Greatest Day

Album: The Circus (2008)
Charted: 1
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Gary Barlow told The Sun November 20, 2008 that this anthemic song will make choosing the setlist for Take That's gigs easier. He said: "We've got so many songs to choose from to close live shows, but we always struggled for one to open with. Greatest Day is that song."
  • This was written by all four band members at Sarm West Studios in Notting Hill. Gary Barlow, who in Take That's previous incarnation was their chief songwriter, told The Irish Times November 8, 2008 how they wrote this song and the rest of The Circus together. He explained: "We're four people in this band, so when we go and record an album it's not one or two people recording, it's the whole band in there, and there's some part of everybody on every song." Mark Owen added: "There were a couple of keyboards and a couple of guitars, and we were all on different parts, getting different chords, trying to be heard and get our ideas across."
  • This was Take That's 11th UK #1, making them the third most successful group in British chart history. Only the Beatles (17) and Westlife (14) have achieved more.
  • Take That filmed the song's video in the downtown area of Los Angeles, whilst visiting their Californian based producer John Shanks.
  • German DJ and producer Robin Schulz remixed "Greatest Day" with vocals from British singer-songwriter Calum Scott. This reimagined version infuses the original track with an energetic dance-floor appeal.

    The new version was released on May 5, 2023 to promote the 2023 film Greatest Days, an adaptation of Take That's stage musical. The film follows five friends reuniting to relive their youth by attending a concert of their favorite boy band, with the soundtrack heavily influenced by Take That's music.
  • The "Greatest Day" remix is a recurring musical motif in the Oscar-winning film Anora. The synth-heavy song underscores pivotal moments, including the opening sequence set in a Manhattan strip club, and a Las Vegas wedding scene.

Comments: 1

  • Ted from Manchester, United KingdomA truly wonderful piece of music. Gary Barlow is a legend! BTW Jason Orange used to live on the same housing estate as me in Withington in Manchester,Tony his dad was a horse racing jockey...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.