by Chia Han-Leon

In case you don't know, Texas is not from Texas; they're from Glasgow, Scotland, UK - where supposedly pop/rock groups never gain a global voice-hold. But this one's very very cool, man; they got my attention in their fabulous last album White on Blonde (with the memorable Put you arms around me); now they've REALLY got my attention with The Hush.

But of course, Texas appears not even to be about the band anymore - it's all about Sharleen Spiteri (the one on the cover), a name which has such a kick to it... . The songs - catchy "Once in our lifetime", vocally playful "Tell Me the Answer", "When We Are Together" with its exuberant "Heyheyhey-hey!" in the middle (which is unfortunately missing from the very wet music video. Even the videos I've seen, Sharleen is all over the place, swaying with sheening, ice-cream sensual coolness, striding back and forth. And I enjoy it. Won't deny it. Great music this.

I don't really like the cover (White on Blonde doesn't look that great either) - I sometimes think it's a waste, since a cover can really catch the eye. But oh boy, rarely do CDs have so many great tracks. I remember walking into Tower on the day of its release, seeing the big bunch of The Hush on display, deciding to wait until later; 5 minutes later they started to play "Once in a lifetime" overhead, which I've never heard before; instantly recognised Sharleen's voice and Texas' style. I ran back, grab, buy.