Robbie Williams - Escapology

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Free Music Notes for Escapology

Free Music Review: The album to break Robbie in the U.S.?
Hit: 5 Stars

Robbie is a worldwide superstar, on the same level as Madonna, everywhere but here in the U.S. Why? Maybe his cheeky British persona doesn't translate well to U.S. audiences. I'm not sure, and I don't understand why because other British acts with less talent than Robbie have had major success on these shores. It really makes no sense, but it might have had something to do with Capitol Records failure to market Robbie's U.S. releases. (Capitol did a horrible job with Duran Duran in the mid-to-late 90's- so it's not like they don't have some sort of track record with screwing up big acts careers!)

With "Escapology" Robbie has jumped the Capitol ship and has moved to Virgin Records. Hopefully they'll know what to do with him. The first single is "Feel" and it is easily one of the catchiest and hit-worthy tunes of 2003. There is actual songwriting going on here kids- that's something that is up for debate on most of what appears on today's hit parade. There is no mistaking what Robbie is singing- each song tells a story. This is an artist with something to say. It may be a bit bittersweet at times, but it never turns out preachy. He says exactly what is on his mind as is evidenced by the parental warning sticker that appears on the cover. The language doesn't go over in a rap-styled, offensive, "hide your kids ears" sort of way at all. Lyrically it's just very real, heartfelt, confessional, and at all times highly listenable.

One of the interesting things about Robbie's music is that it really doesn't strike a chord as being overly British at all. In fact, "Escapology" is his most "American" sounding effort yet. It doesn't sound like a calculated move to sell cd's either. "Escapology" might not grab you with hook laden arrangements like anything from "The Ego Has Landed" or "Sing When You're Winning", but everything starts clicking after subsequent spins. There aren't any obvious poppy songs here like "Millennium" or "Rock DJ". This is a more serious side of Robbie. But don't worry, you can't help but feel that his tongue isn't far from his cheek.

What you get here is 14 more Robbie Williams gems. There's not a stinker in the bunch.

You have to love any album where out of nowhere comes a reference to Sheena Easton! ("Me And My Monkey")

I know it's only April, but this is my album of the year (so far).

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