When I discovered Leona Lewis last year, I developed a serious interest in British music.
What I found was that pop across the pond was SOOOO much better. Seriously, even the "manufactured" (it sounds like a bad reference, correct me if I'm wrong Brits) pop is awesome.
I was first introduced to UK uber-boyband Take That during the Concert For Diana, the charity concert Prince William and Prince Harry put together in honor of their mother's birthday commemoration. I watched (and DVR'd) the whole 6 hour concert on VH1. Toward the end, Take That, who I never heard of before then(although I have heard of Robbie Williams prior), took the stage and sang their first song, called Shine. I hated that. Then they sang "Patience", and I liked that one.
Then they performed their old 1995 hit "Back for Good".
With 30 minutes or so after they performed the song, I downloaded it. The song is a near-perfect example of classic popular music. The lyrics aren't too schmaltzy; they were real enough to not be embarrassed to admit to listening to it. Gary Barlow has a great voice, and the harmonies were top notch. The simple, guitar-driven melody is perfect. It is simply one of the best pop songs I have ever heard.
Thanks to Wikipedia, I learned that the song was actually a hit in the US; it peaked at #7 on the charts. It's unfortunate that months after breaking the extremely difficult American music market, the group broke up.
Now that they have reunited (sans international superstar Robbie), is it possible that they could make a go in America again?
Rating: 9.5/10
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