:: Robbie Williams - Reality Killed The Video Star

Robbie Williams

I‘m sure Robbie Williams would have done some soul-searching after his disappointing 'Rudebox’ album three years ago. Things were looking promising when the first single from this new album, ‘Bodies’, was released and showed a distinct return to the Robbie we thought we knew. We found out that he had enlisted the services of acclaimed producer Trevor Horn and it was evident in ‘Bodies’, an over-the-top grandiose number with a huge chorus. It showcases the true Robbie Williams verve and iconic presence. With the new album it was noticeable that Robbie Williams relished the chance to be at his belligerent best. From a similar synth-pop mould there are two other tracks of note: ‘Last Days Of Disco’, a nod to his love of the Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode, and the danceable euro house of ‘Difficult For Weirdos’. Balancing this futurism is a brace of classic Williams songs: ‘Morning Sun“, the obligatory Beatles-esque ballad, and 'You Know Me’. They are undeniably fine examples of the standard Williams album track, and go someway towards him achieving his goal of making interesting, intelligent music for the masses. However, Robbie was clearly right to resist the post-"Rudebox” pressure to play safe. Instead, he has actually found both the quality and integrity he desires and an album of songs which, by anyone‘s definition, sounds like a return to form. Robbie says that he is more settled in his personal life, and it shows in the music. The introspective beauty of the tear-jerking 'Blasphemy’ and the gorgeous ‘Starstruck’ are testimony to this theory. It's good to see Robbie Williams back towards his best form.