The Circus (Take That album)

The Circus is the fifth studio album by British pop group Take That, released in the United Kingdom on 1 December 2008. It marked a significant comeback for the band, following their 2006 reunion and the success of their previous album, Beautiful World.

The album's title and artwork reflect a circus theme, which was further developed in the band's accompanying stadium tour. The Circus debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling over 133,000 copies on its first day and becoming the fastest-selling album of 2008 at the time. It remained at number one for several weeks and was certified 4x Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

The album spawned several successful singles, including "Greatest Day," which reached number one in the UK, and "Up All Night," which also achieved significant chart success. Other notable tracks include "The Garden" and "Said It All."

The Circus showcased a more mature and diverse sound for Take That, incorporating elements of pop, rock, and orchestral arrangements. The album was generally well-received by critics, who praised its strong melodies, sophisticated production, and emotional depth. Its commercial success solidified Take That's position as one of the UK's most popular and enduring musical acts.