Nobody Else is the third studio album by the English boy bandTake That, released on 8 May 1995 by RCA Records.[1] It marked the group's final studio release with their original five-member lineup—Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Jason Orange, Mark Owen, and Robbie Williams—before their initial disbandment in 1996.[2] The album features prominent singles including "Sure", "Back for Good", and "Never Forget", which became international hits and showcased the band's transition toward more mature pop balladry.[3]Commercially, Nobody Else achieved significant success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart and remaining there for two weeks while spending a total of 42 weeks in the top 100.[4] It also topped charts in several European countries, including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, and marked Take That's first album to chart in the United States, peaking at number 124 on the Billboard 200.[5] By the end of the 1990s, the album had sold over 3.7 million pure copies worldwide, contributing to its estimated 12 million equivalent album units when accounting for later streaming.[5]The album's production, handled primarily by Gary Barlow along with producers such as Chris Porter and Brothers in Rhythm, emphasized emotional depth and orchestral elements, reflecting the band's evolution from upbeat dance-pop to introspective anthems.[6] In 2025, to commemorate its 30th anniversary, an expanded edition was released, including bonus tracks and remastered audio, underscoring its enduring popularity among fans.[7]
Background and development
Conception and songwriting
The development of Nobody Else began in 1994, following the conclusion of Take That's tour for their previous album, Everything Changes. Under pressure from their record label to deliver new material quickly, Gary Barlow, the band's primary songwriter, composed the bulk of the album's tracks in a single intensive week at his home studio. This rapid process reflected Barlow's growing confidence as a composer, honed from years of studying pop songcraft since his teenage years, allowing him to produce songs in "big clumps" without overanalysis. The album marked a shift toward more mature, introspective themes, moving away from the lighter, dance-oriented sound of earlier releases toward emotional power ballads that explored personal reflection and relationships, amid rising internal band tensions that foreshadowed their eventual hiatus.[8][9]Barlow dominated the songwriting, receiving sole credit on most tracks, including the title song "Nobody Else," "Back for Good," and "Never Forget," which he arranged and initially demoed himself. "Nobody Else" reflects themes of enduring love and cherished memories through old photographs and lasting connections. "Back for Good" was crafted in just 15 minutes using a simple four-chord structure to capture themes of reconciliation. "Never Forget," featuring lead vocals by Howard Donald, was written as an anthemic reminder of perseverance, initially styled in new jack swing before being reworked for broader appeal; Barlow described its creation as an unconscious outpouring tied to the band's transitional life stage. Co-writing contributions were limited, with bandmates Mark Owen and Robbie Williams joining Barlow on "Sure," highlighting occasional collaborative input amid Barlow's lead role.[8][10][9]These songs were shaped by the band's evolving dynamics, as creative control increasingly centered on Barlow, who resisted external pressures from manager Nigel Martin-Smith to adopt trendier R&B influences in favor of heartfelt pop. Themes of maturity and subtle farewell undertones surfaced organically, mirroring the group's internal strains—particularly Robbie Williams' growing dissatisfaction—which influenced the lyrical focus on unity and nostalgia. External collaborators, such as producer Jim Steinman, enhanced select tracks like "Never Forget" with epic remixes, but the core songwriting remained firmly under Barlow's direction, establishing Nobody Else as a testament to his artistic maturation.[10][9]
Band context and hiatus lead-up
