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  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
The Circus Image
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: Take That returns with its second album (fifth studio album overall) since their return, again produced by John Shanks.

Top Track

The Greatest Day
Today this could be, the greatest day of our lives Before it all ends, before we run out of time Stay close to me Stay close to me Watch the world... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. The Circus possesses well crafted pop songs, with faultless production. There are certainly moments when Barlow comes into his own as a songwriter.
  2. Q Magazine
    60
    While this circus could have more attractions and you yearn for a flash of lyrical brilliance among the uncomplicated relationship musings, there's no disgrace here and nothing to alienate their audience or embarrass those who grew up with Take That. [Jan 2009, p.117]
  3. It seems the rejuvenated five have also been listening to Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to The Head" for inspiration, delivering a set of earnest songs full of chiming guitars and a dozen violins, which should soar through Wembley Stadium when they embark on their stadium tour next summer.
  4. While The Circus will undoubtedly sell bucketloads of copies, it does all become rather samey after a while.
  5. The Circus isn’t terrible. In fact it’s very listenable; genre-wise it falls somewhere between Beatlesy ballads and Billy Joel’s 'The Piano Man.'
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Jan 24, 2020
    10
    With Beautiful World my favourite Take That album. Uplifting and at the same time very emotional. Especially The Garden, Greatest Day, Said ItWith Beautiful World my favourite Take That album. Uplifting and at the same time very emotional. Especially The Garden, Greatest Day, Said It All and What Is Love stand out the most for me. Expand
  2. Jul 24, 2020
    10
    Probably the best Take That album (alongside Beautiful World and Progress). Great songs and lyrics, The Garden, How Did it Come To This,Probably the best Take That album (alongside Beautiful World and Progress). Great songs and lyrics, The Garden, How Did it Come To This, Julie, Said It All and Hello are the best songs. Expand
  3. MG.
    Feb 8, 2009
    10
    Love this album. Great harmonies . Great songwriting. It should be released here in the States.
  4. PeterK
    Jan 14, 2009
    8
    Best Take That album. They play better ever before.