It's the perfect opening gambit (although quite how you can get 'ready' for pitch black romance, we're not sure).
We wrote a little about one of Sarah's recent interviews promoting the new Sky Living show last week, and seeing this new advert, it all looks very classy indeed. Sarah nails up a door and sticks tape over the edges to make absolutely sure no light can get in. She's certainly thorough, that girl.
And all this to the sultry tones of Dusty Springfield singing The Look Of Love. Amazing.
Kicking off with a trippy electronica intro that could have come straight off the latest glossy TV ad, Take That's Happy Now quickly slaps a big dollop of vocodered Robbie Williams in your lap as he whispers about 'super-heavy elements'. Is this a chemistry lesson or a pop single?
But then comes the chorus, so glorious and joyous in every extreme, you're left speechless at the marvelous duality of the track. Cold, wintery verses and then explosive choruses of spring-like energy. Compared to the epic power of The Flood and the electro-stomp of Kidz, Happy Now in a way represents the most traditionally 'pop' record off the new Take That album. Yes, the chorus really is that good. It's a slice of unashamed euro-disco that you just don't get enough of anymore.
Take That's move to a more electronic-influenced sound has certainly divided opinion, but for me, when it has resulted in such a brilliant run of singles as this you can't fault the boys. That is if this does indeed become the third single from the album (which I sincerely hope it does). Imagine the Take That boys performing this live at Wembley Stadium... that chorus is simply a pure arms aloft moment, the pleasures of pop music distilled into that one perfect moment. That's what it's all about.
Well, Miss Harding, I certainly did not expect this! Only a week or so after everyone's favourite girl-band blonde stunned us by going brunette, Sarah Harding has now gone one step further with a stunning gothic, black look for a series of HTC adverts. I've always had a soft spot for Sarah but she looks absolutely amazing here - This kind of edginess suits her so well, it's slick, modern and very, very sexy.
I have a big soft spot for piano ballads sung by girl bands, and the brilliant acoustic version of Rokstar by newcomers Parade are currently offering as a free download is one of the very best. The harmonies are spot on, beautiful and powerful in the chorus; which is just the way it should be. Here, the vocals feel real, the lyrics heartfelt and genuine. I love the 'I'm in love with a Rolling Stone' reference too.
There's something distinctly British about Parade and the energy and enthusiasm Emily, Jessica, Lauren, Sian and Bianca give off is undeniable. I can't wait for their album and going on the strength of songs like Rokstar and the amazing Louder - currently soundtracking the Rimmel adverts - it's going to be awesome.
There’s always a danger when covering well known songs that you lay yourself open to a torrent of abuse and anger from fans of the original track. But every so often comes along a cover that is almost universally loved, and Ellie Goulding’s charming version of Elton John’s Your Song is one such track.
Away from the beats and electronic wizardry that typifies the sound of Goulding’s album, Your Song lets her vocals shine through and highlights just what a talented singer she actually is. It’s sensitive, full of longing and emotion – the perfect song then for the winter season. It’s a shot of warmth on biting cold days, just the kind of tonic we can all use from time to time. And fronting up the current series of John Lewis adverts on TV, it’s been given the kind of exposure most artists can only dream of. This Christmas, everyone seems to be a winner.
