Customer Reviews

Greatest Hits

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sharleen Spiteri, the lead singer of Scottish band Texas, has said in interviews that she regrets the name of the band. That if she could go back and change it, she would. The name of the band IS very confusing for Americans, who assume that the band is country. And yes, Texas cleverly pays homage to this with steel guitars in a few of their songs. But the band is not a country band. It is a sophisticated pop-rock sound that has lush melodies and makes the most of the lead singer's smokey voice.

The song 'I Don't Want a Lover' incredibly went to Number 1 twice on the UK charts. The feat was even greater due to the fact that there was a 10 year span between the first and the second ride to the number 1 spot and they had not changed a thing! It was not a remix. This was actually a UK record

I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves strong female vocals. I find myself listening to the album all the time.

Ooh, I've reviewed their two previous albums and given each of them glowing reviews & 5 stars ratings. Wonder what I'll give this one? Yeah, just in case you hadn't noticed, I'm biased. It's foolish to suggest I'm not. I am a Texanite. I am in love with Sharleen. I hate Rickman for even getting close to her (watch the video for In Demand to see why). So reviewing this album is like deciding whether water was a good invention. In short...yes, Yes and YES!!!

If you've never heard Texas before then consider this album you're new education in the ways of genius. If by So in Love With You you haven't been wondering why you've never heard of them before then you're either A: American or B: Stupid. There's no doubt that the album has been made to help them crack America (they've admitted as much) but who's complaining. This is Texas gold. It's them removed of the slack that occasionally gets into any album, no matter the artist. And Texas without slack is truly a thing to behold.

I can't begin to describe the majesty on display here. The Motown cool of Black Eyed Boy. The chilling beauty of Put Your Arms Around Me. The bluesy rock of I Don't Need A Lover. The sheer driving power of Halo. The quiet longing of Say What You Want. STOP!!! Stop before you recite the track listing! Calm down! Breathe. That's better. I was saying...show me a bad track. Point it out to me. Tell me where Sharleen's voice falters. Where Ally's guitar work is wrong. Where the lyrics are banal pap. You can't, can you. That's because they don't. These are classic tracks most would sell their mothers for.

And then there's the new material. Wow. If this is an indication of where the new album is going I'd like to pre-order it now thank you very much. In Demand is a wonderful, summery track, Guitar Song makes seduction an art-form and Inner Smile...well it's potentially the best song on the album (and that's saying an awful lot!) Pop is a difficult genre to achieve at the moment..... Texas hit it note-perfect, every time, without seeming to break a sweat. If anything they're getting better which is a thought as scary as it is wonderful.

The only possible bone of contention I could have with it is of course the one thing that always creates an argument with fans and Best Of's: the track selection. Where is Breathless? Where is Listen To Me? Most of all, WHERE IS SAINT?!!! C'mon, there's enough space left on the 2nd disc to fit them on (I know I've calculated it). Plus, there is nothing from their second album Mothers Heaven. Of course this isn't a Best Of. It's a Greatest Hits. Which means any song not released as a single ain't up for consideration (grumble, gripe, moan) but that's a minor matter. Like being served a delicious fruit salad containing 50 different varieties and complaining because there's no strawberries. In a word: pointless.

If you like Texas then I'm already preaching to the converted. If you like Boyzone & Britney take your first steps to adulthood and buy this. If you like Radiohead & The Smashing Pumpkins, listen to this in a lighter moment. If you like Heavy Metal...well, just put it on when no-ones watching. Whatever, just listen and enjoy and be happy.

This album is exactly what I thought it would be: Perfect.

Texas are easily Scotland's finest band, and with frontwoman Sharleen Spiteri on vocals it's not hard to see why. Their unique blend of pop rock has seen them stay ahead of the game for more than 15 years now, half of which have been spent in the limelight of the charts, establishing them amongst the multi-million selling album elite. 1997's "White On Blonde" was the album that broke them into the mainstream and spawned five UK Top 10 smash hits. 1999's "The Hush" followed this up in grand style with more overwhelming sales and critical praise.

So as 2000 drew to a close Texas decided to release "The Greatest Hits," an essential collection of their finest work from the last 11 years. The album was marketed as essential indeed, and the British public seemed to agree; The Greatest Hits became a multi-million selling No.1 smash hit collection over the Christmas period in 2000 in the UK, even managing to knock the Beatles' "1" from the top spot! What this collection provides (apart from some of the best mature pop songs from the past fifteen years) is proof undeniable the power of Texas and their staying power - believe me when I say they'll be around for years to come.

