In the 1990s Take That were the ultimate in boy bands second only to the Monkees. Boys hated them because the girls loved them so when Robbie Williams left it seemed like the end for Take That, but they carried on for a short period without him still churning out their soulless brand of music and when they split up I cheered out loud as did many males of my generation.
Then they decided to reform without Robbie and something had seriously changed. Gary Barlow had turned into one of the greatest song writers of his generation and the single ‘Patience’ that brought them back was a glorious piece of work followed by the stunning single ‘Shine’ it seemed as though things could not get any better.
But things did get better.
They penned the song “Rule The World” used in the film ‘Stardust’ and that cemented Take That’s muso credibility and is testament to Gary Barlow’s abilities as a songwriter.
The band went on to win the hearts of all the boys (now approaching middle age) who hated them all those years ago and are now bigger than they ever were and off they trundled into the studio together to work on a new album but this time all members were involved in the songwriting process.
The end result was ‘The Circus’ album.
Where do I begin? I sat down with my family watching MTV to hear the new Take That single called ‘Greatest Day’ and I was numb after watching the video except for a tear that rolled down my cheek. I had just had a slap around my face from a song that was as mature as a vintage Stilton telling me to look around me and appreciate all I have.
What was going on? Take That had become the best band in the world.
In what reality could this have taken place?
‘The Circus’ album turned out to be a masterpiece with one great song followed by another oozing the quality of songwriting comparable with the Beatles. From the first song ‘The Garden’ sung by Mark Owen you are not so much taken out of this world but rather the world you’re in has a dose of magic and emotion injected into it.
Jason Orange is amazing on the incredible ‘How Did It Come To This’, a song that is too catchy for its own good and Howard on ‘What Is Love’ shows what a great singer he is.
I would go on about Gary Barlow’s contribution to this album but he gets plenty of well deserved recognition and good on him. He has retained his dignity throughout the years when Robbie was in the limelight with his great works and the press turned on Gary. Well he has had the last laugh and those futile arguments of the past are now well and truly behind them.
The only ones coming with egg on their faces out of the Robbie Vs Gary debacle are the press.
Anyway back to plot, Take That took ‘The Circus’ on the road and have released a DVD/Blu-ray of the concert in Wembley Stadium and it is a total celebration of Take That with a circus theme behind the stage show which should, by all right,s be construed as pretentious but it isn’t. The humble and gracious attitude of the band demonstrates the love and reverence they genuinely have for their audience.
The songs are delivered with passion and are faultless. The Boys even have a go at playing the instruments themselves and do a grand job of it (even though there are a few sligh,t and I mean slight, timing issues but that’s me nit picking as a musician) but the harmonies are exquisite with Howard shining through with his perfect pitch for harmonising.
Even the old songs that I grew up hating find a new leases of life as a bit of fun but the highlight of the show must be Mark Owen singing ‘Hold Up A Light’ which is just enchanting.
If you grew up hating Take That like I did then I suggest you listen to ‘The Circus’ album and watch the video live at Wembley so you may also get a slap around the face.
There is also a bonus section with a session in Abbey Road and that gives stripped down and intimate versions of the songs recorded after their tour. This really does show off the talents of the band as singers and the orchestrations are imaginative and well crafted.
Look they aren’t Led Zeppelin and they aren’t going to give you a 20 minute guitar solo but they are now a great band in their own right and yes they can sing very well.
------ Other articles of interest ------
Robbie Williams and Take That reunite for Haiti song
Take That fans don’t want Robbie back for good
Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow single is a shame
Mark Owen’s former lover has her say
Tags: Abbey Road, Culture, Howard, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, News, Patience, Robbie Williams, Rule The World, Take That, The Circus Live At Wembley Stadium
What a fantastically honest review. Take That are brilliant, talented, down to earth, humble guys who don’t take themselves too seriously, who can sing, dance and write their own songs. I love them and saw them 3 times at Wembley.
Thank you for being so complimentary for a bloke! We just don’t want Robbie back – they are great as they are!!
Thank you for a very interesting account and honest review of Take That. It just goes to show that with an open mind, people can change their opinions. Like you I was not that much into TT first time around, but have now been shown the errors of my ways.
Perhaps this will allow others to rethink about Robbie Williams adding his contribution to the the band. Yes TT are great as a four piece, that is fact. However as a five piece, using the same format that produced the Circus album, surely the band can achieve true and lasting greatness. Remember the main reason Robbie left was because his contributions were ignored, uncredited and unrecognised. For a 21 year old to leave a band at the height of its success, with no obvious fall back role takes guts, if nothing else.
