I was really pleased when Take Than reformed as a group in 2005 (albeit without Robbie Willims but he doesn't really seem to be any great loss!) as I have always liked their music. I definitely think though that the reformed group has a lot more maturity that is reflected through their music than what they did when they were more thought of as a boy band. My love of Take That is obviously quite well known though as I received their latest album - The Circus - twice for Christmas!
The Circus was released on 1st December 2008 and apparently went straight to number 1 in the album chart demonstrating the popularity that there is for Take That.
The very first time I listened to the album I was really impressed. It includes a couple of tracks that I knew quite well along with a number of others that are fast becoming favourites! There are twelve tracks in total and if you listen all the way through it lasts just over forty minutes. It is the sort of album that is great to have on as background music, but if you sit down and actually listen to all the different songs they are really quite thoughtful and moving.
All of the tracks are written by members of Take That although there are some collaborations with other songwriters too. All four band members sing and take lead vocals at different times. They are also superbly backed by some great musicians and this includes Gary Barlow on piano and keyboards. The variety of the songs and the way their voices harmonise demonstrate what a talented band they are.
Some of the tracks are quite upbeat and jaunty whereas others are that bit slower and more thought provoking. Some of my favourites include 'Greatest Day' which has a great celebratory feel to it, 'Julie' which is a bit more confused and despairing about a troubled relationship and 'The Circus' which seems to be pointing out that life can sometimes be a bit ludicrous:
'Everyone loves a circus show But I'm the only clown you'll ever know'.
The more I listen to this album, the more I like it and I find that I'm starting to sing along with many of the songs especially the more upbeat ones. This is helped by the fact that all the lyrics are supplied inside the CD case. Also, my two daughters (aged five and three) are starting to take an interest and really enjoy dancing along to some of the faster songs!
I really like this album and I'm very glad that I received it for Christmas (although only once would have been fine!) I think it will definitely appeal to a wide audience, not just Take That fans. At the moment it can be bought on Amazon for £8.98 on Amazon.
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I too, think they have matured somewhat in their style making them more suitable for the take that fans of yesteryear again...I'm not the biggest fan but do like some of the songs. x
RICHADA 08.01.2009 19:28
I actually bought this one in ASDA before Christmas - persobally I preferred their last album, but then I'm not such a great Take That fan! Richard.
Jan 2nd, 2009
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