Drum Sheet – Texas – Summer Son

“Summer Son” by Texas is one of those songs that perfectly captures the heat, shimmer, and pulse of late ’90s pop-rock — and for drum enthusiasts, it’s a rhythmic gem wrapped in melody and mood. Released in 1999 as part of the band’s album The Hush, the track became one of Texas’ biggest international hits, driven by Ally McErlaine’s jangly guitar, Sharleen Spiteri’s sultry vocals, and a sleek, hypnotic drum groove that gives the song its magnetic sway.

The story of “Summer Son” began in Glasgow, where the band was experimenting with a sound that merged their soulful pop roots with a more contemporary, electronic-influenced approach. Songwriting partners Sharleen Spiteri and Johnny McElhone wanted to create something that evoked both nostalgia and desire — a song that felt like a memory of summer nights, distant love, and bittersweet longing. The original demo had a slower tempo, but when drummer Richard Hynd laid down the beat, the song found its heartbeat. His drumming gave the track its irresistible groove — a steady, syncopated rhythm that walks the line between pop polish and rock pulse.

The drums in “Summer Son” are deceptively simple but masterfully executed. Hynd’s tight hi-hat work and crisp snare hits lock perfectly with the bass line, creating a hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the track’s seductive theme. Every beat feels deliberate — the kick drum pushing the tempo forward while the snare adds a touch of tension. What really stands out for drum fans is the restraint: there are no flashy fills or heavy-handed flourishes, just precision and feel. The groove breathes, allowing the shimmering guitars and lush synth textures to flow around it.

The song was recorded at Shar’s House, the band’s private studio, and later mixed in London, where producers fine-tuned the percussive layers to give it that polished radio-ready sound. The result was a song that felt both intimate and cinematic — warm like summer air but cool in its execution.

When Texas took “Summer Son” on the road in 1999 and 2000, it became an instant live favorite. On stage, Hynd often played the drums with a touch more bite, adding power to the backbeat without losing the track’s sensual groove. Whether performed at festivals across Europe or during their headline shows, the rhythmic heartbeat of “Summer Son” always drew the audience in — proof that a great drum pattern can turn a simple melody into pure atmosphere.

For fans of drumming, “Summer Son” remains a masterclass in groove through subtlety — proof that sometimes, less truly is more.