Mark Owen and his old friends may have sorted out their pension plan with their Ultimate Collection album and forthcoming comeback tour, but this solo release proves there is very little chance they are going to be 'back for good'.
While some of you weep with sadness and others with joy at that news, you may like to know this release carries on in pretty much the same vain as Owen's previous solo efforts. He may not toy with pop in the same way the black sheep of the Take That family does, but he seems to have an ear for a great chorus with a memorable melody. Hail Mary has an anthemic chorus as guitar and piano flirt happily together. He may not have the most powerful voice, with a tendency to yowl, but lyrics like "You always seem to be the better part of me" are guaranteed to tug at the heart strings of dewy-eyed couples far and wide.
People may be more inclined to buy this due to renewed interest in the fab five or ignore it in favour of buying the hits album and a gig ticket. Unlike Robbie, Take That has so far formed the pinnacle rather than the launchpad of Mark Owen's career, but this is strong, straight-forward pop that deserves to do well.
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