After a three-year break which did little to quell his craving for appreciation and attention, Robbie Williams has released his eighth studio album, Reality Killed the Video Star.
After receiving mixed reviews for his 2006 record Rudebox, Williams has gone back to his best-selling formula of pop songs and ballads. The songs are inspired by the highlights of his career, which are turned into deep, fun, nostalgic and amazingly well-written lyrics.
Williams has always been an expert at combining light and dark, and this is no exception. There's a lot packed in here, and repeated listenings are necessary to pick up on all the subtleties. The initially underwhelming Bodies, for example, is revealed as a techno-funk piece with all the hallmarks of a classic Williams hit, while Last Days of Disco, Starstruck and Difficult for Weirdos are soaring, electronic-inspired songs reminiscent of Pet Shop Boys and Eurhythmics at their peak.
The sweeping and lush orchestral pop track Morning Sun was a last-minute addition to the album, and adapted as a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. This album has something for everyone, especially if you are a fan of well-produced pop music.