As much as I admire the current line up of TT, I can’t help but feel that there is a missing element, that only Robbie can and should be allowed to bring to the table. A band can only grow if they are willing to continually challenge themselves. I believe a 5 piece will exceed expectations and look forward to a new review where you describe having your face is slapped again – in the nicest possible way of course!
Couldn’t agree more. I also ignored them in the 90’s but even then, I had to admit that ‘million love songs’ was one of the best pop songs ever written. I watched their video the other day and was blown away. I’ve had the privilege of seeing the previously considered ‘worlds best live acts’, Genesis, Springsteen and The Clash. I thought their shows were fantastic but quite frankly they were no better than The Circus. Video concerts always lose something, so I can only imagine how good it was live. Barlow is one of top ten pop writers of all time. Never thought I’d say that
Wonderful review! As a TT fan that went to the Circus concert twice last summer (including the night when the DVD was filmed) I can only say that the DVD did not manage to catch all the excitment and all the magic that the guys brought to life on stage. They do get better and better with time like an old bottle of red wine.
And you know what? The nicest thing is that my husband (a Queen die-hard fan) is starting to appreciate them and loved every minute of the concert! I think I should fwd him this review:)
I don’t know about Robbie; I am somewhat worried about his emotional problems and about the effect that this may have on the very stable, very down to earth and very solid group of 4 old friends that make up today’s line up. I guess it is up to the 5 of them to decide if there is room for a full-time reunion or just for an one-off event.
That was a great review … made all the more valid as you are a musician yourself.
Elle – nothing is missing from Take That. Robbie Williams was one of the reasons I dismissed them the first time round. And I’m sorry but I really don’t call those silly little ‘raps’ he did as contributions to the group. He left because he wanted to be a solo star and he has his wish. Besides … Rob seems to dismiss the contribution of Ray Heffernan in the writing of the song that saved his career. Rob is too selfish to be in a group. Period!
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I was never a TT fan always Freddie and Queen but I watched the Circus from Wembley on television and was speechless. What performers, wonderful tracks, and mindblowing effects. I am now downloading all their tracks on to my ipod and play them constantly. A great review and is just what a newbie fan needed to read.
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Your review was spot on – I am so glad you can now appreciate Take That. I became a fan when they were a five, then saw them as a four and then they split. I cried when the split up but followed Mark with the solo stuff which was absolutely awesome (he always was and still is my favourite and love him to bits) and in the end got to meet him and he got to know me!!!!! I was in two minds when they reformed as I was very happy following Mark! I have heard he wants to do some solo stuff again but because they have got back together tickets would be difficult to get. Their shows are awsome, I have seen the Ultimate Tour, the Beautiful World Tour (which was – beautiful) and the Circus tour and they never cease to amaze me. I am now 61 years young and Take That changed my life for many different reasons. As for Robbie, am glad they have built their bridges but I don’t think being a five would work, it would be nice if they could just do a one-off but I think it is better letting sleeping dogs lie!!
Great review! But Gary Barlow was technically always a great songwriter, even the first go round. You can’t argue w/ A Million Love Songs (written when he was just 15) or the classic pop song Back For Good. And one wrong fact to correct – the guys all started writing together on Beautiful World, not just The Circus. That’s all, again lovely review.
I’m also of the opinion they really don’t need Robbie, and he does not need them. It’s working, then leave it as it is.
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Kath – From your response, it is clear to me that you have missed the point. If Rob had only contributed “raps” then I would agree with you. As for Ray, he was more than compensated for his very minor (if any) contribution – far more than when Rob was in Take That when his efforts were frequently dismissed. To stop a reunion, whatever we think of Rob and his relationship with the rest of the band would be more selfish. Open ears and open minds, leads to open hearts. Let’s listen to the new Take That recordings with Rob before we judge.
The point is often made that Rob doesnt need to join Take That and Take That doesnt need Rob. None of the boys actually need to do anything. Take That did not ‘need’ to come back. The reason I would hope, if they do eventually reform fully, is because they want to.
And just to point out, if Rob and Mark didnt continue with their solo careers, Take That would never have reformed. Rob also gave Mark a platform at his Knebworth gigs, so I doubt that is an act of a selfish person. And at the risk of causing an online fight, if Rob didnt do such a great job on the single “Could it be magic”, Take That would have been dropped by their record company years ago. So Rob not only saved Take That, he helped make Take That the great band they have now become. Imagine how superb they would be if Rob had an equal part to play in the band? Anyway, let’s see happens, and wish all the 5 lads, all the very best.