Everything Changes

Photographers: Philip Ollerenshaw; Dean Freeman.
Although the group went largely unnoticed in the United States, the British boy band Take That became a pop phenomenon in the U.K. during the early 1990s, pre-dating the Stateside success of the Backstreet Boys and N Sync by years. While this '93 album, the ensemble's sophomore outing, showcases the pop-savvy songwriting of band member Gary Barlow and the smooth vocal harmonies of the entire quintet, it reveals only a little of the charm of future solo superstar Robbie Williams, who largely gets lost in the shuffle (no doubt a reason for his '95 departure). Highlights of the disc include the propulsive title track, the soaring "Pray," and the disco-tinged "Relight My Fire," along with the wistful R&B-leaning ballad "Why Can't I Wake Up with You?" Representing the height of the act's success, EVERYTHING CHANGES is unnecessary for Williams fans, but recommended for aficionados of Barlow's solo career and absolutely essential for Take That fans.