Full title - Be Careful What You Wish For. Sharleen Spiteri & her band, Texas are back. Back with an album chock-full of gorgeous hooks & future radio anthems, an album made in a dream pop universe with key recordi... more »ng studios in London, Liverpool, Toronto,« less
Full title - Be Careful What You Wish For. Sharleen Spiteri & her band, Texas are back. Back with an album chock-full of gorgeous hooks & future radio anthems, an album made in a dream pop universe with key recording studios in London, Liverpool, Toronto,
"as Martha would say, "it's a good thing."
After listening to the first few seconds of the intro (Telephone X) I thought I was listening to a Garbage album. Very impressive intro, and the last 30 seconds or so of the song just make you just move to it. One of the most standout tracks on the record. Simple guitar chords lead you in the next track, Broken. Good song, but it seems her vocals are really muddled during the chorus. Carnival Girl's great, if only sound wise; I could've done without whoever's vocally accompanying her in it. I'll See It Through is a little bland, it could've been a more emotionally inducing ballad, but her voice sounds great. Where Did You Sleep? has a really infectious chorus...
The next 2 tracks are my favorite - And I Dream is a very 'Cher' sounding song imo... probably the only dance inspired song on the album - her vocals are very clear and the guitar introduced into the beginning along with the electronica is brilliant. The title track is probably my favorite song on this record. The beginning sounds very reminiscent of an old Fleetwood Mac song... simple yet effective lyrics, probably the most flawless vocals on the entire album. The rest of the album I could do without; the last track, Another Day has one of the most beautiful arrangements I've heard in awhile.
All in all, I was very pleased with this album; it's pretty rare to find a 12 track album this day in age where you like over half the songs. This album is and isn't a departure for them. Sound & production wise it's all over the map, and unlike so many albums, that's its actual strength. Her vocals aren't the best, the lyrics aren't the greatest, but the sound throughout is wonderful."
Absolutely Fantastic!
Katie | Canada | 05/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There's no doubt about it, Texas' 'Careful What You Wish For' is an amazing album. The very first Texas album I bought was 'The Hush', which I simply adore, so I knew I had to rush out and buy all the music by this relatively unknown (at least where I am) band as I could. This CD was the second of the group's albums I purchased. Upon first listen, I'll admit it, I was slightly underwhelmed. I had expected the same sound 'The Hush' had offered, and had thought I would fall in love with 'Careful What You Wish For' as soon as I hit "play". However, I did sense potential in the album, and I was well aware of the band's talent, so I kept the CD in my discman. After the second listen, I was well-aware of the gem I was lucky enough to have bought.'Broken' has all the characteristics and makings of a hit. It's the type of song which Texas is extremely familiar with. The group is well-aware of every note that has to be hit, and every lyric needed to provoke emotion. Overall, it's a fantastic track, definitely one of the best on the album. To be perfectly honest, I was actually quite taken aback when I listened to 'Carnival Girl' for the first time. Having Kardinal Offishall contribute to the track seemed to be an odd move for a band like Texas to make. Fortunatly, the song sounds amazing. Kardinall Offishall doesn't overwhelm the track (or the album for that matter) and Texas really does have the skill to pull it all off in the end. Tracks four through seven ('I'll See It Through', 'Where Did You Sleep', 'And I Dream', and 'Careful What You Wish For') are my absolute favorite songs off the album. All of them have amazing beats, insightful lyrics, and catchy hooks. 'Under Your Skin' and 'Another Day' are also stand-out tracks. This album is an absolute must for any Texas fan, you shouldn't even have to consider it. If you're interested in checking out some of Texas' music 'Careful What You Wish For' is probably a good place to start (although, all their albums are great, so you probably won't be disappointed). Try giving the album a second chance if you don't fall in love with it the first time around, chances are, you'll love it!"
It was good but not great
Spaceguy | 02/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The first half of the CD I really enjoyed and it was catchy, but near the end it sounded like they were desparate to fill the CD so they added almost anything. I still don't understand how carnival girl got into the CD considering Sharleen Spiteri said that the album is more rock... hmmm... I still gave it a 4 star coz it's still better than most CDs out there."
Interesting mix
An ex-pat | Toronto | 03/02/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Texas have always been musical magpies, and this collection is as different from "Hush" as "White On Blonde" was from "Mothers Heaven". Hints of Blondie, Bacharach and No Doubt sit comfortably side by side, all linked together by Sharleen's vulnerable vocals.It's all very listenable, but ultimately not quite as memorable as "White On Blonde"."