Texas: White On Blonde - 1997

This is where Texas went from being a blues rock, slightly "cult" band to being a blue-eyed soul-pop one before our very ears, utilising contemporary dance beats, programmed drums, synthesised strings, artificial scratching noises and the like. as far as I am concerned, despite being full of really catchy and melodic songs (just as the previous album was), something was lost due to the muffled, dense and murky sound that was delivered in order to satisfy the tastes of Radio Two chart-oriented listeners. The difference in clarity (negatively) between this and the previous offering was seismic. 

I just cannot get on with the sound on this one at all. Even on the faux Motown-Northern Soul of the "earworm" singalong hit single, Black Eyed Boy, there is an overall muddiness that detracts from it. Those synthesised strings sound awful. The same accusation can be levelled at the album's other big hits, Say What You Want and the scratchy White On Blonde.

It is a shame, as far as I am concerned, because there are some fine songs on here, they are just blighted by a sound and production that is just not to my taste. I have always been a "real instruments" man. Those thumping programmed drums just don't do it for me, I'm afraid. Sharleen' s voice has no bluesy grit to it anymore, either, just slick, soulful female chart pop tones. She has changed her method of vocal delivery completely, for the worse in my opinion.

Highlights - Say What You Want, Black Eyed Boy, Drawing Crazy Patterns, Halo, Put You Arms Around Me, Insane, White On Blonde

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