LP, Gatefold
Island Records (2021) EU
One of the great British entertainers in pop history Robbie Williams is synonymous with releasing classic albums, massive hit singles, and perfecting a brand of entertainment that appeals across the board to people of all ages. While he rose to fame as a key member of Take That, Williams carved out his own career thanks to phenomenal albums like Life Thru a Lens, I've Been Expecting You, Sing When You're Winning and his well-received swing escapades.
The Bond-inspired I've Been Expecting You arrived in 1998 complete with trademark raised eyebrow a la Roger Moore on the cover. Mixing elements of cheeky, chappy and extreme chutzpah this LP is a 24-carat marvel. "Millennium," which borrows well from John Barry's theme music for You Only Live Twice, was his first British No. 1 ("Angels" hit No. 2) and the Karl Wallinger/World Party-penned "She's The One" duplicated that feat. Just as good is "No Regrets" – featuring Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys and Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy.