Robbie Williams - Am I missing something?

in which case, please accept my apologies...

Pete.

quote:

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I'd just gently advise taking a leaf out of Garyi's book - take a risk and try something different from time to time.

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Jez - that's exactly what I was doing when I picked up the Robbie Williams cd. "Something different" is a matter of perspective; personally, I feel I'm trying something different with each new cd I purchase, irrespective of genre, hype, or pedigree. But I can say a Britpop cd is a bit out of place in my collection.

(When I posted my original comments, I had no idea Mr. Williams was so controversial; as I said, he gets no press over here. By soliciting alternate suggestions from his catalog, I was really just trying to make sure I was assessing his work fairly.

A week later, I stand by my opinion that it's a solid, fun piece of throwaway pop. If crafting good pop was an easy thing to do, we'd all be rich. So I give Robbie Williams his due, no more but certainly no less.

Fifty years from now, will we be listening to Robbie Williams? I doubt it. Will Duke Ellington's music still be around? Of course. But could Ellington make it as a pop star in today's industry? Not a chance.

Kinda nice there's a place for both, I think.)

For a musician to be well rated one of the criteria I would apply would be that there should be coherence in their work - they must have a style that is recognisable and to some degree unique. RW does not have this - his songs are OK pop tunes in isolation but I always get the feeling they've been written by a panel of 'professionals' with the sole aim of selling more. He wrote nothing I'm aware of with Take That and whilst he takes writing credits solo I doubt his input is meeningful. Now he's split with his writer I wouldn't be surprised if he fizzles out although he's got the cash to hire anyone who is for hire.

Jayd,

As with all the above everyone has opinions. I do not own any of his CD's however if I decide to get one it may be "Life Through a Lens". This primarily for the song 'Let Me Entertain You', a heavy 'Who' influence. However, Ryan Adams somehow pays similar homage on Gold.

Try one, as you say it may be pop but at least RW adds some character and projects some of his personality. That is more than can be said for a lot of pop artists these days.

Milan

...just boring IMHO.
Regards

Christian