I have no idea why I haven't listened to the final chapter of A Better Me until now, but it gave me a new insight into Odyssey and it certainly made me even for more excited for Gary's solo upcoming album (if that was even possible :D ), knowing that he finally understands what the fans prefer.

https://www.mixcloud.com/michellethornton22...tm_content=html

Fascinating additional chapter. Also quite interesting hearing him mention the feedback he received on the health /diet element of the book

Also intriguing hearing him acknowledge the fans want the power ballads more.

 

And...when he says, “who knows, we might be back as a 4”...personally, I can’t see them coming back unless or until they have either Jason, or Rob back for the record.

Yeah, I also found it surprising that, for all we complain that they're somewhat disconnected from the fans' preferences, they're really not. Gary was spot on - I'm always looking for the ballads on an album first. I don't mind the uptempo songs, they're a bit of fun, but, for me, the essence of TT and Gary is given by the big, powerful ballads.

I like the fact that he explained why they approached the greatest hits idea the way they did - I mean, we already knew it hadn't been their initiative, but actually hearing Gary speak so honestly about it drove it home.

 

The little snippet Gary gave us on instagram of one of the songs on his solo album makes me want to hear the whole thing as soon as possible.

Its good they are aware what the fans want as the power ballads are what wanted and wonderland completly lacked that element.

Wonderland did feel a little like a cheaper rehash of Circus - like, copying the theme. If that makes sense?

Ya I see what u mean and it just didnt work, overall a very forgettable chapter.

Saying that, I do like Giants!

I do like giants to be fair but I would much much prefer these days.

Yes, These Days is one of my favourite TT songs. It’s got even better with age!

These Days has aged beautifully and it is one of their finest singles and likely last very big it.

I love these days and really happy it went number 1 for them

 

These Days going Number 1 was special as i think we all knew it would be the last chance they had for a Number 1 singles.

On the week of release it was by no means certain they would get the Number 1 and them doing so was just wonderful.

 

Getting that number 1 was great plus it has sold well and hopefully it might eventually go platinum. Still wish the flood had gone number 1,this and rule the world are 2 songs I wish were number 1s for them as both are great, they also feel more of a number 1 than some of their number 1s such as Sure.

Edited October 4, 20195 yr by Feel_The_Fever

Both songs were deserving of Number 1 on a much greater level than Sure.

While both, may not have official Number 1 status, the general public would most likely view them as Number 1 hits and not Sure.

Garys solo return may possibly help Odyssey pick up some extra sales.

Sales stand at 330, 000 now.

The DVD release might re-ignite some album sales in the Christmas period.

Hopefully it will and likely will do so in small numbers, but it all adds up.

Greatest Hits are good albums for picking up contentious low sales over long periods and helps build into strong selling overall albums.

 

Defo,never forget the ultimate collection was a great example of this.