Robbie Williams "Escapology" Album
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Title: Escapology Format: Album Label: Virgin Records Us Released: 2003-04-01 |
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Tracklisting & Lyrics
1. Feel lyrics »2. Monsoon lyrics »
3. Sexed Upn lyrics »
4. Get a Little High lyrics »
5. Come Undone lyrics »
6. Something Beautiful lyrics »
7. Love Somebody lyrics »
8. Revolution lyrics »
9. How Peculiar lyrics »
10. One Fine Day lyrics »
11. Me and My Monkey lyrics »
12. World's Most Handsome Man lyrics »
13. Nan's Song lyrics »
14. How Peculiar (Reprise) lyrics »
Reviews
He's tried his hand at indie-rock, big-band swing, and brash pop music. So where does Robbie Williams' fifth album take the popular British entertainer? Escapology is a a serious attempt to make music that's equally artistically credible and commercially accessible. Williams has matured into an adult-orientated rock/pop performer. Indeed, tead single, "Feel," wouldn't sound misplaced when played along with Phil Collins and David Gray; the singer's heartfelt vocals elevate it above routine radio fare. The highlight here is the epic ballad "Love Somebody," as Williams pushes his voice to its limits atop a lush backdrop of brooding strings and a gospel choir. The heavier rock numbers are impressively produced. However, while they feel like attempts to pay homage to Oasis, they wind up sound more like Toploader. Williams continues to harp on about what a hard time he has being a pop star ("How Peculiar," "Something Beautiful"). To fit his newfound maturity, there is less self parody in the lyrics, although his sense of humor shines though on "Handsome Man" and "Me & My Monkey." Escapology also features the first track written entirely by Williams--"Nan's Song"--is a simple, moving tribute to his late grandmother. ~David Trueman, Amazon.com It's impossible to write about Robbie Williams' music without looking at the bigger picture. Self-proclaimed King of Light Entertainment, his every move is documented in the press and he's now the most expensive man in pop thanks to his new ?80 million record deal. Robbie is more than just a singer. He's an all round entertainer and the closest thing to a superstar this country has produced in the past 10 years.As if to hammer the point home, Robbie's return to the limelight after a year's break "Feel" is one of his greatest singles ever. Just as "Angels" starts to lose its magic as the ultimate lighter in the air, tear in the eye moment at any Robbie performance, he comes up with another majestic blinder. With "Feel" so early in the album, it's easy to lose momentum initially with the remaining tracks, but given a few listens Escapology reveals all the dark emotion, showmanship and tongue-in-cheek arrogance that gives Robbie his charm. The Guy Chambers song writing partnership has once again delivered the goods, maturing Robbie's style confidently with a new found rawness and live feel. It may be raw, but Robbie certainly hasn't lost his accessibility.
"Monsoon" nods acknowledging to Queen, all strutting guitars and Freddie vocals and "Handsome Man" is perhaps a final homage to his own self parody. All the wry humour and ego is still there, but with lyrics like, "I'm going to milk it 'til it turns to cheese" and enough stadium rock to get any crowd bouncing, it can't help but raise a smile. "Come Undone", surely a future single release is another highlight, as is "Me and My Monkey", with its trumpets, Spanish guitar and daft lyrics.
The surprise of the album though is Robbie's first solo writing credit. "Nan's Song" is a beautiful strings and acoustic guitar song number and a fitting conclusion to his best album yet. Cynics may scorn at Robbie; he's got it all and he isn't afraid to acknowledge it. The thing to remember though is that we should forgive him, because he's Robbie and he's great. ~Jacqueline Hodges, bbc.co.uk