Welcome Back Robbie, all is forgiven. (Reality Killed The Video Star - Robbie Williams)

Member Name: magenta23

Product:	Reality Killed The Video Star - Robbie Williams
Date:	12/11/09 (92 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some truly brilliant pop songs

Disadvantages: Two or three skippers.

Unless you've been asleep for the past few months you have probably have noticed certain Mr. Robbie Williams has been making (another) comeback. I used to be a huge fan of this man. For his music as much as his handsome self! Then I became less and less impressed with him as his music got worse and he got himself a girlfriend! Thankfully, Robbie's last album, Rudebox, which took a beating from critics and fans alike, was a blip. The Robbie the fans loved is back with a new album that is back to his old form.

'Reality Killed the Video Star' is getting a mixed reception form the critics, I've read one and five star reviews on it so far. Funnily enough, most of them bring up exactly the same points, and I think really it all comes down to whether you like Mr. Williams. This album, is full of cockyness, puns, self analysing and often self praising lyrics, big choruses- the stuff written to fill stadiums the world over. Robbie doesn't apologise for these things, but not everyone likes it. Basically if you liked the Robbie of old, you'll like this. I'd say it's probably most similar in style to Escapology than other Robbie albums.

Robbie is rare in that when he releases an album, straight away you get it. They aren't albums that take a few listens to get into, in fact by the second listen you're singing along. I tend to play them until I know every word and then a bit more. 'Reality Killed The Radio Star' is no exception. This to me, proves just what great pop songs he writes. This time, he's teamed up with Trevor Horn. (of Video Killed the Radio Star fame, hence the title - yes event hat's a pun!) The collaboration seems to work, and it's back to the old Robbie style of when he used to write with Guy Chambers. In fact that's not just coincidence, as there's a Chambers co- written song by the name of 'Blasphemy' that is on the album, and appears to have gone a little un-noticed by the press I've read on the new material.

'Reality Killed the Video Star' kicks of with the beautiful 'Morning Sun.' I don't think he could have chosen a better opening number. A lonely harmonica opens the album and then the strings come in before Robbie asks 'How do you rate the Morning Sun?'. The lyrics of this song feel like they're from the heart, not for a laugh or to be witty. The song builds up into a real show stopper, and ends giving the listener no doubt they are in for a treat of an album. My favourite.

'Bodies' was the was song Robbie chose to be the first single to promote this new album. It went to number two in the charts so not everybody must dislike it as much as me. In my opinion this is the low point of the album, disjointed and preachy lyrics. I nearly didn't buy this album on the basis of hearing 'Bodies' but decided to give Robbie one last try and I'm glad I did. Robbie seems to do very well from the songs he chooses as singles, but I don't tend to like them as much as the album tracks. I don't like 'Feel' at all yet love the rest of 'Escapology', likewise I'm not a fan of 'Angels' yet thing his first album is one of the best. So if you don't like 'Bodies', I'd still give 'Reality Killed the Video Star' a chance.

The third song on the album is the next single release, a huge improvement on 'Bodies', 'You Know Me' is pure classic Robbie. A slowy, but a goody. Again, he doesn't challenge his listener with quirky lyrics on this one, just delivers a perfectly crafted pop song, well sung.

'Blasphemy' is one I truly love. A collaboration with Guy Chambers, this one has old Robbie stamped all over it. It simplistic musically, definitely understated, but includes some lines that can only be Robbie. 'Was it a blast for you? Blasphemy' Sometimes they're so so awful they can't help but make you smile. I love it!!

Following the quietness of 'Blasphemy', is the upbeat confident 'Do You Mind'. This is a real stand out song in my opinion, please release the one Rob! The chorus goes 'Do ooh ooh ooh ooh ya mind? Followed my Robbie shouting out 'Any one fancy Monaco?' Ok not quite lyrics up to the standards of 'No Regrets' or 'Strong' but it's a truly infectious song. Try not singing along.

Unfortunately Robbie's eighties inspiration hasn't completely disappeared, but don't worry he's controlled it a little since 'Rudebox'! Artists such as White Lies and Ladyhawke have been bringing back the eighties sound recently and I guess Robbie doesn't want to miss out. 'Last Days of Disco' is at least a nod to Rudebox. Definitely not a favourite of mine, perhaps would have been better kept for a B side. Though he does tell us in this one 'Don't call it a comeback'. Sorry Robbie, I think I already did.

'Somewhere' is just a minute long, more of an interlude than a song. 'You take the chance in life go out and find a wife.' It sounds more like a pep talk than song, or at least a song that's unfinished. Just a bit odd really.

'Deceptacon' seems to have got the most stick over it's lyrics from the press. 'Microwave yourself today, Save it for a rainy day' is the unfortunate opening line... at least it's memorable, right?! Well yes, as is the whole song in fact, and for the right reasons. This one isn't a biG number, in fact it's a bit of a low song it terms of mood, though has some real highlights. Robbie often refers to things that are typically British in his songs, perhaps that's why he struggles to conquer the US. 'Decepatcon' is no exception, 'All over Britain we ask for permission to form another queue,' here he even mocks the fact.

The mood is lifted with the next track, 'Starstruck' is upbeat and again a bit eighties. With a dreamy melody and a wailing in the background, it sounds like a theme tune to and eighties sci fi show. You'll know what I mean when you hear it!

I loved the title of 'Difficult for Weirdos' and was hoped for a witty Robbie track. What I in fact got was a follow on from the previous track, with a dance beat in the background. Reading the song lyrics I really like them, which is a shame because you don't want to listen to them! Sorry Robbie, this is a skipper.

'Superblind' is back to classic Robbie. A slow number, and a little insignificant but with some gorgeous vocals. A chill out one, I like it but if you asked me to name you Robbie songs, this would be one I may forget.

Just like Meatloaf, Robbie 'Won't Do That' either. At least with Robbie we know what he's going on
about. The 'that' he's talking about is walking out on a girl. Presumably a song about his new girlfriend, listening you can tell it's heartfelt, and this only adds to a great tune to make an excellent end to a pretty good album.

A reprise of 'Morning Sun' bring the album to a close and reminds you hit repeat so you can do it all again.

Summary: He's not back at the top of his game just yet, but he's getting there.