Review Summary: Take That are back and HOW...
It seems boybands have trouble making solo careers and they end up where they started from. Be it backstreet boys. nsync(with the exception of timberlake) and now Take That. Their comeback would have been a bit of shock even for their most ardent fans since all of them are in their late 30's now. Robbie Williams apprehensions in joining them were justified since he has a very successful career and it would have seemed highly unlikely that the band would be able to create the magic they did in the late 90s. But after listening to this project Robbie must have envied not being a part of it.
'Beautiful World' is probably the best pop album a boyband has ever come up with. Its a pleasure to listen to both for the pop and non-pop lovers and the quality of the compositions is sure to add millions of fans to the already huge list of take that.
The album starts with a bang with Reach Out, an immensely lovable track with a peppy music score and very pure lyrics.(4.5/5)
Its followed by the band's first single after comeback, Patience. The success of the single speaks for itself. Gary Barlow has taken this to such a high level that anything less than 5/5 will be unjustified. Amazing vocals,beautiful music and great harmonies. This song is the best point of the album.(5/5)
Then there's 'beautiful world'. An OK kind of track. Its good to hear Howard doing the vocals, but somehow this track is nowhere near its predecessors. Howard's voice breaks flow several times though the music is good.(3/5)
'Hold on' has Mark Owen taking the mike. Its a traditional Take That song, with the same kind of music you heard on back for god, sweet lyrics and strong vocals.(4/5)
Hearing Gary back on 'Like I never Loved you at all' is great. Though the lyrics are flat at places, but Gary's voice more than makes up for that. Its amazing how Gary's voice retained its touch and impact even after so many years. This song completely belongs to him.(4/5)
'Shine' is another highlight of the album. It has a completely different tone than the other tracks of the album and sounds brilliant. Mark's voice is infectious and you can't resist singing along with him. The piano work is also pretty good.(5/5)
The B side begins on a morbid note with Gary crooning 'I'd wait for life' a song with a remorseful touch. Though it was released as a single and was not very successful but overall its a very nice compostion. Though its completely piano driven, the lyrics and Gary's voice will keep you hooked to it.(4.25/5)
'Aint no sense in love' is reminiscent to 'like i never...' and is one of the few tracks you'll skip after some listenings.(3/5)
'What you believe in' again sounds like take that tracks of the 90's . Similar to songs like 'love ain't here anymore', this track falls flat.(2.75/5)
Howard makes an amazing comeback with Macunian Way, which talks of the earlier days, the highs in their careers etc. If someone thinks the album is an overdose of Gary can turn to this track.It had a potential of becoming a single. (4.25/5)
Sweet and simple is the best way to describe the final track 'Wooden Boat'. Jason has done complete justice to this song and has proved that he can outperform his bandmates not only in dancing but also on vocals. Its a great way to end the album and will have you rubbing your hand in anticipation of the next album.(4.5/5)
The critical and commercial success of 'beautiful world' proves that Take That have taken the fierce competition of music industry seriously and their hard work has fetched them the plaudits.
