Take That

The Circus

Polydor

Rating: 3/5

Doncha just wanna watch Take That sleep? Aren't they all just so nice? Hasn't Gary Barlow grown into himself so well? Everyone loves Take That: The. End. But if you are looking for 'Patience' or 'Shine', then don't come to The Circus.

This is a glossy Snow Patrol-loving record with a couple of very nice moments and dollops of schmaltz. 'Greatest Day' has that musical trick of sounding epic without going anywhere, and should have hands reaching for the sky in Croke Park next year.

Lyrically, Barlow and his three mates are becoming more adventurous.
The opener, 'The Garden', is incredibly philosophical for a boy band, even if you can secretly picture Cliff Richard bellowing it from a grassy hill top.

The title track is surely Barlow's most achingly-open, thought-provoking and sparse address. Aren't they all lovely, though?

Download: 'Greatest Day', 'The Garden', 'The Circus'