Take That — Beautiful Life

Does anyone remember Take That? Chances are the only trivia you'll recall about this British *NSYNC prototype is that the boy band once spawned a moderately entertaining bad boy solo act called Robbie Williams. But you'd be wrong to dismiss them as just another choreographed paradox of '90s teenybopper hysteria, because they're back with a brand-new, grown-up album that makes accomplished exile Williams look like the real rehab cliche. Take That have somehow managed to successfully reincarnate the swelling orchestral ballad on Beautiful Life with tracks like the U.K. chart-topper, "Patience." Its cheesy a capella gives way to a polished adult contemporary sound more reminiscent of James Blunt than S Club 7. "Shine," the second single, is a retro Brit-pop time capsule straight from the '60s, while the last (and in my opinion best) track on the album, "Wooden Boat," rewards with an uncharacteristic folk guitar and solemn lyrics. While some ex-boy band members continue their search for vindication in novelty solo careers, it's perversely satisfying to see Take That's triumphant reinvention.