Take That, formed in 1990 by manager Nigel Martin-Smith, had risen to become Britain's dominant pop act by the mid-1990s, propelled by their second album Everything Changes (1993), which achieved 7.9 million units in worldwide sales and earned a nomination for the 1994 Mercury Prize.[5][10] The album's success, including multi-platinum certification in the UK and hits like "Pray," solidified their appeal to a young female audience while expanding internationally, setting the stage for their third album Nobody Else as a pinnacle of commercial achievement before internal fractures emerged.[5]By 1994-1995, escalating tensions within the band were exacerbated by Robbie Williams' growing dissatisfaction and battles with substance abuse, including heavy use of alcohol, ecstasy, and cocaine, which strained his relationships with bandmates Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, and Jason Orange.[11][10] Williams' party lifestyle clashed with the group's disciplined regimen, leading to feelings of being sidelined as a mere "stepping stone" in the band's dynamic, where Barlow dominated songwriting; these issues culminated in his abrupt departure announcement on July 17, 1995, during rehearsals for the Nobody Else world tour.[10]Managerial pressures under Martin-Smith intensified the strain, as he aggressively pursued American market expansion, urging the band to adopt edgier, R&B-influenced sounds that conflicted with Barlow's preference for ballads, while the relentless demands of fame— including non-stop touring and media scrutiny—fueled egos and exhaustion.[10] The band's 1994 UK "Pops Tour," their most elaborate production to date with sold-out arenas and medleys of hits, highlighted their peak popularity but also amplified these pressures, as fans began reacting to the group's shift toward a more mature, raunchier image amid reports of backstage chaos.[10] These dynamics infused Nobody Else with undertones of finality, foreshadowing the hiatus, as the remaining members completed the tour as a quartet before disbanding in 1996.[10]
Recording and production
Studio sessions
The recording sessions for Take That's album Nobody Else took place primarily at Sarm West Studios in Ladbroke Grove, London, starting in late 1994 and extending into early 1995, with supplementary work conducted at Gary Barlow's home studio in Delamere Forest, Cheshire, near Manchester. These sessions marked a period of intense activity for the group, as they balanced the demands of their rising fame with the production of what would become their final album featuring all five original members. The logistical setup involved initial demos and basic tracking at Barlow's facility before relocating to Sarm West for more polished elements, including orchestral and choral additions. Final recordings, including orchestra and choir, were completed at Sarm West using all three studios simultaneously to meet deadlines.[10][12][13]The timeline followed a structured progression, beginning with foundational elements such as bass and drums to establish the rhythmic backbone, before advancing to vocal layers in early 1995. Backing vocals were captured collectively with the five members gathered around a single microphone to foster a unified sound, after which individual lead vocals were overdubbed for precision and depth, particularly emphasizing multi-layered harmonies on tracks like "Sure" and "Never Forget." This overdub process allowed for harmonic richness typical of the band's pop style, with edits handled using early digital tools to refine performances without extensive re-takes.[13]Technical and interpersonal challenges defined much of the sessions, including tight deadlines imposed by the group's packed schedule and the need to prepare for a major tour starting in April 1995. Robbie Williams' ongoing substance abuse issues led to a noticeable decline in his vocal reliability, limiting his contributions and exacerbating divisions within the band, as the other members—led by Barlow—focused on completing the album amid mounting pressure from management over stylistic directions. These tensions, including clashes between high-energy pop demands and Barlow's preference for ballads, ultimately affected group cohesion but did not derail the project's completion, resulting in a cohesive final product despite the strain.[10][14]
Production team contributions
The production of Nobody Else was led primarily by Gary Barlow, who co-produced the majority of tracks alongside engineer and mixer Chris Porter, contributing to a polished, mature sound that emphasized emotional depth and vocal clarity. Porter's techniques, including meticulous mixing and vocal layering, were particularly evident on "Back for Good," where he handled the engineering and mixing to achieve the track's signature smooth, emotive vocal texture through careful compression and reverb application, enhancing Barlow's lead performance. A 32-piece ensemble was recorded for the strings on this track.[6][15]Dave James served as co-producer with the Brothers in Rhythm duo (Dave Seaman and Steve Anderson) on "Never Forget," infusing pop elements such as upbeat rhythms and anthemic builds to balance the album's ballad-heavy leanings while maintaining commercial appeal. "Sure" was produced by Barlow and Brothers in Rhythm. Paul Jervier, often collaborating with his brother Steve Jervier, produced tracks including "Every Guy," "Sunday to Saturday," and "Music," bringing R&B influences through groovy basslines and soulful arrangements that added rhythmic diversity to the record.