Good for fans. (Sing When You're Winning - Robbie Williams)

Member Name: polydeuces

Product:	Sing When You're Winning - Robbie Williams
Date:	15/06/08 (5 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Yes

Disadvantages: Yes

Robbie Williams is probably Britain's one of top pop stars, although maybe not at the moment. Having waved Take That goodbye some time ago it seems light years away that he was just a band member under the supposed leader and most talented one Gary Barlow. Whilst Gary Barlow is now about as exciting as Ken Barlow it seems Robbie can do no wrong.

'Sing When You're Winning has a good mix of strong rock tunes mixed with some quieter acoustic material. As with the previous albums Guy Chambers exerts a huge inluence with a lot of the writing/production/instrument playing credits. Let Love Be Your Energy gets the album off to a thumping good start with a strong beat and nice singalong chorus. The second track 'Better Man' shows off Robbie's confident singing style accompanied at the start by an acoustic guitar only before the strings and light drums roll in.
Next up is Rock DJ which was the best single of 2000, I am sure this is familiar to everyone and its one of those records which still feels fresh and alive every time you hear it. The superbly constructed Survive follows and this too is a killer track. Its beat drives along and it has excellent lyrics. The match between Robbie and Kylie Minogue on Kids is brilliant. Although Robbie sounds in quite a high key it all comes off superbly. The rap at the end is pure Robbie theatre, bragging with some justification I think.

Now when I usually get an album I often skip to the singles and you can miss some of the stuff which grows on you. 'If its hurting you' is one such track. Slower and semi acoustic is more atmospheric than some of the other tracks. The jangling west coast guitar of 'Singing For The Lonely' drives this upbeat song along. Another ballad 'Love calling Earth' follows with nice strings at the back and a high key chorus.

'Knutsford City Limits' stands up there with all the singles as a top track. A nice upbeat singalong track which is a bit gimmicky but good all the same. Forever Texas is a great rock track full of heavy rock guitar and Robbie in full voice at the front.

One disappointment for me was the last two tracks. By All Means necessary is all right but by the high standards Robbie sets is this not a bit of an album filler. And the final track 'The Road To Mandalay' which has an almost folksy feel with steel guitar in the background and bom-de-bom chorus. To me it just sounds a little odd.

The album is still a must for all Robbie fans and I am sure most have already got it. For those not yet convinced of his talent it is a very good album but perhaps not quite as strong as I've Been Expecting You

Summary: A Good Album