The Magic Numbers – ‘Take a Chance’ (Heavenly/EMI) Released 23/10/06

Just when you thought the summer was over, The Magic Numbers return with this seemingly sunny pop gem, the first single to be taken from their upcoming second album. Filled with the band’s trademark delicate harmonies and fast bouncy basslines, 'Take A Chance' is the perfect thing to blow away the autumn cobwebs. But take a closer look underneath the upbeat exterior and you’ll find a song filled with heartbreak and shame: lyrics don’t get much more direct and bleak than “It’s a crying shame, that the love you’ve made/is a cross that you bear when it’s cold/Why don’t you leave me alone?” And while it might not win them any new fans, don’t be surprised if it gives the band their first number-one hit.