2009 album from the British superstar (and former member of Take That). Reality Killed The Video Star, his eighth album and first in over three years, was produced by Trevor Horn and features 12 brand new tracks (plus one ... more »reprise.) Songwriting collaborators include Danny Spencer & Kelvin Andrews, Brandon Christy, Craig Russo, Richard Spencer & Scott Rudin, Chaz Jankel, Guy Chambers and Fil Eisler. One track, 'Morning Sun', was written and recorded in the wake of Michael Jackson's death. Features the single 'Bodies'. EMI.« less
2009 album from the British superstar (and former member of Take That). Reality Killed The Video Star, his eighth album and first in over three years, was produced by Trevor Horn and features 12 brand new tracks (plus one reprise.) Songwriting collaborators include Danny Spencer & Kelvin Andrews, Brandon Christy, Craig Russo, Richard Spencer & Scott Rudin, Chaz Jankel, Guy Chambers and Fil Eisler. One track, 'Morning Sun', was written and recorded in the wake of Michael Jackson's death. Features the single 'Bodies'. EMI.
"I've actually had this album for a couple of weeks before the release date, so I'm completely immersed in it and ready to review it. By far, this is his best offering since Escapology. Intensive Care, while good, was a bit monotonous and slightly generic (although there were some outstanding tracks like Sin Sin Sin and Spread Your Wings). Rudebox was...well, I'm not exactly sure what Rudebox was. I actually liked that album, but it seemed odd that it was only released a year after Intensive Care, and the direction of the music caught everyone off guard. That said, tracks like "Lovelight", "Kiss Me", "Burslem Normals", etc. were really good.
So now, after a VERY long 3 year absence, Robbie has released Reality Killed The Video Star. The music is so good, I almost want more (speaking of which, WHERE are the b-sides??).
The album starts with "Morning Sun". This one was a grower for me. Supposedly, this is the song that was written about Michael Jackson. The song is a nice intro, and is very lush and grand. Actually, this one could have fit nicely into Intensive Care. (8/10) "Bodies" is up next, and I have to say, I like this song a lot more within the context of listening to the entire album. I wasn't crazy about it when I first heard it but now I love it. (9/10).
The third track is "You Know Me", which is the second single. While not the best song on the album, I can see why they chose this as the next single, with it's 1950's vibe, majestic piano, bells, and 'shoo-bee-doo bop-bop' background vocals, the song is bound to do well during the Christmas season. (8/10) Next up is "Blasphemy". This was another grower for me. It's a bit simple in the beginning but evolves into a warm, cinematic song. It's actually quite beautiful. (8.5/10)
Track 5 is "Do You Mind", and at first listen, this one might sound like filler, very similar to "A Place To Crash" from Intensive Care, complete with a Ba-Bab Ba-Dum guitar riff, but as soon as the bridge and chorus kick in, this one will be stuck in your head all day, It's very catch (8/10) "Last Days Of Disco" is the first of 2 electronic-inspired songs on the album. This one is very similar to "In And Out Of Love" (an unreleased song from circa 2007/2008), except a little darker. I like this one. (7.5/10)
"Somewhere" comes out of nowhere as a 1-minute interlude that ends right before you know what just happened. At first I didn't know what to think of it, but it's actually gown on me and i almost wish it was slightly longer (7/10)
Next up are my 2 favorite songs on the album, which have BOTH already cemented themselves in my top 10 Robbie Songs ever. Now THAT'S an accomplishment. "Deceptacon" is just plain gorgeous. If "Angels", "Love Calling Earth" and "Eternity" had a love orgy and had a baby, this would be it. The music is beautiful and the lyrics and mysterious. I love this track. I listen to it over and over. It might not be accessible for radio, but this track alone was worth the wait for this album for me. (10/10). "Starstruck" follows, and the beginning sounds like something that would play when you die and step into paradise. It's a very soulful pop track, similar to something George Michael would have recorded in the mid 90's. The "ready, steady go, everybody famous" lyric is probably the catchiest line in the whole album. This HAS to be the third single. (10/10)
"Difficult For Weirdos" is the second of the electronic-inspired tracks, and this one is the better of the two. This one is very similar to "Kiss Me" from Rudebox. Very dancey and addictive. I love it. (9/10)
Upon the first 2 listens of the whole album, "Superblind" was one of the least memorable. Not because it's bad by any means, maybe because it's towards the end and following 3 stellar tracks is a difficult task. But it's a nice, lovely song. Similar to "Love Calling Earth" from Sing When You're Winning, but a little more acoustic. (7.5/10)
"Won't Do That" is a nice closer. it's a slightly mid temp track, nothing spectacular but it's a nice sing-along track. (7.5/10)
I was really in need of some new Robbie music, and BOY did he ever deliver. I give it up to that man for being able to repeatedly make truly great pop music. Now the only thing I ask again, is Robbie: please release some b-sides from this project! If the album tracks are this good, the b-sides must be nice as well."
