Is Progress a good place to start with Take That?

Yes, Progress is recommended as a starting point for new Take That listeners. A vibrant fusion of pop and funk, blending soaring melodies with introspective lyrics and anthemic choruses. Released on November 15, 2010, 'Progress' marked Take That's first album as a full five-member group since their 1995 split. This album followed the band's successful reunion and showcased a new creative direction, incorporating more electronic elements alongside their traditional pop sound.

Progress works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and an uplifting mood boost.

How many songs are on Progress?

Progress has 10 tracks, running approximately 47 minutes.

Progress

Take That · 2010

47 min · 10 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of pop and funk, blending soaring melodies with introspective lyrics and anthemic choruses.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Flood Start here — As the lead single, this track features a powerful narrative about overcoming challenges and showcases the group's vocal harmonies effectively. Its grand production sets the tone for the entire album.
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Kidz — This energetic anthem captures the spirit of youth and freedom, combining upbeat instrumentals with playful lyrics that reflect the band's lighter side. Its infectious chorus makes it a standout party track.
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What Do You Want From Me? — The song presents an emotional plea for understanding and connection, featuring heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners. The arrangement emphasizes vulnerability, demonstrating the band’s depth beyond pop conventions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic pop and funk with introspective lyrics, showcasing strong production and vocal arrangements.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that build to an anthemic chorus, particularly in 'The Flood' and 'What Do You Want From Me?'.
The album incorporates electronic elements alongside traditional pop and funk instrumentation, creating a modern sound palette.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

dynamic emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
an uplifting mood boost
contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a major reunion and established the band's status post-split with record sales.
Themes: post-reunion optimism· overcoming challenges
Moods: Uplifting· Energetic
Career context: Released on November 15, 2010, 'Progress' marked Take That's first album as a full five-member group since their 1995 split. This album followed the band's successful reunion and showcased a new creative direction, incorporating more electronic elements alongside their traditional pop sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Westlife· Boyzone· Backstreet Boys

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

What Do You Want From Me?

The bridge shifts to a more vulnerable tone, where the narrator questions the expectations placed upon them while yearning for reassurance.

This shift highlights a raw emotional honesty that contrasts with earlier bravado in the song, effectively deepening its thematic complexity.