"I Don't Want A Lover," the band's first ever single starts off the collection in fine form. The country-tinged rock anthem was a Top 10 hit for the band back in 1989 and was their first and last for 8 years! "In Demand" was a new song recorded especially for this album, and the result is one of Texas' most popular songs to date. The song is a mid-tempo classic with a real sing-a-long chorus. "Say What You Want" is perhaps the most popular Texas song to date, and it's not hard to see why. The first single to be taken from White On Blonde, this pop classic became a huge radio hit and stormed the Top 3 in the UK. Sharleen's vocals are particularly impressive here on a song that is known by almost everyone in Britain. "Summer Son" is a rock-tinged classic track from the band, lifted from their album The Hush. This song is amazing and the chimes on it just sizzle in the summer heat. "Inner Smile" was another massive hit for the band, especially all over Europe as 2001 dawned. The Elvis-inspired video worked perfectly with this superb song which is undeniably catchy and features some awesome vocal talent from Sharleen. "So In Love With You" was a song that Texas released before they were imbedded into the public's consciousness, so it's not a very popular song yet the anthemic ballad-style makes it a great track.

"Black Eyed Boy" is a superb and feel-good rock pop anthem that radio stations seemed to spin every two minutes back in 1997. The song was a UK Top 5 hit and made the band more acceptable to a wider audience. "So Called Friend" and "Everyday Now" are two songs from the band before they really hit the big time, which aren't really very good. They can't really stand up to the other songs on offer here. "In Our Lifetime" is another classic Texas track which made it into the UK Top 5 in 1999 and was the first single to be taken from The Hush album. Brilliant and shimmery beats work perfectly with this typical Texas track. "Halo" is one of the band's finest moments. Released in 1997 this is yet another brilliant classic track from Sharleen and Co. The vocals on display here are incredible and the beat is just so cultural and feel-good. "Guitar Song" is one of the more diverse offers on display here. The beat is light and bouncy and the vocals are very observational, something different for Texas who usually talk of the past or present, yet not at that very minute.

"Prayer For You" is another song released before the band hit the big time, and evidently isn't up to much, but it's still good to have it here on this greatest hits collection. "When We Are Together" was a Top 20 hit for the band in the UK back in the fall of 1999 and the final single to be released from The Hush. The song has a traditional pop feel to it with some fantastic lyrics and vocal arrangements. "Insane" for me is arguably the band's finest moment to date. This song was the final single to be taken from White On Blonde and hit the UK Top 5 in 1998. The beat here is soft, mysterious and subdued and Sharleen's vocals complement this. The song is just an awesome masterpiece and I never tire of listening to it! "Tired Of Being Alone" is a country-tinged pop song that was released back in 1992 and features some great vocals and has a dreamy kind of feel to it. "Put Your Arms Around Me" is, essentially, the true Texas ballad. This song defines their love song style in just over four minutes of pure emotional bliss and power. The vocals here are amazing and the lyrics are just exceptional. "Say What You Want (All Day Every Day) Texas Featuring Method Man & The RZA" closes this album in fine style. This song was the other song on the Double A-Side of Insane. This version of the Texas classic was performed live at the 1998 Brit Awards. The audience went wild and with good reason! Ah, memories!

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

For all those interested in Texas, The Greatest Hits is the true place to start. I knew who Texas were from back in 1997 when they really broke, but I never thought of buying one of their albums until this album was released. I bought this for Christmas 2000 and haven't looked back since. The musical genius on display here is overwhelming to say the least, and it led me to buy three other Texas albums which I highly recommend - "White On Blonde," "The Hush" and "Careful What You Wish For." Sharleen Spiteri is truly one of the coolest of women in the known rock world, and her style is just incredibly refreshing and up to date! Buy this now to discover a band that will stick around for longer than you might have initially expected.

Forget Kylie, forget Dannii, forget Sophie. TEXAS RULES!!! Sharleen Spiteri is one cool chick! All those other little pop pretenders can only wish thay had what she has. Beautiful, TRULY talented, she has a voice for the ages. She can be coy one moment, seductive siren the next. It truly is a crime this group isn't well-known here is the States. They define what high-quality pop and rock music is. You try and pretend "Inner Smile" isn't as catchy (even more so) as "Can't Get You Out Of My Head". You can't! "Insane" draws you in with its haunting melody. I simply love that string section on the bridge. "In Demand" is a sassy little song. Watch the video and you'll see that a truly sexy woman looks like. "In Our Lifetime" is one of my favorite songs. I first heard it in 1999 when their album "The Hush" was released, and I still listen to it over and over. What a funky bass line! Sharleen's voice is amazing, singing all the highs and lows. What other singer can do that? Texas is the best group in Europe, in my opinion. Sophisticated pop that you can sit down and listen to, or get up and dance to. This Greatest Hits is a gem for those who've never heard of them, and die-hard fans alike. I usually don't like remixes, but those on the bonus disc are really nice! There's a true disco vibe on the Jules Disco Trip Mix of "In Our Lifetime". And the Sunship remix of "In Demand" is fun. Plus you get enhanced music videos. Get aquainted with this group now. They'll still be making hits long after the wannabe's have faded.

Fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, Texas were formed in Glasgow in 1986 by Johnny McElhone. McElhone was no stranger to the UK charts, having previously played bass with Hipsway and Altered Images.

