Artist: Texas
Release: The Conversation:
Release Date: Out Now
After being on Hiatus since 2006, Texas have returned with brand new album ‘The Conversation’. This album is the band’s eighth record, their first since 2005. The album opens with the title track, bringing deep bass and country guitar sounds. The chorus sings ‘it’s time to have a conversation’ and lead singer Sharleen Spiteri is still instantly recognisable. The medium tempo of this song is a theme continued throughout the record. On a first listen, many of the tracks are difficult to decipher from one and other, with very similar vocal tones and guitar riffs.
‘Deroit City’ is the only song on the album to break away from this same sound, with 80’s synths and pianos and a slight increase in energy. The album definitely has a distinct Texas stamp on it, though there are no notable tracks to rival some of their greatest hits such as ‘Summer Son’ or ‘Say What You Want’. With no songs that really grab the listener’s attention, unless you are already a fan of Texas there is not a lot here to inspire.
‘Big World’ and ‘Hearts Are Made To Stray’ are slightly more up beat with a touch of energy, though as the album ends with the slow and samey ‘I Need Time’, it does not make you want to listen again.
This record would sound great at a BBQ or on a summer’s evening but this wont be anyone’s go-to summer soundtrack. There have been no risks taken and the same acoustic guitar riffs and unexcited vocals become dull. In the age of epic band comebacks, this is one of the most disappointing reunions so far.
4/10
Reviewer: Claire Rollins
