Queens of Rock Riff Off: Sharleen Spiteri vs. Shirley Manson — Scotland's Finest Throw Down
Scotland may be small on the map, but when it comes to iconic women in rock, it punches far above its weight. Two of the fiercest, most unforgettable voices to emerge from its music scene? None other than Sharleen Spiteri of Texas, and Shirley Manson, frontwoman of Garbage.
Different styles. Different sounds. But both unapologetic, unstoppable, and utterly unforgettable.
It’s only fitting we let them riff it out — B-sides included — and decide who rules this royal rock showdown.
In the Red Corner: Sharleen Spiteri | Texas
Smooth. Sultry. Effortlessly cool.
Sharleen Spiteri stormed onto the scene in the late 80s with Texas, blending rock, soul, and pop into a sound that was radio-ready yet refreshingly authentic. Hits like "Say What You Want" and "Summer Son" became global anthems, but beneath the chart-toppers lies a treasure chest of hidden gems.
B-Side Gold: Texas Style
🎧 "Saint" (B-side to "Say What You Want")
A moody, understated track that strips back the polish and lets Spiteri’s voice simmer.
🎧 "Like Lovers" (B-side to "Put Your Arms Around Me")
Soft, soulful, and soaked in melancholy — proof that Texas' depth ran far beyond radio singles.
In the Black Corner: Shirley Manson | Garbage
Fierce. Flawless. Fearless.
While Spiteri charmed the charts, Shirley Manson detonated them. With her fiery red hair, snarling vocals, and alt-rock attitude, Garbage became the sound of 90s rebellion. From "Stupid Girl" to "Only Happy When It Rains", they gave angst a glam makeover.
B-Side Grit: Garbage Deep Cuts
🎧 "Subhuman" (Pre-album single, rare gem)
Industrial, snarling, and dripping with dark energy — the rawer side of Garbage before the polish.
🎧 "Lick the Pavement" (B-side to "Cherry Lips")
Fast, aggressive, unapologetically punk — pure Manson attitude.
The Showdown: Cool vs. Chaos
Where Spiteri leans into smooth, soulful pop-rock with sleek edges, Manson brings the gritty, distorted chaos of grunge and industrial rock. Both have shaped the soundscape of modern rock in their own right.
But here’s the truth: there’s no loser in this battle — only legends.
B-Sides Prove It: Why Deep Cuts Matter
Beyond the radio hits, both artists remind us why B-sides matter. They reveal the raw edges, the experimental moments, the tracks that don't chase charts but still strike deep.
Spiteri’s B-sides show her soulful roots, her quieter heartbreak.
Manson’s B-sides unleash the full snarl, the unfiltered fury of 90s rebellion.
For true rock lovers, these hidden gems hit harder than the polished singles.
Final Chord: Queens of Rock Reign On
Spiteri and Manson may play different games — but make no mistake — they both sit comfortably on rock’s royal throne.
Who wins this riff off? You decide.
But one thing's certain: when Scotland sends its queens, the world listens.
Soundtrack the Showdown: B-Side Playlist
✅ "Saint" — Texas
✅ "Like Lovers" — Texas
✅ "Subhuman" — Garbage
✅ "Lick the Pavement" — Garbage
✅ Bonus Track: "Guitar Song" — Texas B-side that deserves a comeback
✅ Bonus Track: "13x Forever" — Garbage's underappreciated deep cut
Join the Riff Off
👉 Who’s your pick — Spiteri's soulful cool or Manson's grunge grit?
👉 Got a favourite hidden track from Texas or Garbage?
👉 Drop your thoughts, your B-side favourites, or your battle playlist in the comments below!
Because legends aren't made by hits alone — they’re carved in the B-sides.
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