Progress review on Mirror.co.uk

It's Gary, Howard, Robbie, Mark and Jason all right... but as you've never heard them before.

Futuristic, electro-heavy, bassthumping Take That have ripped up 20 years of history and shown, once again, that they still have a massive future.

I was given an exclusive first listen to the reformed group's 10-track album, Progress, and I can confirm that it's an absolute belter. Determined not to be a bit-part member (as if), Rob's got his dulcet Stoke-on-Trent vocals on over half the tracks.

But despite that, it's still a corker. So good, in fact, that the band have pushed first single The Flood forward a week - sending Westlife running and even pushing Simon Cowell's X Factor charity single back a fortnight.

Here's the lowdown on all 10 tracks...

THE FLOOD

An anthemic, rousing tune, and the first single off the new album. Huge.

SOS

Robbie and Mark combine on this electro-rocky number. Thumping chorus line and very polished.

WAIT

Rob's synthesized vocals give this an 80s feel. Personal lyrics about regret, and dealing with criticism.

KIDZ

You'll either love it or hate it. Another marching bassline, with Mark recording main vocals on the slightly Pink Floyd-esque track.

PRETTY THINGS

Slower in tempo, Robbie sounds great. A real grower.

HAPPY NOW

My favourite track on the album, an absolute Tune with a capital 'T'.

Scissor Sister-lite, Gary and Rob dominate on this massively upbeat and vocoder-heavy number.

Please let this be the next single, boys.

UNDERGROUND MACHINE

Classic Robbie, complete with catchy chorus: "When the girl meets the boy and the boy meets the girl and the boy thinks the girl's all right. All right."

WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?

Another absolute classic. While Mark is keen to stress this deeply personal song was written before his extramarital affairs came to light, there's no denying the poignancy of the lyrics: "It's been a difficult year/(but) I still want to belong to you/I still want to grow old with you/I still think I'm in love with you/I still think you're the one for me but what do you want from me?"

AFFIRMATION

Howard gets to have a go on the mic. Love his voice but the track feels like a bit of a filler.

EIGHT LETTERS

Features the lyric "Look back, don't stare" - the name of TT's forthcoming film. Fantastic song, hints at the lads repairing their relationship with Robbie. Rousing climax and set to be the closing track for next year's tour.


Fuente: Mirror