[6][16]Session musicians played a crucial role in elevating the album's ballads, with arranger Richard Niles providing string and brass orchestrations for tracks like "Sure," "Every Guy," and "Back for Good," employing a lush, cinematic style with layered violins and horns. These contributions helped realize Barlow's vision for a more sophisticated production amid internal band tensions, as producers like Porter supported his advocacy for mature balladry over high-energy pop, mediating creative differences with manager Nigel Martin-Smith to prioritize artistic growth.[6][15][10]
Composition and musical style
Overall sound and influences
Nobody Else represents a significant evolution in Take That's musical style, shifting from the upbeat, dance-oriented bubblegum pop of their earlier albums Everything Changes and Take That & Party to a more sophisticated blend of adult contemporary pop and contemporary R&B. This transition was driven by principal songwriter Gary Barlow's increased creative control, resulting in a polished sound that emphasized emotional depth and maturity, aligning with the mid-1990s pop landscape where R&B and soul elements were gaining prominence in mainstream acts.[17]The album spans approximately 52 minutes across 13 tracks, with ballads and mid-tempo songs comprising the majority—roughly 60% of the runtime featuring slower tempos to highlight vocal harmonies and introspectivelyrics. Production incorporates synthesizers for atmospheric layers, live drums for rhythmic drive, and occasional orchestral swells to enhance the emotional resonance, creating a radio-friendly yet reflective aesthetic that balanced commercial appeal with artistic growth. These elements reflect the band's effort to mature alongside evolving industry trends, moving beyond teen idol tropes toward a sound more akin to established R&B-influenced pop ensembles.[3][6]Influences from icons like Michael Jackson and Prince are evident in the album's fusion of pop hooks with R&B grooves and falsetto vocals, while the multi-layered harmonies draw from groups such as Boyz II Men, adding a soulful texture to tracks that underscore Take That's progression from youthful exuberance to adult-oriented introspection. This stylistic pivot not only captured the era's blend of British pop with American R&B but also positioned the band as pioneers in the European boy band scene amid shifting global music dynamics.[17]
Key tracks analysis
"Back for Good" employs a classic verse-chorus structure in the key of F major, creating an intimate ballad that emphasizes emotional vulnerability through its straightforward progression.[18] The song's lyrics center on themes of reconciliation, with the narrator expressing regret over past mistakes and a desperate plea for a former lover's return, as seen in lines like "I want you back for good."[19] A distinctive acoustic guitar provides steady rhythmic strumming throughout, underscoring the tender piano-led melody and layered vocal harmonies that build to a heartfelt chorus.[20]"Never Forget" features an anthemic build-up that escalates from introspective verses to a soaring chorus, driven by choir-like backing vocals that evoke a sense of communal uplift.[20] The track's themes revolve around perseverance and remembering one's origins amid success, urging listeners to hold onto humility and shared experiences, reinforced by Howard Donald's lead vocals and contributions from a choir including Clive Griffin.[21] This structure culminates in a powerful, stadium-ready climax, blending pop orchestration with motivational lyrics to inspire resilience.[22]"Sure" delivers an upbeat R&B groove at 91 BPM, characterized by a prominent, fat bassline that propels its flirtatious energy and danceable rhythm.[20] The lyrics playfully explore romantic assurance and exclusivity, with Gary Barlow's smooth delivery conveying a lighthearted seduction in phrases like "Sure, so sure, that it's sweet love I found." Group harmonies and subtle synth elements enhance the track's infectious bounce, aligning with the album's broader R&B influences while maintaining a concise pop framework.[20][23][24]Tracks like "Every Guy" inject humor into the album's predominantly somber tone, using bouncy 90s R&B production with record scratches and a pulsating bassline to deliver witty, self-aware lyrics about idealized romance.[20]Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow's shared vocals add a playful banter, contrasting the introspective ballads elsewhere by poking fun at male fantasies in lines that list quirky partner traits, providing levity amid themes of longing and reflection.[20]
