Giants (Take That song) explained

Giants
Cover:Giants cover.png
Type:single
Artist:Take That
Album:Wonderland
B-Side:Loving or Leaving
Recorded:Abbey Road Studios, Metropolis Studios (London)
Genre:Pop[1]
Label:Polydor
Producer:Mark Ralph
Prev Title:Cry
Prev Year:2016
Next Title:New Day
Next Year:2017

"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.

Background and release

The lead single from the album, titled "Giants", was released on 17 February 2017.[2] It was written by Gary Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen, Jamie Norton and Ben Mark.[3] The production of the song was handled by Mark Ralph, who had previously produced songs for Clean Bandit and Years & Years.[2] 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.[3]

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."[4]

Music video

The song's music video was directed by Mat Whitecross.[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 chart.[6]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from "Giants" physical CD single.[3]

Locations
Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Alexis. Petridis. Take That's 20 greatest songs – ranked!. The Guardian. January 21, 2021. August 5, 2024.
  2. Web site: Take That unveil their massive new single 'Giants'. Digital Spy. Houghton. Rianne. 17 February 2017. 20 February 2017.
  3. Giants (CD single) . . 2017 . Polydor Records.
  4. News: Take That release new single Giants and it's ready-made for arenas. Metro. 17 February 2017. 24 February 2017.
  5. Web site: Take That 'Giants' by Mat Whitecross. Bather. Luke. Promonews. 17 March 2017. 5 February 2022.
  6. Web site: Ed Sheeran dominates Official Singles Chart after BRITs performance. Officialcharts.com. 17 May 2022.
  7. Web site: IRMA - Irish Charts. Irish Recorded Music Association. 25 February 2017.