take that - progress (universal)
March 25, 2011
During the 90's, Take That heralded the return of the boy band to the pop culture landscape after a noticeable (and perhaps much needed) absence. In the 90's, it was cliche boy band in overdrive with lots of loose fitting outfits, stupid synchronised dance movements and film clips featuring more beach settings than a Bali tourism campaign. Then trouble hit when Robbie Williams, the rebel of the band, was constantly being captured by the media in a drink and drug fuelled frenzy and becoming best mates with, of all people, the boys from Oasis. In a blink of an eye, Robbie left Take That because he threatened the wholesome image, and months later, the band fell apart while Robbie went on to international solo success.
A few years back, a television special saw the reunion of the remaining four members (Robbie refused to be involved) and before long, they had reclaimed their crown with record breaking tours and albums receiving praise from all. Fast forward to now, 'Progress' is the first take that album in 15 years to feature the original five piece line up and this reunion has never sounded better. Robbie has brought with him his sense of humour and tough attitude, which has clearly rubbed off in their new musical sound which is far away from their original pop sound and recent balladesque moods.
Produced by Stuart Price, this album has even seen some reviewers state that this is what a pop infused Muse would sound like as the boys toughen up their sound with tracks like 'S.O.S.' and 'Kidz', with a production that is epic and aggressive. Some of the topics dealt with lyrically on the album are fairly mature and remarkably open too, with Mark producing 'What Do You Want From Me?', a song discussing his own infidelity with his wife, or 'Pretty Things', a song about finding yourself at 40 years old and realising you've become the 'older man'. With the fastest selling tour in UK history to their name and about to commence in a few months time, it feels like Take That have come full circle and are exploring being the band that they had always hoped to be all along, Robbie Williams and all.