Release and promotion
Album release details
Nobody Else was released on 8 May 1995 in the United Kingdom through RCA Records, marking Take That's third studio album.[25] The release extended simultaneously to Europe and Asia, with an international rollout continuing into later months, including a North American launch on 15 August 1995 via Arista Records.[25][26]The album was distributed in standard formats such as CD, cassette, and vinylLP, catering to various consumer preferences in the mid-1990s market.[6] Special editions varied by region; for instance, the JapaneseCD included the exclusive bonus track "All That Matters to Me," enhancing appeal in that territory.[25]Packaging featured a minimalist black-and-whitephotograph of the five band members on the cover, art directed by Morgan Penn, with additional sleeve photography credited to Robert Walker and Mathew.[27] This design choice contributed to the album's sleek, introspective visual identity.[27]Distribution strategies differed regionally: in Europe, RCA Records facilitated a widespread rollout through BMG, supporting strong market penetration and multiple number-one chart positions, whereas the US edition via Arista was more limited in scope and promotion.[25][27]
Marketing and tour
The marketingcampaign for Nobody Else emphasized televisionexposure and visual media to capitalize on the band's popularity. Take That performed key singles from the album on prominent UK programs, including multiple appearances on Top of the Pops to promote tracks like "Sure," "Back for Good," and "Never Forget," as well as a live rendition of "Back for Good" at the 1995 BRIT Awards.[28][29] The group also featured on MTV, including backstage moments at the 1995 MTV Europe Music Awards, broadening their reach across Europe. Music videos for the singles, such as the rain-soaked narrative for "Back for Good" directed by Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton, were produced to enhance the album's romantic pop aesthetic and aired heavily on music channels.)In support of the album, Take That embarked on the Nobody Else Tour from April to October 1995, comprising 31 dates primarily across the UK and Europe, with later legs in Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and Japan following Robbie Williams' departure. The tour highlighted new material from Nobody Else, with elaborate staging that included aerial entrances and multimedia elements, marking it as one of the band's most ambitious productions up to that point. Promotional tie-ins included the release of Nobody Else: The Movie, a concert film capturing live performances from the UK leg, which served as extended merchandise for fans.[25][30]Merchandise efforts focused on tour-related items, such as official concert programs detailing the shows at venues like Manchester Arena and Earls Court, alongside T-shirts and apparel branded with tour logos to engage audiences during live events. International promotion extended to Asia through the tour dates and a Japan-exclusive single, "Sunday to Saturday," which helped sustain momentum in that market.[31][25]Robbie Williams' announcement of his departure from the band in July 1995, during the UK tour leg and coinciding with the release of "Never Forget," was handled through press statements that portrayed it as a personal decision amid the group's intense schedule, eliciting widespread media coverage and fan sympathy. The remaining quartet continued the tour and promotions, framing the transition as a new chapter to maintain public support for the album.[32][33]
Singles
Lead single details
"Sure" served as the lead single from Take That's third studio album, Nobody Else, and was released on 3 October 1994 by RCA Records. Written by the band's lead singer Gary Barlow with contributions from Robbie Williams and Mark Owen, the track was produced by the group alongside Jonathan Wales and Paul Jervier, marking an early shift toward a more R&B-influenced sound. The single debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for one week, becoming Take That's fifth UK chart-topper. It sold over 400,000 copies in the UK and has accumulated combined physical and digital sales exceeding that figure, earning a Silver certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The track's success extended internationally, topping charts in Ireland and reaching the top 10 in several European countries, including Finland and Spain, helping build anticipation for the album.[34][35]The song's upbeat yet soulful vibe, with its themes of certainty in love, showcased the band's evolving style and contributed to the album's mature pop direction.
