This new edition of the group’s final album (of their original time together) has plenty to offer in terms of nostalgia – but it could have used more exclusive content.
It is hard to believe that Take That’s third album (their last together before they reformed for 2006’s ‘Beautiful World’) has turned 30 years old – but listening to this anniversary album reminds me of why it remains one of the group’s strongest albums to date.
From strong album opener ‘Sure’ all the way through to the sensitive album closer ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ on disc one, through to a mixture of updated and live performances that are showcased on the second disc there is plenty for fans to enjoy. However, it feels as though there could have been a bit more exclusive content to mark the occasion, although I did enjoy Howard Donald’s remix of ‘Hanging onto Your Love’ and the vibrant, lesser known ‘All That Matters to Me’.
The original album was my absolute favourite growing up, being filled with plenty of songs that were catchy and showcased how confident and self-assured the group were at this stage in their career. Particular highlights are naturally the heartfelt and romantic ‘Back For Good’, the anthem that is ‘Never Forget’ and the flirtatious sounds of ‘Every Guy’.
It is hard not to enjoy the typical pop 90’s sounds that showcase the great harmonies between Gary, Robbie, Howard, Mark and Jason that mix up the sounds really well. For example, the contrast between the uplifting ‘Sure’ and the more melancholy sounding ‘Holding Back the Tears’ couldn’t be more different but showcases the versatility of the sounds that Take That were experimenting with at the time.
‘Sunday to Saturday’ has always felt like a slightly random track on the album lyrically, but it is hard not to appreciate the combination of pop with a hint of jazz that somehow really works.
On this new version of the album, it is great to see that their version of ‘How Deep is Your Love’ is included on it – it feels right on this album, particularly given it was the last single that the foursome (as Robbie had left by this time) released together – adding a sense of poignancy to it, heightening the fact it was the closure of one chapter of the group’s history.
While ‘The Day After Tomorrow’ feels like a melancholy way to close the album, Mark’s sensitive and haunting vocals just show what a unique singer he is, while Howard’s vocals on ‘Never Forget’ showcase what he is capable of.
The second disc on this 30th anniversary edition doesn’t really add much as the live performances included were also featured on the original album – this being said, with the inclusion of ‘All That Matters to Me’ a lively song that really designed to make you dance it feels like a celebration, while those who attended the 1995 live tour of the album will appreciate the nostalgia of hearing the live performances (which seem slightly more crisper in sound than on the original).
Overall, ‘Nobody Else’ is still one of Take That’s strongest albums – but I was just expecting a little bit more for this anniversary edition. This includes as to whether or not there were other songs that were set to be included but were cut – but it is still a fun and nostalgic release that will please fans.
By Emma Clarendon
Nobody Else (30th Anniversary edition) is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️❤️