Giants (Take That song)
"Giants" is a song recorded by English band Take That for their eighth studio album, Wonderland (2017). It was written by Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jamie Norton, and Ben Mark, while the production was done by Mark Ralph. It was released as the lead single from Wonderland on 17 February 2017 through Polydor Records.
| "Giants" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Take That | ||||
| from the album Wonderland | ||||
| B-side | "Loving or Leaving" | |||
| Released | 17 February 2017 | |||
| Recorded | Abbey Road Studios, Metropolis Studios (London) | |||
| Length | ||||
| Label | Polydor | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Producer(s) | Mark Ralph | |||
| Take That singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| Giants on YouTube | ||||
Background and release
The lead single from the album, titled "Giants" was released on 17 February 2017.[3] It was written by Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jamie Norton and Ben Mark.[4] The production of the song was handled by Mark Ralph, who has previously produced songs for Clean Bandit and Years & Years.[3] In addition, Ralph also provided the bass, guitars, synthesizers and the programming. Drew Smith and Tom AD Fuller, served as the song's engineers, whilst Charlie Russel did the additional engineering and the keys programming. Fuller also provided additional backing vocals alongside Geoff Holroyde. The mixing of "Giants" was done by Mark "Spike" Stent, with Geoff Swan serving as the mixing assistant. The strings were recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in London. Will Malone was the string arranger and conductor whilst Perry Montague-Mason was the string leader. Isobel Griffiths served as conductor and Susie Gillis provided assistance in the process. Tim Young did the mastering at the Metropolis Studios in London.[4]
Critical reception
In his review of the song, Nicholas Reilly of the British newspaper Metro called it 'ready made for arenas' and stated "It’s a welcome return to their penchant for huge choruses that are tailor made for cavernous arenas. It’s also got a damn catchy chorus too that wouldn't be too far out of place on a recent Coldplay album."[5]
Chart performance
The single debuted at 13 in the UK, becoming Take That's 24th UK top 20 single. However, it was the week's highest selling physical release. It performed well on the Scottish charts: entering the top 10 at number 6, whilst it also reached 86 on the Irish charts.[6]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from "Giants" physical CD single.[4]
- Locations
- Strings recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London
- Mastering at Metropolis Studios in London
- Personnel
- Gary Barlow – vocals, writing
- Howard Donald – vocals, writing
- Mark Owen – vocals, writing
- Mark Ralph – production, bass, guitars, synthesizers, programming
- Jamie Norton – writing
- Ben Mark – writing
- Drew Smith – engineering
- Tom AD Fuller – engineering, backing vocals
- Charlie Russel – additional engineering, keys programming
- Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing
- Geoff Swan – mixing assistant
- Will Malone – strings arranger and conductor
- Perry Montague-Mason – string leader
- Isobel Griffiths – string contractor
- Susie Gillis – assistant string contractor
- Tim Young – mastering
- Geoff Holroyde – backing vocals, drums
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[10] | Silver | 200,000 |
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References
- https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/giants-single/id1202057470
- http://www.umusicpub.com/us/Digital-Music-Library/song/348354/take-that-giants
- Houghton, Rianne (17 February 2017). "Take That unveil their massive new single 'Giants'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 February 2017.
- Giants (CD single) (Media notes). Take That. Polydor Records. 2017.CS1 maint: others (link)
- "Take That release new single Giants and it's ready-made for arenas". Metro. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
- http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/ed-sheeran-dominates-this-weeks-official-singles-chart-after-brits-medley-performance__18315/ Retrieved on 24 February 2017.
- "IRMA - Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 25 February 2017.
- "British single certifications – Take That – Giants". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 6 November 2020. Select singles in the Format field. Select Silver in the Certification field. Type Giants in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.