Escapology [PA] - Robbie Williams > Reviews > Escape from boredom

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	Fresh, energetic and Robbie
Disadvantages:	A couple of the songs aren't up to usual Robbie standard

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Yes, I am writing another Robbie review (my 3rd after just Robbie and Swing when you're winning) and yes, I am going to say he's great again. He's great. O.k. now that's out of the way I can get down to the task in hand.

Escapology is the latest of the Robbie albums released to date and it does feature some great songs that have had me singing along since it came out. When I say some of the songs aren't up to usual Robbie standard, I don't mean that they are bad, just not quite so enthralling as most of his other work. In general I would still say this album is worth having as there are some real gems on it. Here goes the track rundown.

1- How Peculiar
This is one of the songs which I don't think of as spectacular. It's a bit wierd but the title does sort of imply that! Once you listen to it a bit you start to get used to it and there are certain parts of the melody you can pick up on.

2 - Feel
One of the singles released from this album. It has a distinctive piano accompaniment superbly coplimented by Robbie's singing style. It contains some witty lyrics e.g.
'Come and hold my hand
I want to contact the living'

3 - Something beautiful
This is one of my favourites from the album it has quite an upbeat tempo and style to it althought the actual lyrics tell of someone who is 'lost, hurt, tired and only' but reassures them that something beautiful will come their way.

4 - Monsoon
Another great track from this album. Again this is an upbeat song about someone who has led a very 'lively' life and it contains lyrics such as
'If you ain't sticking your knives in me
You will be eventually'
The backing band is excellent in this track, but that is the norm throughout the album. Yay :)

5 - Sexed Up
Again this is a song from this album that he has released as a single. This song has a far slower tempo and a more sorrowful feel to it, whcih reflects the subject of the song, an ending relationship. Robbie adjusts his singing voice, prooving he can do slower sad songs.

6 - Love Somebody
This hugely powerful track is another of my favourites ( I know, I do have quite a few of them!) By the time I reach the end of this song, I just have to let it wash over me, as I can't take it all in. Again, this is a slower song with immensly powerful lyrics.

7 - Revolution
This is one of the songs off this album that I don't think is up to usual Robbie standard, in fact I usually skip it when I play it. This song is a duet with Rose Stone, and although their voices do copliment each other to an extent, I don't think the interaction is there between them. Basically, it is about changes, or revolution (oddly enough) and I think it's a bit slow and flat sounding.

8 - Handsome Man
This is a great tounge in cheek song which implies that Robbie is indeed the world's most handsome man. It features very amusing lines such as
'did you ever meet a sexier male chauvinist pig'
but then it emphasises the fragility of stardom and the importance of fans. Robbie uses a sing-speak sort of voice for parts of this song, which I feel works really well. The song also features some great guitar rifts.

9 - Come Undone
This song was released as a single aswell. Again it has a slower feel about it and some great lyrics full of contrasts. The piano accompinant really compliments this.

10 - Me and My Monkey
A hilarious song about, well, Robbie and his monkey! the whole song is a story of their trip to Vegas and the outcome. Features some great trumpet playing and has a sort of Spanish feel to it.

11 - Song 3
This is another one I tend to skip on this album. I don't think he sings this to his best and there isn't really a particularly catchy melody to identify it.

12 - Hot Fudge
A great song with agreat piano line and some great lyrics. It's all about L.A. and the things that go on there where 'the sunshine flows' and claims that 'the holy ghost and the whole East coast are moving to LA!' A lively and upbeat song that you'll enjoy, especially if you agree.

13 - Cursed
This song has a rockier feel about it and Robbie sings this with a raw sort of voice, which songs great in this context. This song is about two people who are cursed.

14 - Nan's Song
Out of all the songs on the album this is probably my very favourite. It is written by just Robbie about his Gran who is dead. It is very simple with only but just vocals, acoustic guitars and the occasional assistance from the London Session Orchestra. This simple form and the simple lyrics are so effective, they often have me in tears!
Keep listening after this for bonus songs.

Well, just a few last bits and pieces before you all rush it to buy it! This album does have a parental advisory sticker as it does contain a fair bit of swearing, although not to a ridiculous extent.

The album sleeve does have the words if like me oyu are the type of person who simply has to learn them all! it also features some great Robbie piccies!

I tried not to waffle too much in this review and I hope you found it useful. I really would reccomend this album to you, whether you are an established Robbie fan or not.

I hope you enjoy the album as much as I do!