Album of the week: Take That - Progress ****; Pink - Greatest Hits.. So Far *****

Nov 18 2010

Take That - Progress ****

ROBBIE Williams is back in Take That and album Progress has arrived. Luckily, the one million people who have invested in their upcoming tour won't be disappointed with the new material. From pop to rock, techno, R&B and disco, all is attempted in this 10-track album. As you'd imagine, Robbie's dominance is clear with Gary taking a backseat vocally. Mark Owen shines on the electro-pop tune SOS and again on the downbeat What Do You Want From Me?, while Jason gleams on the hidden track, the ethereal Flower Bed.

Pink - Greatest Hits... So Far!!! *****

This release acts as a reminder of the Pink's strong back catalogue. Collected from her five albums over the last 10 years, it includes the early R&B-influenced tunes There You Go and You Make Me Sick, the rockier tracks Just Like A Pill, So What and Stupid Girls, and the broody songs Who Knew and Dear Mr President. This retrospective also offers up new track Raise Your Glass. It's a great compilation which highlights just how influential the singer has been.

Stereolab - Not Music ****

NOT Music is a quietly confident, well-rounded release. This may not sound overly impressive, until you consider the fact that Stereolab have been on hiatus for a year and a half. The album has been created from the leftovers of 2008's Chemical Chords recording sessions, yet remains distinct in its own right. Journeying through the realms of synthdriven futurism, subtle indie and psychedelic rock outs, the album keeps the band's sound alive while remaining fresh. Laetitia Sadier's vocals delicately dominate, adding a slightly sinister air to the sound.

Twin Shadow - Forget ****

BROOKLYN-BASED Twin Shadow is the latest act to come out of the prolific New York borough. Eccentric producer George Lewis Jr's debut Forget has more 1980s beats than British duo Hurts, and although he may sound like Morrissey at times, the album is more Spandau Ballet than The Smiths. The baseline-driven ballad When We're Dancing stands out, while Tether Beat, is another strong track. At My Heels is Two Door Cinema Club meets Friendly Fires and is the best of the dancier tracks on offer. Definitely one to watch.