CD. It wasn't on the cassette."

Refreshing Debut Album

Ockhams Razor | USA | 09/07/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of the rare albums to come out in the last 20 years you can listen to all the way through without feeling the need to skip any of the tracks. An interesting mix of southern rock with obvious rhythm and blues influence tied together with the haunting lead vocals of Sharleen Spiteri give this band a sound altogether refreshing and still relevant today. Very impressive effort for a debut album that took risks by adding an instrumental guitar title track."