It's hard to believe that Sharleen Spiteri has been in the music biz for two decades; then again, it's hard to believe that it's taken the Texas frontwoman this long to release a solo album. All too often, singers of successful bands take their vanity projects and foist them upon their (usually) adoring public, simply because they've already got a ready-made, appreciative fanbase.

Not so for Spiteri, however. Whereas her 9-5 involved ploughing a furrow inhabited by MOR and radio-friendly pop-rock, Melody is something of a different proposition. That's not to say that it's a huge departure for the now-40-year-old singer; there's nothing here that will alienate Texas fans, although they may be surprised to hear that their heroine has taken a slightly new tack when it comes to songwriting.

That direction is a more soul, Motown, '60s pop-inspired one than Spiteri has probably ever undertaken before, and most, if not all of Melody's songs fall within those genres. Dusty Springfield would have easily settled for the likes of All the Times I Cried, Where Did It Go Wrong, and opener It Was You - all muffled horns, slivers of guitar jinks and strings - and funnily enough, the only track on which Spiteri partially surrendered the production reins (Bernard Butler lends a hand, while David McAlmont provides supplementary vocals).

There's variation within the themes here, too, though. Although most of the lyrics are obviously inspired by the end of Spiteri's ten-year relationship several years ago, deft touches like the twang of Spaghetti Western guitar here (Stop I Don't Love You Anymore), or sultry, sexy ode to Gainsbourg there (the gorgeous title track) and a finger-clickin', gritty impishness that's comparable to a Nancy Sinatra/Johnny Cash number rolled into one (I'm Gonna Haunt You) create canny diversions.

Although these paeans to heartbreak do falter at times, it's surprising how aptly Spiteri's voice occupies the 'golden age of pop' genre. Even if Melody certainly isn't one of the greatest albums of the 21st century, it's still a very enjoyable gap-filler.