Follow-up singles
Following the release of the lead single "Sure", Take That issued "Back for Good" as the second single from Nobody Else on 27 March 1995. Written solely by Gary Barlow, the ballad was engineered by Phil Coxon and produced by the group alongside Chris Porter. The single's release was advanced due to public demand after its live debut at the 1995 BRIT Awards.[36][37]"Back for Good" debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart, remaining there for four weeks and becoming Take That's sixth UK chart-topper and their last with Robbie Williams. It sold 248,000 copies in its first week and has over 1.1 million combined physical and digital sales in the UK as of 2020, earning 2× Platinum certification from the BPI in December 2020. The track reached number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and topped charts in over 30 countries.[37][38][39][40]The song's heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody captured themes of reconciliation and longing, setting an emotional tone for Nobody Else. Its impact includes features in the 2023 film Greatest Days soundtrack and the 1999 Spaced finale. Remixes, like the Urban Mix, broadened its radio appeal.[37][41][42]Take That then released "Never Forget" as the third single on 24 July 1995. Written by Gary Barlow, it debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, totaling 19 weeks in the top 100. It served as an anthemic farewell amid Robbie Williams' departure later that year.[43][25]"Every Guy" was released as a promotional single in 1995, with limited commercial promotion during the group's tensions.[44]In select international markets, "Sunday to Saturday" was issued as a single, released in Japan instead of "Never Forget".[25]
Critical reception
Initial reviews
Upon its release in May 1995, Nobody Else garnered mixed to positive reviews from the UK music press. NME awarded the album 7 out of 10, praising aspects of its production. This critical reception revealed a divide between reviewers and fans, as tabloids like The Sun emphasized the band's internal tensions and drama surrounding Robbie Williams' impending departure rather than the musical content.[10]
Retrospective assessments
In the 2010s and beyond, Nobody Else has been reevaluated as a pivotal work in Take That's catalog, often hailed as their creative peak amid the band's impending dissolution. A 2020 feature in The Independent described the album as "arguably their finest," portraying it as a tumultuous "swan song" that captured the group's internal chaos and artistic maturity, comparable to landmark farewells like The Beatles' Let It Be. This perspective underscores how the record's blend of polished pop and emotional depth reflected the era's boy band evolution, with tracks like "Back for Good" enduring as timeless ballads that highlight Gary Barlow's songwriting prowess.[10]The album's legacy has been affirmed through its inclusion in prominent retrospective lists celebrating boy band excellence. In 2020, Billboard ranked Nobody Else among the 30 best boy band albums of the past three decades, praising its sophisticated production and hit singles that bridged 1990s pop with broader emotional resonance, influencing subsequent generations of acts. Similarly, a BBC compilation program, Take That at the BBC (2023), showcased enduring performances from the album's era, emphasizing the lasting appeal of its ballads and their role in the band's transition from teen idols to cultural icons. These assessments highlight how Nobody Else stood the test of time, with its melodic introspection continuing to resonate in modern pop discourse.[17][45]Renewed interest accompanied reissues that spotlighted the album's archival value. These editions, culminating in the 2025 30th anniversary deluxe version released on June 6, 2025, with rare bonuses like "All That Matters to Me," have fueled ongoing discussions of the album's cultural endurance.[46]
Commercial performance
Chart performance
Nobody Else debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart on 13 May 1995, holding the top position for two weeks and remaining on the chart for a total of 42 weeks.[4] This performance marked the band's third consecutive number-one album in the UK, following Everything Changes, which spent 78 weeks on the chart.[47] On the 1995 UK year-end albums chart, Nobody Else ranked at number 19.[48]The album's singles achieved significant success on the UK Singles Chart, with the lead single "Sure" debuting at number one in October 1994 and holding the position for two weeks. "Back for Good" followed in April 1995, topping the chart for four weeks, while "Never Forget" reached number one in July 1995 for three weeks.[49]Internationally, Nobody Else topped the charts in several countries, including Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium (Flanders and Wallonia), Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and Finland. It peaked at number two in Australia and number seven in Sweden. In the United States, the album reached a peak of number 69 on the Billboard 200, on November 18, 1995.[25][50][51][52]
