As close to pop perfection as you're likely to hear.
motoko_uk | 03/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's strange how life works out. When the first single Say What You Want came out I liked it but bypassed it in favour of Don't Speak by No Doubt which was released at the same time. A couple of months later and the roles had reversed completely. Texas were now a band on the cusp of World changing glory and as for the other group... I can't even remember their name now. But this had less to do with one single and more to do with the band and the album. The bottom line is this: Texas are gods and WOB is their crowning glory.Breathe deeply as you insert the disc. Sit down quietly as you press play. The album starts slowly, a 34 second mixture of drum, voices and guitar before finally settling into that oh so simple but oh so beautifully recognisable riff. By the time Sharleen's angelic voice has begun you're lost in a sea of beauty that will only end when the absolutely gorgeous Breathless finishes the album.The brilliance of Texas is their musical simplicity. No Radiohead layering or James like complexity here. The tunes are back-of-mind-naggingly brilliant and it won't take long before you're gleefully singing along without knowing it. That doesn't mean you'll like it instantly. The sometimes obscure (or even stupid) lyrics mean that you must give the songs time to work their magic. it may take time but you know you're hooked when you realise you've rewound Black Eyed Boy or Halo eight times in a row just to hear the intros. Picking highlights is pointless, they're all good. If you forced me I'd pick Breathless as the top track but I'd have to listen to the album 20 times to be sure. And I'd enjoy doing it too :).As for the extra tracks, well the acoustic version of SWYW is worth its weight in gold, Sorry is a class track that should have been there anyway and the remixes... well they don't hurt but they don't help much either. Remixes rarely add to an albums worth and this is no exception. I'd have rather had Method Man's duet with Sharleen on SWYW than a bossa nova(? ) version of Black Eyed Boy but there we go. If you're a Texas completist like me you don't really have a choice. If you're not get the original. You're not missing a great deal. JUST GET IT. In anyway shape or form. This CD must be owned by every person on the planet with any interest in music. I can think of only one thing more vital: oxygen. Yes, its that good."
Put Your Arms Around My Review
wschmittler@silverlink.net | USA | 12/19/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I bought the whole works because I really liked the "Put Your Arms Around Me" on the sound track. I have no idea what the rest of this is going to be... That's how it goes with music. Some great, some on their way. (Bill, don't ever give up, you'll be out of Seattle as soon as they hear you in Portland. Next big gig is REDLANDS, MAN! ) Thanks for the fries. Tomorrow is Bernaisse and Chateau Briand, if we can find it. Shazaaaaam"
Track Listings (19) - Disc #1