Escapology [PA] - Robbie Williams > Reviews > The one that got away...

Author's product rating:   

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

Advantages:	A mature Robbie, different styles of music from previous albums
Disadvantages:	Too much about Robbie !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I feel a little embarrassed to admit this but like many girls of my age, I was a Take That fan. Yes, I had all of the albums, and yes, I knew every world to every song (stop laughing!). However, one person always stood out to me…Robbie Williams. His effortless showmanship and cheeky bad boy persona made him that little bit more attractive, and upon leaving Take That, Robbie was destined to endure a successful solo career.

I think we all know the story by now…Robbie released a couple of somewhat lack-lustre singles followed by his first album…and then came along Angels, which propelled him to the realms of mega stardom. Unlike many artists, Robbie has gone from strength to strength with each album, mainly because each album has been an improvement on the last. 'Escapology' is Robbie's fifth album, recorded in Los Angeles with long time song writing partner Guy Chambers, and backing band to help create a 'live' feeling sound to the album. The inspiration to this album? Well, In October 2002, Williams signed an £80m contract with EMI, the biggest British deal ever, covering his next six albums. This staggering sum can only be recouped with success in the US, a task much harder than it sounds. Hence the sound of this album. A mature merging of pop, rock, country and soul to appeal to the American market.

I bought the album just before the Knebworth gig, which I attended. It usually takes me a few listenings to know if I like the album, however, I knew instantly that it was something special. Let me explain more…

*** Escapology - Title and Artwork ***
The title has a number of connotations, signifying a significant stage his life; his 'escape' from the hounding paparazzi in the UK and his move to LA. Alternatively, it could signify an escape from his usual style of music…who knows! The cover is Robbie hanging upside down with his Arms stretched out looking as if he is about to fly away, hence the title.

**How peculiar
I would have expected this slot to be reserved for the first single, but in true Robbie style, he does something different. It's like a statement, this-is-the-new-me as it is a track that edges on the Indie sound, quite like Beck. Not my favourite, interesting to listen to though.

**Feel
This was the first single, a somewhat lacklustre first single in my opinion! Don't get me wrong, I like it; lyrically, it is sound, the vocals are solid, but the melancholy tones of the piano and guitar irritate me as it is somewhat repetitive, and over-polished. It is all about Robbie wanting to find love, something he publicly proclaims he has never felt. 'I just want to feel real love in the home that I live in'.

**Something Beautiful
Another single I believe, a great track all round. Musically it has a real orchestral feel, heavily led by the piano, reminding me of something Elton John might release. An uplifting pop song that goes down really well when you are driving along listening to the radio. Lyrically it represents the classic pop song. 'If you're lost, hurt, tired and lonely something beautiful will come your way.'

**Monsoon
One of my favourites, a real anthem! I am still not sure what this song is about. It begins with Robbie instigating how troubled he is. (I've sung some songs that were lame, I've slept with girls on the game") and he continues insulting himself throughout the song, and some the women who try to use him for his fame. Lyrically the chorus is strange 'So put your hands across the water, Monsoon, come soon'. I still do not see what this has to do with the rest of the song. However, the real catch to this song is the musical. Very theatrical pianos, bass, guitar. A song that is best performed live.

**Sexed up
Another single taken from the album, the classic pop ballad, you broke my heart but I'll get over you type of song. Again lyrically sound and full typical Rob lines; it's Saturday night, I'll go out and find another you'. Musically wise, the song is mellow, bordering on melancholy with its slow classic piano. A great song.

**Love somebody
A beautiful song that is based around the piano. A song with soulful tones, as well as funky beats and soft vocals. This track that reminds us that Robbie is a great singer as well as an entertainer.

**Revolution
We have been blessed with some cracking duets on previous albums, and this one is one of the best. Sung with Rose Stone, it is different to previous duets in that the sound is more retro soul than pop with fantastic backing vocals. This could not have been the easiest song to sing so Robbie I applaud you.

**Handsome man
Another favourite of mine, it's Robbie being Robbie; talking about himself! The track endlessly reiterates how famous Williams is ("It's hard to be humble when you're so f*****g big"). It's very tongue-in-cheek with a little bit of arrogance that only Robbie can get away with. The music takes a back seat to the lyrics, more said than actually sung. When the music is present, it is very theatrical, as you would expect.

**Come undone
Another song about what else, Robbie. This track is probably the one that rings most close to home, where Robbie wrestles with his demons 'I pray that when I'm coming down you'll be asleep.' I'm guessing it is a song to his mother addressing his issues with drugs. A strong rock/pop number with heavy guitars and backing vocals.

**Me and My monkey
As Robbie proclaimed at Knebworth, he had always wanted to record a story based song (aka a nonsense song), and he found a great on in this track. It is a Western film style track recorded with a mariachi band and Mexican horns. The lyrics detail Williams accompanying this Monkey (who wears rollerblades and dungarees!) to Las Vegas and getting involved in a fight with a Mexican, with drugs and girls along the way. Is this supposed to symbolise William's drug problems? His countless conquests? Nope, it's just pure nonsense!

**Song 3
Rob tries his hand at rock again, this is more grunge-rock and it is OK, but not the best track on the album.

**Hot fudge
A fun, hip, uplifting funky song that is great when performed live. Many guitars, trumpets, pianos, it has everything. Lyrically the song is about Robbie moving to LA. In my opinion, it sounds as if this song is used by Robbie to appeal to the American market to adopt him as their own. In any case, it is a great track.

**Cursed
This is Rob turning to rock. Imagine heavy guitar riffs, sang with a controlled anger. The song is rumoured to be about Geri Halliwell 'a dirty angel'. It's about how he fabricated a story about their relationship for publicity, just because she needed it. It doesn't really work for me. My least favourite track.

**Nan's Song
This is the final track on the album, and what a way to end. It is Robbie's first song written and performed entirely by him. It begins acoustically, with Robbie's soft vocals and a gentle strum of a guitar. The lyrics are about the passing of his Nan, and it really does strike a chord. Another of my favourites.

**Hidden track
15 minutes after Nan's song, you'll come across the hidden track. I love this little extra. It's not a whole song, just an interlude. It's very rocky, and only lasts a minute, but it's Robbie, being Robbie at his best, I'll let you listen to the lyrics to find out what I mean about this!

His previous album 'Swing when your winning' a mix of big band old classics showed Robbie in a different light, not as the entertainer we have grown to love, but as an eclectic singer and performer. Yes he can do the cheeky chap, but he can perform jazz, rock, pop indie.

This album is an extension of Robbie pushing the boundaries and adopting different styles. It is certainly a more mature sound, with indie, rock and soul making a presence, something we have seen very little of previously. We are also treated to a darker side of Robbie in Cursed and Feel, with more swearing (note the parental advisory) in songs such as Come Undone and Me and Monkey. Perhaps there is a little too much on this album of Robbie talking about himself, but then that's Robbie being Robbie, and would we swap him for anyone else?!

Cost: £8.99 play.com

Audio CD (Released November 18, 2002)
Label: Chrysalis

www.robbiewilliams.com