New Take That, so much more than the old (The Circus - Take That)

Member Name: whiteroseuk

Product:	The Circus - Take That
Date:	26/12/08 (199 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to listen to, with some great harmonies

Disadvantages: most of the tracks have a similar format

I was never particularly a Take That fan the first time round, I thought they had some catchy tunes, but that was about it. In their second incarnation, I have found them to be much more to my taste, although I have to admit I am a little bit loathe to admit it.
I love the film Stardust, and loved the title track that Take That did, and have enjoyed their other hits lately, so when their album came out, I thought I would indulge. I wasn't disappointed. I think I will be listening to it regularly. Only time will tell if I get fed up with it, but at the moment, I'm quite impressed.

This is the first music album I've reviewed, so if you think there are ways I could have improved my review, I'd love to hear from you. I'm not a music expert by any definition, so I probably won't use the correct terminology, but I'll try to describe what I hear. I don't know much, I just know what I like.

The Garden

The track opens with a gentle piano, then gentle voices join, gradually building, to the main body of the song. The main song is very catchy, and uplifting. It quietens back to the gentle voice several times, building up again to the full orchestral background in the chorus. Enjoyable, a song that gets your feet tapping, and I believe will be staying with me long after I've finished listening to the album

The Greatest Day.

A chart topping track that I think will become a standard to play at weddings. From first hearing this it gave me goosebumps, and typical 'new' take that, reminiscent of Stardust. The strummed chords start building to an insistent rhythmic note, with the orchestra coming in, and beautiful harmonies. Haven't you found yourself singing "Stay close to me" after hearing this?

Hello

Being a child of the sixties, this reminds me of that era, sort of Beatles, Small faces, and Love Affair, all rolled into one! Another foot tapper, bright and cheery. There is honky tonk piano, an orchestral background and perfectly synchronised harmonies, with an almost metal guitar in there somewhere.

Said it all

The haunting piano introduction of this reminded me of Coldplay, a bit more sombre mood, but again, one that will stick in the mind. Gary's voice is perfect for this. There's a guitar sound that reminds me of some eighties tracks on this.

Julie

Another catchy rather poppy tune, softer in the verse but with a very memorable chorus. This has reminders of the sixties too, with a slide guitar, and an orchestral background.

The circus

The title track of the album is in a bit more sombre mood, with a sad feeling, this one reminded me a little of the Beatles' "Fool on the Hill" It begins with piano and Gary's voice. After a while a drumbeat joins in, and sweeping strings.

How did it come to this

In contrast to the last track, this is fast moving, with an insistent beat. This would be a good track to listen to whilst driving. It starts softer, but the piano and harmonies build, through the track. Expect to be tapping your foot through this one.

Up all night

Again has the 60's pop ambiance, but with some strange key changes, my least favourite track on the album, apart from the hidden one at the end. Almost sounds like it has the orchestra playing a different track in the background at times. The beginning reminded me of Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel.

What is love

This track has a ballad feel to it, it starts with acoustic guitar and voice. Then piano and the other voices join in harmony, with the strings as background once more. It has great harmonies, and great lyrics.

You

Another ballad that starts with acoustic guitar and piano behind the voice, then in come the harmonies with a sweeping orchestral background. A lovely track with words full of meaning that would be good to share with the special person in your life
"it's not the world that pulls me through, It wasn't a question before I knew, it's just an answer here by my side, I found it out just in time, it's you. Yeah it's you. it's you" I would say this is my favourite track.

Hold up a light

A very catchy tune, with a strong chorus Mark takes the lead vocals on this to begin, then the others join him in harmonies with the orchestra in the background. There are violins and electric guitars, and a piano picking out the main tune. Another one that I don't think you can help tapping your feet. You think this has finished, after about four and half minutes, but if you keep the track playing, it launches into

(the hidden track)

Again this reminded me of the kind of thing the Beatles used to do. It starts with them laughing and talking, before they launch into the song, a catchy pop upbeat song to finish off. Not one of my favourites, but the harmonies are good.

This album is available from Amazon for the price of £8.98 or to download for £6.49

Summary: enjoyable album from a group that are better the second time around