Is III a good place to start with Take That?

Yes, III is recommended as a starting point for new Take That listeners. A vibrant blend of pop melodies and funk grooves, showcasing Take That's evolution into mature soundscapes. By the release of III in 2014, Take That was navigating a new phase following the departure of Jason Orange. This album marked their first release as a trio since 2011's Progress, aiming to redefine their sound while retaining their pop sensibilities. After years of lineup changes, this record highlighted their resilience and desire to explore fresh musical directions.

III works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, heartfelt anthems for gatherings and feel-good vibes for road trips.

How many songs are on III?

III has 15 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

III

Take That · 2014

57 min · 15 tracks · funk

A vibrant blend of pop melodies and funk grooves, showcasing Take That's evolution into mature soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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レット・イン・ザ・サン Start here — This track features an infectious chorus and uplifting lyrics that encapsulate the album's optimistic spirit, making it a standout anthem.
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ラヴライフ — With its catchy hooks and heartfelt message about embracing love, this song exemplifies the band’s matured songwriting approach.
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ビリーヴ — As one of the more emotive tracks on the album, it showcases powerful vocal harmonies layered over a driving beat, reinforcing themes of perseverance.
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フリーズ — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics and atmospheric production, highlighting a different sonic texture compared to other tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album features strong pop melodies and funk grooves but lacks standout compositions and cohesion.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a vibrant tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo for the first half.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, with each member contributing distinct melodic lines.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating a reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
heartfelt anthems for gatherings
feel-good vibes for road trips
uplifting tracks for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced excitement
seek minimalistic soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Showcases evolution post-Robbie Williams, affirming enduring popularity.
Themes: post-Robbie transformation· uplifting melodies· emotional resilience
Moods: Anthemic· Uplifting
Career context: By the release of III in 2014, Take That was navigating a new phase following the departure of Jason Orange. This album marked their first release as a trio since 2011's Progress, aiming to redefine their sound while retaining their pop sensibilities. After years of lineup changes, this record highlighted their resilience and desire to explore fresh musical directions.
Stylistic neighbors: Westlife· Boyzone· Backstreet Boys