Texas, the Glasgow-born rock outfit, is like a fine Scotch whisky—smooth, bold, and only gets better with age.
This Scottish crew, led by the firecracker Sharleen Spiteri, has been churning out anthems since the late ’80s, blending pop-rock polish with soulful swagger. Their sound is a cocktail of heart, grit, and melody that grabs you by the collar and demands you dance. With a career spanning decades, millions of albums sold, and a knack for reinventing themselves, Texas proves they’re not just surviving—they’re thriving.
Born in 1986 and named after a quirky nod to a Wim Wenders film, Texas burst onto the scene with Southside in ’89. Their breakout track, “I Don’t Want a Lover,” was a sultry gut-punch, with Spiteri’s voice gliding over shimmering guitars like silk over steel. That song alone cemented their place in rock history, but it’s Spiteri’s stage presence—part rock goddess, part cheeky pub mate—that makes them unforgettable. She commands with a voice that can soothe or scorch, paired with a charisma that could charm a snake.
By the mid-’90s, Texas hit their stride with White on Blonde, a record that’s practically a greatest-hits collection on its own. Tracks like “Say What You Want” and “Halo” are masterclasses in blending Motown soul with radio-ready hooks. Those songs still sound fresh, their grooves tight enough to make your hips betray you. The band’s secret sauce is their chemistry—Johnny McElhone’s basslines thump with purpose, while Ally McErlaine’s guitar weaves magic. Add Spiteri’s knack for storytelling through song, and you’ve got a band that feels like your coolest friend spinning tales over a pint.Texas didn’t stop there.
Albums like The Conversation and Hi show they’re not content to coast on nostalgia. They’ve dabbled in everything from disco-tinged bangers like “Mr Haze” to unexpected collabs with Wu-Tang Clan, proving they’ve got guts to spare. Their newer stuff holds its own against the classics, with Spiteri’s vocals still carrying that raw, emotive edge. Live, they’re a force—crowds lose it when those opening chords hit, and the band delivers with the polish of veterans who still love the game.
No band’s perfect, and Texas has had their stumbles. Early ’90s album Mothers Heaven didn’t quite land, and they’ve had to navigate the tricky waters of staying relevant in a fickle industry. But their ability to evolve while keeping their core sound intact is why they’re still packing venues. Texas isn’t just a band; they’re a vibe—a mix of heart-pounding riffs, soulful melodies, and Spiteri’s undeniable star power. They’re the kind of act that makes you fall in love with music all over again, every time they hit the stage.
Photo Copyright © Jo Forrest
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