Texas' Greatest Hits collection contains 18 tracks and looks back over the band's releases between 1989 and 2000. The album's first track, "I Don't Want A Lover", was the band's first hit. It features a distinctively catchy slide guitar riff and is still one of my favourite songs by the band. The second track, however, was one of the songs recorded especially for this album; "In Demand" is a mellow affair that charted well on its release in the UK and is one that I just can't help liking. However, it's another of the 'new' recordings - the lazily titled "Guitar Song" - that makes it as my favourite song on the album. Featuring a sample of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin's hit "Je T'aime...Moi Non Plus", it's catchy, laid back and relaxing. (It also has me reaching for the repeat button quite a bit).

The hits from "White on Blonde" are obviously included - "Black Eyed Boy", "Insane", "Halo" and "Say What You Want" were the songs that saw the band return to the charts after a long absence. ("Black Eyed Boy" - which, I am reliably informed, had distinct Motown influences - was my favourite of the four). The CD also finishes off with a remixed version of "Say What You Want", which features Method Man from the Wu-Tang Clan. For me, it's the album's only real weakness - the original version is much better and the remix wouldn't be a reliable introduction to the band.

Three songs from "The Hush" - the album that followed "White on Blonde" - are also included. They also charted well, though I prefer the chime-tastic "Summer Son" and "When We Are Together" to "In Our Lifetime". Three songs from their third album, "Rick's Road", have also been included. However, for some reason, the excellent "So Called Friend", "So In Love With You" and the Al Green cover "Tired of Being Alone" have all been re-recorded for this release. I was a little disappointed that nothing at all from their second album, "Mother's Heaven", made the cut.

Still, if you've liked anything at all the band has released, this is an album you should pick up. Recommended.

If you haven't gone out and bought this incredible cd yet what else are you waiting for??? You won't be disappointed I promise it's worth the price you're paying for ..and it's certainly something you won't get tired of anytime soon. I just want to say that I'm SO frustrated that not many people here in the US know about this great band. They're missing out on something truly fantastic. I can't believe that people would rather listen to say..Britney Spears or any of that cheesy, overrated pop music that teens here seem to be so fascinated of. If you do decide to buy this cd, I congratulate you for making a wise decision.

I have never written any recommendations before but this is such a good CD that I had to write something! With the kind of music in the market right now, you can listen to the CD maybe a maximum of 30 times and you will get sick of it. (i.e. Britney Spears) Probably you will never listen to that again. Texas is the exception! I have all their CD. White on Blonde being the first I bought, and I have listened to it for 4 years straight and I am still not sick of it. (You can't say that about too many CDs) It was good that Texas decided to have a greatest hit CD so I can listen to their older songs, like "So Called Friend". Because of the Greatest Hits CD, I've bought their Ricks Road CD (an older CD) and it made me an even bigger Texas fan. If you don't believe what I am saying, just listen to the CD!

Texas ROCKS!

I was in London shortly after this CD came out and when I heard "Inner Smile" I was astounded. It's one of those songs that I kept begging people to turn up louder every time it came on. I'd never heard of Texas before, but I instantly fell in love with Sharleen's voice.

When I got this CD I couldn't believe it. The only band (in my mind) that comes close to bridging this range of music is X. This is pop, it's soul, R and B, country, it's everything. The new songs are amazing. "In Demand" is a pop song that, in the words of Sharleen, sit's well with the others. With "Inner Smile" Texas works with Gregg Alexander (former front man for the New Radicals) and Rick Nowells (best known for his work with Belinda Carlisle and Madonna) and this song sings. Compare this song to the drab "Love is a Rollercoaster" also written by Alexander and Nowells, but recorded by the dullest of the dull Ronan Keating. "Guitar Song" is one of the greatest love songs written -- think Dusty Springfield in Memphis. You can actually hear the snow falling and the fire crackling.

The older songs are amazing too. "Summer Son", "Black-eyed Boy" "Halo", "Insane", "I'm so Tired of Being Alone". You'll get sucked in. Six months after buying this album I still listen to it constantly.

If you've never heard of Texas get this album you simply don't know what your missing.

Poor Texas.

Cursed by terrible marketing in the US (Texas who?), not to mention a name that gets lumped in with everything from country music, the State, or the University. Honestly, why this band isn't wildly popular over here is downright criminal, although it's shamefully kind of nice to keep things quiet.

I find myself listening just about daily to this CD. In fact, the days need to be longer, so I could listen to it more. True, there is nothing from the underappreciated Mother's Heaven; and I think I could live without the Method Man and the RZA version of "Say What you Want".

Still, it's so rare to not really review a CD by individual songs (although I do think the rerecording of "So Called Friend" works better than the original version; and I find myself mashing the replay button on the superb version of Al Green's "Tired of Being Alone"). Things flow gracefully from one song to the next. You could basically pick any point in the CD, jump backwards or forwards and find yourself drawn into the music; different styles, different sounds, yet so very Texas.

An absolute pleasure.

This is one of my favorite albums of *all* time. It has the very best selection of Texas' songs. All their hits are on this album: "Inner Smile", "Once in Our Lifetime", "Say What You Want", "In Demand", all songs that are so great they're included in movies over and over again.

I love that these songs are virtually timeless. I can listen to this every single day and not get tired of it.

The very last song is one of my favorites on this cd, it's a duo with Method Man of "Say What You Want", great song.

This is a must have.