“Summer Son” by Texas is a sultry, synth-driven pop-rock track released in August 1999 as the second single from their fifth studio album The Hush. Written by band members Johnny McElhone, Sharleen Spiteri, and Eddie Campbell along with The Bluebells frontman, Robert Hodgens, it marked a stylistic evolution for the Scottish band, blending their rock roots with a more polished, disco-influenced and electronic sound, drawing comparisons to ABBA and ’80s new wave.
The song features a pulsing beat, shimmering guitars, and glossy production, anchored by Sharleen Spiteri’s smoky, seductive vocals. Lyrically, it’s about the emotional aftermath of a summer romance—both passionate and painful. Lines like “I gave you everything / I never gave me” capture the yearning and vulnerability at the heart of the track.
The music video, which features Spiteri in a sheer top and steamy visuals, stirred some controversy at the time for its provocative style, helping the song garner even more attention.
“Summer Son” became one of Texas’s biggest hits, reaching the Top 5 in the UK and charting across Europe, including Germany, Sweden, and Belgium. It’s often remembered for its sleek, retro-inspired sound and moody atmosphere, making it a standout late-’90s pop hit and a staple of the band’s live shows.