Robbie Williams - I've Been Expecting You

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.