Disco de Take That: “Beautiful World”

Incredible. After ten long years the boys with the golden voices and beautiful souls have returned to fill the world with beautiful music once more. I would be lying if I said I wouldn't think it better to have all five of them together again but that is the way it goes sometimes. No ill will towards either camp. I adore them both. It makes a warm feeling in my heart to see my boys back in action, to know that there are new sounds to listen to. For those not familiar with thier music know that it is a combination of blended harmonies, romantic love songs, and smooth adult contemporary sounds. They have grown from the teenaged boyband and evolved. Now if I can just get them to release in America and to tour here. Le sigh.

In the early 1990s, Take That was the UK's answer to New Kids on the Block. Take That had a top 10 hit with "Back for Good" in 1995, a schmaltzy pop song that could've come from any random boy band being manufactured at the time. I had forgotten Take That existed until I discovered the brilliant solo work of Mark Owen and Robbie Williams while traveling to Europe and listening to the BBC on the web. I bought tall the old Take That albums, and needless to say, I preferred the Take That members apart than together. So, I was very skeptical of this record, since I'm not a fan of boy band manufactured pop (e.g. `Nsync, Backstreet Boys, etc.).

After just one listen, I've become a Take That convert. This album is nothing like their tween pop of the '90s. It's Beatle-esq in its pop-rock cross over, and will appeal to a wide range of musical tastes and audiences. In the spirit of bands like the Beatles, the entire record showcases the vocal and songwriting talents of each of its members, making each song unique. Some of Mark Owen's best work is on this album. 'Shine' and 'Hold On' are quintessential Owen tunes and are among the best on the album. 'What You Believe In' will appeal most to fans of Owen's Radiohead-inspired solo work. Gary Barlow, who came off stiff and uninspired in the Take That of yore, is comfortable in his skin on this record. 'Ain't No Sense in Love' is the best of his vocal tracks. While I'm not a big fan of Barlow's love ballads, the ones on Beautiful World are well composed and listenable. 'Paitence' and 'I'd Wait for Life' are standouts for Barlow, and show that he not only has a personality, but that he can write and sing inspired and richly diverse ballads that will appeal to people other rather that a fan base of screaming teenage girls.

While contributions from Robbie Williams would've added an interesting dimension to this album, the four members of Take That show that their collective talents only make them better individual artists. The biggest surprise on the album was 'Wooden Boat.' This contemporary folk song is unrecognizable from the techno-dance Take That of yesterday. I thought Jason Orange was just resident eye candy for teen girls, but he can actually sing. Babe, where have you been?

Beautiful World is an outstanding album, one of the best of 2006. This is definitely Grammy material. I am convinced that if this record were released in America, the new Take That would achieve what the old Take That could not: true international success. Well done guys. Can't wait for the next one.

Take That had been of on the best UK acts of the last ten years and broke millions of hearts when they split up, so everyone was surprised when they said that they were re forming and bringing out another cd after 10 years, it was definitly worth the wait. Every track is well written and the first single that was released (Patience) was true Take That at their best. Shine is another stand out track. This album will appeal to all of the legions of fans that they already have and will gain then millions more. Buy this cd ASAP if you do not already own it.

After a hugely successful TV documentary, and an even more successful tour last year, Take That return (minus their most famous alumnus) with their first album in 10 years.

"Beautiful world" sees them ditching the youthful pop sound of their past, in favour of a more adult rock/pop format, resulting in the strongest album of their career. All four guys pitch in lyrically and vocally. The album has already topped the UK album charts and sold over 1.2 million in the UK.

Opening is the sunny, upbeat "Reach out" with tight 60s sounding harmonies a-la Beach Boys, Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel (something showcased throughout this CD) and a catchy sound. In a similar vein is the floaty titletrack "Beautiful world".

Lead off single (and UK #1) "Patience" is a brilliant Beatles-like mid tempo charmer with a towering feel. With an even stronger Beatles feel is the upbeat "Shine", currently #1 in the UK. Need I mention the excellent harmonies?

A real surprise comes in the folk ballad "Wooden boat" with brilliant lyrics. The soaring piano ballad "I'd wait for life" is a real winner (great instrument build up towards the end). However, the melancholic "What you believe in" has got to be the best Take That ballad ever. Awesome!!

Take That are back, and all grown up!

I live in the US so Take That is relatively unknown to me, except for that one hit Back For Good. That said, I do not believe I have any bias, good or bad, toward the group. I just know that the album is really good in terms of adult contemporary sound. I assume most people who are disappointed were expecting bubblegum pop. Now, don't get me wrong, this album is still very pop, no rock or jazz influences whatsoever. But the tunes are very catchy, for the not-so-young crowd. The album is highly enjoyable. Glad I bought it.