Invincible is the second studio album released by English boy band Five. The album was released in the United Kingdom by RCA Records on 8 November 1999, and was later released in the United States on 16 May 2000. The album was executively produced by Simon Cowell and Richard "Biff" Stannard. Four singles were released from Invincible, including the UK chart-toppers "Keep on Movin'" and "We Will Rock You". During their performance at Rock in Rio 2001, group member Scott Robinson stated that the title track "Invincible" was intended to be released as a single, but they decided against it as they were working on their third album. The album reached number four on the UK Albums Chart, the lowest-charting original album by the band, although it went on to become their biggest seller in UK, being certified double platinum.

Background

The original version of the album, released in November 1999, contains a total of fifteen tracks, including the hidden track, "Inspector Gadget". It also contains the original album version of "We Will Rock You". A limited edition version of the standard album, containing an exclusive photo booklet, birthday calendar and free poster was also made available in certain countries in Europe. For the album's release stateside in May 2000, the track listing was revised, removing "Mr. Z", "Sunshine" and "Battlestar", remixing "Don't Wanna Let You Go", and adding the track "Don't Fight It Baby", originally contributed by the band for the soundtrack to the film Loser. The Japanese edition of the album retains the original track listing, but includes the B-side recording "Reminiscing" as a bonus track, and an enhanced section, containing two videos. A special edition of the album was later released in November 2000, featuring a bonus disc, containing five tracks recorded at the Manchester Evening News Arena during the band's Invincible Tour on 26 March 2000. Disc one was also altered, replacing the original version of "We Will Rock You" with the single mix, adding "Don't Fight It Baby" and a remix of "Keep on Movin'" as bonus tracks, and including an enhanced section, containing four music videos.

Critical reception

Peter Fawthrop, from AllMusic, stated that the album is "dizzying, fun, danceable, and all-around glowing." He noted that the group projects a youthful energy, drawing in listeners with their cocky humor and ambition, but also pointed out the "sophomoric lyrics" and sexual themes, which may not resonate with their teenage audience. Fawthrop highlighted the standout tracks "You Make Me a Better Man" and "Mr. Z," praising the latter for its witty and humorous approach. Despite some weaker tracks, he concluded that the album shows the group has potential. Chris Charles, from BBC News, stated that Invincible by Five starts strong with the infectious track "If Ya Gettin' Down," but quickly falls into typical boy band territory. He criticized songs like "Don't Wanna Let You Go" for trying to sound tough but failing, while the album is largely filled with "sugary nonsense" ballads. Although tracks like "Mr Z" show potential with commendable rapping, Charles argues that Five often revert to clichés, and if they want to be taken seriously, they need to move away from these cheesy lyrics.

Chart performance

The album reached number four on the UK Albums Chart, the lowest-charting original album by the band, although it went on to become their biggest seller, being certified double platinum. The album also peaked at number 108 on the US Billboard 200.

Track listing

All tracks are produced by Julian Gallagher and Richard Stannard except where noted. Notes

Personnel

Five Additional musicians Production and additional personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Invincible Tour

The Invincible Tour was a 2000 concert tour by Five in promotion of the album.

Background

Along with the band's native UK, the tour went to Europe, Australasia and—as a foursome—South America, after member Ritchie Neville contracted chickenpox and had to be flown back to England in order to recover.

Concert synopsis

Set list

This set list was played at the Manchester EN Arena on 26 March 2000.

Tour dates