Robbie Williams: Greatest Hits

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Elly Roberts reviews

Robbie Williams:
Greatest Hits
Distributed by
Chrysalis (EMI)Cover

    CD:
    Live DVD:

  • Year: 2004
  • Rating: 9/10
  • Cat. No: 8668192

    Track listing:

      1. Old Before I Die
      2. Lazy Days
      3. Angels
      4. Let me Entertain You
      5. Millennium
      6. No Regrets
      7. Strong
      8. She’s The One
      9. Rock DJ
      10. Kids
      11. Supreme
      12. Let Love Be Your Energy
      13. Eternity
      14. The Road To Mandalay
      15. Feel
      16. Come Undone
      17. Sexed Up
      18. Radio
      19. Misunderstood

Love him or hate him, he’s Britain’s biggest pop star.

Who would have ever thought that the chubby faced backing singer in Take Thatwould become one of the highest paid entertainers in British recording history?With a reputed record deal worth £60m, EMI have invested heavily. Thiscollection not only demonstrates Williams’ popularity from Boy Bander, to theunbelievable heights of cult status, but his ‘ invisible ‘ former partner.

It must not be overlooked that behind this string of hits, was his collaborationwith craftsman Guy Chambers: the real hit machine. That ‘ marriage ‘ ended twoyears ago, leaving Robbie seeking a new partnership, which has not been testedas yet. Stephen Duffy, is the guinea pig, at the moment, contributing to thenew songs.

In reality, anybody could be singing these, very often, infectious songs. But,his boyish and sometimes yobbish charm seems to be a winning formula with bothsexes. You’ve only got to hear the live Knebworth concert to confirm hisadulation. Being taken ’ seriously ‘ is a whole different ball game. His ‘EgoHas Landed‘ tactic seriously backfired as he tried to crack America – whichis his long term agenda. I genuinely believe he lives 24/7 to win them over.Huge billboards covered with those words barely registered with American musicindustry or psyche.

The closest he’s come to any kind of credibility in myeyes, was his magnificent Swing When You’re Winning, recorded live atthe Royal Albert Hall. For Williams, it was quite formidable as he did his song and dance, Brat Pack routine. This was a deliberate attempt to woo Hollywood –again they weren’t interested.

Attempts to canoodle with Nicole Kidman in the video of Something Stupid,a Christmas number one in 2001, and a reported romance, failed a third time.Frustration must surely be setting in with the man himself, and presumably EMIquestioning their decision to back him. The big question is: when will theirpatience run out?

Williams registers highly in the entertainment department: he is a pop starwithout question. On that basis alone, you’d have thought the Yanks would havelapped him up. Not so, as there’s only so much they’ll accept. Many greatBritish acts have failed miserably with the ‘ Pond Crossover ‘. An attempt tochange things might just be around the corner with film cameo role.

As a compilation, this really works. Thrown together, the songs flow easily.They are great pop songs, sung by a mediocre singer. But there again, thecharts have seen plenty of those. Most worrying point for Williams, is hisco-dependency on good writers to deliver the goods. Others needed them ; Sinatra,Dean Martin – the list goes on and on.

In this instance, forget the cheeky chappie’s image and antics: just enjoythe ride – it really is quite good. Apparently, pop princess Sophie EllisBextor called him a Redcoat – yes he is, but a damned good one and able topush 32 million albums around the world.

Star tracks – Angels, Millennium, Let Me Entertain You, No Regrets, Rock DJ and She’s The One.

Misunderstood is featured in the new Bridget Jones: Edge Of Reasonflick, and is released on 6 December, obviously for the Christmas market.

Other Robbie Williams albums:

And check outRobbie Williams.com

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