Take That’s latest album is very introspective and filled with heart.
Taking their music in a very different direction, Take that return with their ninth studio which really feels as though it is the most thoughtful and relatable album that they have made since their return. Musically it soars while lyrically it contains some extremely relatable thoughts and ideas that stick in the mind.
Throughout the album the more acoustic style combined with Americana influences that thread its way through each song really suits the trio as heard on numbers such as ‘This Life’ (which has a playful quality about it but with comforting lyrics that keep the song grounded in meaning) and ‘The Champion’ which has a lovely breeziness to it that makes it enjoyable to listen to.
Musically, it might feel a little bit more subdued than previously released, but there is no denying that as a trio they still understand how to build up to a big climax vocally, with songs such as ‘March of the Hopeful which has a dark and dramatic opening but deepens into something different to what we were expecting but soars beautifully towards the end that really makes an impact.
What is consistently obvious is the beautiful harmonies that they have all developed, which can be particularly heard on numbers such as ‘Keep Your Head’ that is one of the most soulful songs on the album and showed just how much their voices work together and how much of a strong connection they have musically.
While it would be easy to compare this album to their earlier and more anthem based work, This Life shows a different side them, capturing a deeper emotional core to their songs, with it being apparent of just how much creating this album has meant to them as singers. Particular highlights include ‘Windows’ with its slight country style that suits their style of voices really well and ‘This life’ with its relatable lyrics that feel reassuring, musically its simplicity allows the lyrics to take centre stage. Songs such as ‘The Days I Hate Myself’ with its more blues rock infusion hits the spot emotionally and feels as though lyrically it pays tribute to those who have supported us through some of our lowest moments.
This is a very mature and introspective album that highlights perhaps exactly where Take That are and showing compassion to anyone who has gone through a difficult time in their lives musically and it works really well. It might be more subdued but it does hit home emotionally. Definitely one of their strongest albums to date.
By Emma Clarendon
This life is available to buy and download now
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