Robbie Williams/ Britpop

 


BY NARENDRA KUSNUR

Robbie Williams/ Britpop

Genre: Pop-rock

Label: Williams/ Farell, licensed to Sony

Rating: *** 1/2

For those who thought British star Robbie Williams was lying low for a decade, releasing only a Christmas album In 2019, the news is that he's back. Known for his attitude issues and enigmatic persona as much as his music, the singer takes you back to the glorious 1990s with his new album, suitably titled Britpop.

Two things immediately strike you. Robbie still has that penchant for writing catchy melodies and addictive hooks, a trait he showed earlier on songs like 'Angels', 'Rock DJ', 'Better Man', 'Come Undone' and 'Feel'. Secondly, he's invited some surprise guests, including Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi, his Take That partner Gary Barlow, Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes (who sings back-up on the opening number 'Rocket') and Gaz Coombes of Supergrass.

Iommi's guitar spells clearly lift 'Rocket', which has the lines, "I just wanna be your rocket, what a time to be alive, what a time to be alive". There's a slower, wayward version of the song called 'Pocket Rocket', closing the 11-song album.

Like most Robbie albums, there are the beauties and there is the average fare. There are multiple producers, and hence a pot pourri of styles. The picks are 'Spies', with its rich guitars, and the melodic 'Pretty Face', despite predictable lines like, "Such a pretty face, she got such a pretty face, she's everything I love about, everything I love about this world". Robbie still seems to be in college.

'Human', featuring Mexican duo Jesse & Joy, is a pleasant ballad which talks about how technology and AI has changed us. 'All My Life' is autobiographical, as he sings, "Baby I've been crazy all my life" (you bet!). And there's a gorgeous melody in 'It's OK Until The Drugs Stop Working', a song one wants to sing along with.

On the flip side, 'Morrissey', co-written by Gary Barlow, tries to crack a jibe at the frontman of the Smiths, but falls flat. 'Bite Your Tongue' and 'Cocky' act as fillers, using styles that Robbie has tried before. 

Despite its flaws, Britpop is a welcome comeback. Robbie had his fans back in the day. It'll be interesting to see how many still swear by him. He's got the songs to woo them, no doubt. If they listen.



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