WOW! Speechless
Landon Cox | Tx USA | 04/24/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is immense! I seriously can't get over the lyrics, although it took me about a week of listening it to it to fully understand them, cause of their subtbtly and creativness. Robbie is just on top of his game with this release.
This one of my favorite albums in a long time!
I wish i could just sit here and quote this phenomenal album, but i wouldn't even know where to start, there are so many cool lines and beautiful harmonies in wich they are sung.
My favorite songs are "The Last Days Of Disco", "You Know Me", "Won't Do That To You", the STELLAR "Difficult For Weirdos", "Deceptacon" "Starstruck" Basically Every Song!!
I'm very impressed with Robbie, I will be listening to this album for Many years to come!
Overall Rating 10/10
Great Job Robbie!! and Thank You so much for delivering us True Music. I respect you so much for that.
Get this album people!!"
Experience the Art of a True Genius
Jet | Texas | 02/10/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is excellent, The wait was worth every single second. I Love this album so much, and I adore Robbie with all my heart.
I can seriously quote this album for days, the lyrics are just completley witty, passionate, smart, raw and amazing. Robbie's voice also sounds amazing.
This album is a must buy! Robbie Williams ROCKS!!! Reality Killed The Video Star is a KNOCKOUT album
It was extremely hard to choose my Top 5 cause every song truly deserves to be on the list.
but here are My Absolute Favorites
1. Difficult For Weirdos
2. You Know Me
3. Deceptacon
4. Blasphemy
5. Superblind
Keep doing your thing Robbie cause you're the best!!"
Traditional Robbie Williams
M. Herzog | chicago | 12/18/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a rather devout Robbie Williams fan, having all of his albums, in both british and american form, most b-sides, compilation albums, and even the hard to find "faith" single no one cares about. I'm a great fan of the way he merges the old school swagger of the Frank Sinatra days with modern pop sensibilities. So I was a bit surprised that he took a step back in sound with his new album. After Intensive Care and Rudebox, I expected something more experimental again, but was instead given an album that sounds like it could have come out during the escapology days. Now this isn't a bad thing. His highest selling albums and creative peak was at this time, so it should plese most fans. That's not to say he doesn't do some experimental things (one of his songs is a doowop number that sounds out of the 50s), just that a number of more traditional, safe if you will, songs fill the album.
But this isn't a bad thing. Experimental is good, it keeps the artist on their toes, and gives the fans a break from what their used to, so when a return to form is made, it is all the more appreciated. In his attempt to return to form, Robbie succeeds. The songs are well written, catchy, and belong next to his better catalog. If you are a fan of Robbie Williams, but was disapointed by his veer into electronicia, you'll be happy with this album. Recomended."
Robbie you have been missed! Glad to hear you again!
MJ and JJ fan | United States | 12/14/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a RW fan since I first "Angels" back in the day. "Millennuim" blew my mind and those two songs together sold me as a life-long fan.
Robbie's music brings something unique everytime he drops a new single or album. His lyrcis are always catchy, yet they do reveal much about the man.
REALITY KILLED THE VIDEO STAR continues the trend. "Morning Sun" is just lush and very Beatlesesque. The second verse is a total plea to MJ. Letting him know that he wasn't alone. It's very nice. "Bodies" is a great pop/rock track. I view it as a look into Robbie varied history. "You Know Me" is just brilliant! It's like nothing he's done before. The 3/4 beats make it an instant classic! "Blasphemy" is ok. It was nice to see the "Williams/Chambers" writing team again, even if it is an old track that was brought to lide by the amazing Trevor Horn. "Do You Mind" is a great little rock piece. My favorite line being "You teach like a toothache." We've all had to learn the hard, haven't we! "Last Days of Disco" is ok too. Nothing grand, but it fits well. "Somewhere" is just perfect as an interlude. Some songs you wish were longer or more developed. That's not the case with "Somewhere". It's just spot on. "Deceptacon" is probably my favorite tune. Another RW ballad with so much emotion and excellent lyrics. "Starstruck" is hard for me to listen to. I used to love George Michael from his Wham! days through OLDER and then I kind of lost interest. This song reminds me so much of the George I grew up listening to. "Difficult for Weirdos" is killer! I can still feel the PSB vibe in Robbie. I love the lyrics and the meaning. Everyone knows what it's like to be a "weirdo" in their own mind. I really like "Superblind". My favorite lyric being "All you are is colors and your colors run." Really smart. "Won't Do That" reminds me of Robbie telling the love of his life that he's ready to stop singing and performing and then realizing how much he loves what he does and tells the fans "I won't do that to you". "Morning Sun Reprise" just caps off the project perfectly. Great piece of work all the way through!"