It's A Beautiful World & They Sure Do Rule It (Beautiful World - Take That)

Member Name: GramiWay

Product:	Beautiful World - Take That
Date:	23/07/09 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great lyrics and some wonderful big songs

Disadvantages: Few duds

Take That dominated the charts during the first half of the 1990s. Seen as the top boyband of the time phonelines had to be set up to console distraught fans when the band finally parted ways in 1996. A decade on and four of the original five [minus Robbie Williams] are back on fine form with the album of their career 'Beautiful World'.

Take That's hugely successful comeback sparked off a whole truckload of washed up pop bands attempting to reclaim some of their former glory [cough All Saints], but it's a credit to Take That, that the album in question is brilliant whilst their rival's material just fails in comparison.

'Beautiful World' is of course home to the anthemic 'Patience' though it's the fabulous 'Reach Out' that starts proceedings. Like most of the tracks on the album, there's beautiful lyrics, twirling around soaring, uplifting choruses and melodies and of course the ever present charisma of Gary Barlow, whose vocals are a lot easier on my ears than Mark Owen's anyway. 'Reach Out' is a very down tempo track with a rich and summer fueled chorus that is perfect for driving along in a breeze. Much of this album sounds like it was made for gorgeous summer days and 'Reach Out' is rich in lyrical content as well as the gentle, attractive sway of its chorus.

'Patience' is the perfect comeback. It captures the James Blunt sound that was huge at the time and has great mainstream and radio appeal whilst also being true to the band themselves. With the slow and moody intro and Gary Barlow's epic vocals, the soaring chorus just takes the song to brand new heights. It's a very deep and dark song but manages to sound very uplifting and is great to listen to.

By title track 'Beautiful World' the album has settled into its generic and repetitve formula but it's still not worn out. There's such emotion and chemistry radiating from every inch of this track. The melody is divine and Gary Barlow continues to draw you in with his huge presence.

There are a lot of different styles explored on the album however. 'Shine' has a very 80's sound to it with clonky piano keys and a lot of drum work. It's a blast from the past given a modern twist and even Mark Owen's voice is on fine form for once. The melody suits his vocals perfectly and the result is a very upbeat track and one of the strongest additions to the record. He's not as good on 'Hold On'. The end result here is drenched in emotion but it just seems to lack the punch that its predesessors churn out with ease.

'I'd Wait For Life' is a confusing number. It's a dull and lifeless ballad that was chosen as a single release for some reason. The track isn't the worst offering on 'Beautiful World' but there is a distinct lack of emotion in Gary's voice and the melody doesn't really seem to fit the singing. The entire affair is a bit wonky and disjointed to listen to.

'Like I Never Loved You' has a very vibrant and stand out chorus. The lyrics are hard hitting and come at you quick and fast bringing with them a flood of ripe and fresh melodies and vocals. There's something familiar about the track as it reminds me of another song and the bugging part is that I can't place it no matter how many times I listen.

'Ain't No Sense In Love' sounds like it's going to morph into a 'Patience' lovechild as the bridge reaches the chorus but pleasantly enough, the song forges its own identity even if the end result doesn't leave a lot to the imagination.

I must point out that the album was reissued about a year after its first release to include the amazing 'Rule The World' as well as other bonus features. I only have the original version which includes 11 tracks hence why I haven't covered those highlights in my review. 'Rule The World' of course came from the 2007 film 'Stardust' and is actually my favourite Take That song. It fits in perfectly with the sound of this album with a huge and anthemic chorus and poigant and emotional lyrics.

Take That evidently sparkle on 'Beautiful World'. They've taken the route that many new artists do and have produced a flawless album here. It has its dull moments and it's not going to be to everybody's taste but the music here is inoffensive and a nice batch of tracks that have been plucked from the easy listening tree. It's nothing defining or amazing and certainly has been done before and since by much better artists but the style is different for the band and that's what makes it work so well. With Gary Barlow's stunning songwriting talents on hand and the band's amazing chemistry, it's no wonder why Take That's comeback is being hailed as one of the musical highlights of this decade.


Complete Tracklisting:

01 - Reach Out
02 - Patience
03 - Beautiful World
04 - Hold On
05 - Like I Never Loved You At All
06 - Shine
07 - I'd Wait For Life
08 - Ain't No Sense In Love
09 - What You Believe In
10 - Mancunian Way
11 - Wooden Boat


12 - Butterfly
13 - Beautiful Morning
14 - We All Fall Down
15 - Rule The World

The final four are on the deluxe edition as well as DVD extras.

Summary: Take That's first studio album in 2006 for 11 years