Nobody Else has sold 3.7 million pure copies worldwide, contributing to an estimated 12 million equivalent album units when including streaming and track sales (as of September 2025).[5]The album received multiple certifications reflecting its regional performance. In the United Kingdom, it was certified 2× Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for 600,000 units shipped.[53] Across Europe, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) awarded it 2× Platinum status for 2 million units.[53] Other notable certifications include Gold in Austria (25,000 units), Belgium (25,000 units), Germany (250,000 units), Netherlands (50,000 units), Spain (50,000 units), Sweden (50,000 units), and Switzerland (25,000 units), as well as Platinum in Canada (100,000 units) and 5× Platinum in Taiwan (250,000 units).[53]
Sales were strongest in Europe, where certifications alone account for over 2.5 million units, underscoring the band's core market.[53] In contrast, performance in the United States was more modest, with approximately 350,000 equivalent units generated from the US version of the album.[5]Following Take That's reunion, Nobody Else has experienced long-tail sales bolstered by digital streaming. It has accumulated 12 million equivalent album units worldwide, including 3.7 million in pure sales and the remainder from streams and track sales, demonstrating enduring popularity.[5] The 30th anniversary edition, released in June 2025 as the album's first vinyl pressing with bonus tracks and remixes, has further contributed to ongoing consumption through physical and digital formats.[25]
Track listing and credits
Track listing
All tracks written by Gary Barlow except where noted. Production varied, with Gary Barlow co-producing most tracks alongside Chris Porter, Brothers in Rhythm, and others.[54]
"Sure" (Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, [Robbie Williams](/page/Robbie Williams)) – 3:42
The total runtime is 50:35.[6]The original vinyl edition divides the tracks across two sides: Side A contains tracks 1–6, and Side B contains tracks 7–11.[27]The US edition features a modified track listing with 10 tracks, replacing "Every Guy", "Sunday to Saturday", "Hate It", and "Lady Tonight" with "Babe", "Pray", and "Love Ain't Here Anymore". The Japanese edition adds the bonus tracks "All That Matters to Me" (Gary Barlow) as track 12 and an instrumental version of "Back for Good" as track 13.[55]
Personnel
Take That, the English boy band, provided the core performances on their 1995 album Nobody Else, with the lineup consisting of Gary Barlow (lead vocals, keyboards, piano on multiple tracks), Howard Donald (backing vocals, drums), Jason Orange (backing vocals, guitar), Mark Owen (backing vocals), and Robbie Williams (backing vocals), though Williams' contributions were limited toward the end of recording due to his impending departure from the group.[56][54]The production was led by Gary Barlow and Chris Porter, who co-produced the majority of tracks including "Sure", "Back for Good", "Never Forget", and "The Day After Tomorrow"; additional producers included Dave James on "Never Forget"; David Morales on "Hanging Onto Your Love"; and Brothers in Rhythm on "Sure", "Holding Back the Tears", and "Every Guy".[54][57][58]Engineering duties were handled by Paul Wright (mixing and engineering on tracks 1, 3–4, 6, 8–10), Pete Craigie (engineering on tracks 3–4, 9), Paul Jervier (engineering on tracks 2, 4, 9), and assistant engineer Steve McNichol (on tracks 2, 5, 9, 11).[54][57][59]Additional musicians and technical staff contributed to the album's sound, including guitarists Greg Bone and Neil Oldfield (on tracks 1, 3–4, 6, 8, 10), Phil Palmer (guitar on "Back for Good"); Steve Anderson (keyboards, bass, drums); Chris Cameron (keyboards, string arrangements on "Back for Good"); Richard Niles (string and brass arrangements on tracks 1, 3–4, 6, 8, 10); Derek Watkins (trumpet on "Back for Good"); Nigel Hitchcock (saxophone on "Sunday to Saturday"); and Bashiri Johnson (percussion on "Hanging Onto Your Love"). Session backing vocalists provided support on various tracks.[54][60][61]