Release Date: 14 December, 2004
Audio CD
Tracks
- I Don't Want a Lover
- In Demand
- Say What You Want
- Summer Son
- Inner Smile
- So in Love With You
- Black Eyed Boy
- So Called Friend
- Everyday Now
- In Our Lifetime
- Halo
- Guitar Song
- Prayer for You
- When We Are Together
- Insane
- Tired of Being Alone
- Put Your Arms Around Me
- Say What You Want (All Day Every Day) - Method Man
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Rating 4.5
Great GlaswegiansFronted 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 litle 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. SHARLEEN'S STRENGTHI don't own this album.I actually hate greatest hits albums.Instead i've got all 6 Texas albums.If there was one reason i would buy this album even if i have all their albums it's INNER SMILE.DAMN THAT SONG SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HUSH.
I'd like them release a rock album this year even if my personal favourite Texas album is the The Hush.Sharleen if you're reading this.I love your voice....I recommend The Clash meets Fleetwood Mac (circa Rumours) for the next one;)Very much in demand...Loves it.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. |
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