Search - Texas :: Red Book

Treading Water, But Doing it With Style...

Neptunian Spirit | Dayton, OH USA | 03/22/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"2003 was a mixed year for Texas. Their opus "Careful What You Wish For" had pushed their previously used blue-eyed soul approach to the background & they went "very Blondie". While for a group who has always been more about concept sound wise, this was a step forward but one that confused critics & fans. As such, the record never found a market commerically & coming as it did after "The Hush"...many deemed it a failure.



In the latter half of 2005, Texas released "Red Book", which was meant to harken back to the halycon days of "White On Blonde" which revived them from a then commercial slump. "Red Book" is safe & finds this group taking a step backwards, but in a sense...this may've been the record that was always going to been made. Style permeated off of Texas since "Southside" & with each record the style got stronger, but where that style seemed edgy before, here it just seems safe.



By no means does that mean that this is a weak record, Dallas Austin & Xenomania amongst others handle the production of the album. The lead-off single "Getaway" is an instant Texas classic, with a blossoming, epic chorus that buries itself within one's subconscious with each listen. Synths unfurl into beautiful melodies that drive home melancholic cuts such as "Cry" & "What About Us".



Other highlights include the duet of Sharleen with Paul Buchchanan of Blue Nile on "Sleep", which Sharleen gives a relaxed, yet seductive vocal...Paul doesn't sound bad at all, rather good really. Mentioning Sharleen's voice, that seductive, yet full purr really sells "Can't Resist" which recalls "Summer Son" lyrically & compositionally.



From a songwriting point, Johnny McElhone & Sharleen continue to write effective songs. Each able to tell a story, yet deliver a hook that can stay with the listener. "Bad Weather" is an interesting cut that tells of how love can only "weather" (sorry for the pun) so much of the previously mentioned. While this has been written, McElhone & Spiteri deliver it with a sort of finesse that others may not have tackled it with before. "Masterthief" is another highlight for the title that is a name for a lover who steals one's body, heart, soul, & mind.



As a whole, the record musically, has a very post-New Romantics, mid-Eighties feel. Very synth heavy & though they bring in the necessary instruments (i.e.-violins, guitars, horns) when needed, it seems sedate. With other records, they had distinct formula's, but something always popped out when you least expected it too, that only happens several times here.



"Red Book" critically was very well received & did well with hardcore fans, but has met the U.K. charts with only little success. This may be due to the fact that the scene has just changed a lot since 1997-2001 when they were enjoying a lot of their commerical success. And while "Red Book" ends up sounding very "white-washed" in it's style than edgy, recalling more of "The Hush" than "White On Blonde", it is still a solid & engaging listen nonetheless.



I always say that every artist reaches a point where they may repeat themselves or only have so many ideas, but at least do it with dignity & style. Texas does this with no problem. Definitely worth the price tag & a lot better than any of the American pop we have here."

Another standout from Texas

Timothy A. Wilson | Fairfax, Virginia, USA | 11/01/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have enjoyed Texas' music since I first heard "Say What You Want" from White On Blond. With Redbook Texas has reached a new summit. As with White On Blond and The Hush, this CD is beautiful and completely listenable from start to finish. I cannot say enough good things about it.

The CD takes off with "Getaway" and "Can't Resist" -- two very catchy, unabashedly pop, songs -- and doesn't let up. Some of the tracks, like "Get Down Tonight", beg to be played under strobe light, while other tracks, like "Nevermind", slip into a rainy day groove. For me the standout track is "Masterthief", a song ranking among "In Demand", "Inner Smile", and "In Our Lifetime" as all-time favorites. Overall, Redbook is less sultry and dark than The Hush and more original than White On Blond.

Everyone who enjoys quality in his pop music should purchase Redbook immediately."