Texas are back with their 10th studio album, ‘Hi’.
Following the release of their acclaimed surprise return with Wu -Tang Clan before Christmas, the Sharleen Spiteri-fronted group make a welcome comeback with a brand new 14 track collection.
Back in 2018, Sharleen and bass guitarist Johnny McElhone unearthed outtakes from the recording of the group’s fourth album, ‘White on Blonde’ – sessions that they forgot existed.
While they initially considered releasing the cuts as a ‘lost’ album, the band was ultimately inspired them to hit the studio and record new material.
“Our excitement at finding this treasure trove of songs collided with our excitement back then and, unplanned, new songs started coming,” Sharleen says.
“You could say we were inspired by ourselves!”
Collaborations include Dark Fire, written with Richard Hawley, while Look What You’ve Done, is an intoxicating, classic duet between Sharleen and Clare Grogan (Altered Images).
Second single Mr Haze is a soul -soaked Motown belter driven by a Donna Summer sample, while haunting piano ballad Unbelievable is another of the group’s favourites.
“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.”
Just Wanna Be Liked, meanwhile, recalls their roots – equal parts Morricone and Wim Wenders.
“All our albums have cinematic songs,” Sharleen adds. “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.”
‘Hi’ is due for release on May 28 and is available on CD, LP and Cassette.
Tracklist: Texas – ‘Hi’
- Mr Haze
- Hi w/ Wu-Tang Clan
- Just Want To Be Liked
- Unbelievable
- Moonstar
- Dark Fire
- Look What You’ve Done
- Heaven Knows
- You Can Call Me
- Sound of My Voice
- Falling
- Hi (Single Mix)
- Had A Hard Day *
- Had to Leave *
* = Deluxe Album
