Customer Reviews

Escapology

5 star:		(99)
4 star:		(34)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I'm not a big fan of pop music by all means but every now and then I will make an exception because the artist/band actually has talent and puts out music that isn't so contrived and ridiculously cheesy (in a bad way). Robbie Williams is one of those pop artists whose music is actually enjoyable to listen to. I loved his covers album "Swing When You're Winning" but that cd was only available as an import. "Sing When You're Winning" was good but it was a flawed album. Still that album is by far better than Avril Lavigne, Vanessa Carlton, and Pink's albums combined. Robbie's US debut "The Ego Has Landed" was a solid [US] debut album with one or two misses on a mostly consistent album. Why Robbie isn't popular in this country is beyond me? After listening to "Escapology" I sure hope he doesn't get the shaft again by the American public. "Escapology" is by far Robbie's best album released on this side of the Atlantic ocean. I guess people don't get his cheeky British humor like on the song "Me and My Monkey" and on "Rock DJ" from "Sing When You're Winning". What I like about Robbie Williams so much is that he doesn't take himself remotely seriously unlike his American peers Justin Timberlake (blech!) and Christina Aguilera. I think Robbie's songwriting skills have improved over the years. Although he still collaborated with longtime writing partner Guy Chambers, Robbie has branched out and wrote a few songs with Boots Ottestad and even one song "One Fine Day" by himself. All the songs are incredibly infectious and catchy. I loved every song on this cd and didn't find one I didn't like unlike his previous albums. I sure hope Robbie gets the recognition that he so deserves now that he is on a different record company. Capital Records did a horrible job of [not] promoting Robbie as an artist. "Escapology" deserves the publicity and airplay as any other pop artist receives.

This kind of straight-ahead pop (and it is that) usually is not to my taste, but I saw Williams in concert on a Europe MTV special and bought this CD out of curiosity. Sure enough, it is written and produced for the mass market, running the superfical gamut of styles, and upon first listen I was wondering if I had made a mistake. Then the clincher: this guy can sing. I mean, he can REALLY sing! Indeed, it his ability to cover it all that enables the album to be so eclectic. Consequently, after a second or third playing, I was mesmerized. The in-your-face, unapologetic self-absortion of this artist may not be appealing, but Robbie Williams can't be ignored. His confident, superior styling simply enhances his delivery. Granted, this package is certainly not without its flaws with some songs that are at best forgettable, but, in the end, there are enough clever and intriguing selections (a few which caused the release to be censored) to make for a pleasing musical experience. Above all else, however, it is the voice that is the reward; it is the main reason I recommend this to others and why I have also suprisingly become a fan.

Hopefully so.

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).

I can honestly say this is one of the best cds that I have ever heard in my life. 98% of the songs are excellent and very pleasant to listen to. This is the first time I have bought a cd from robbie williams and am planning to get some of his other stuff. Anyone who likes good pop music should get it.

I think too many people reviewing this album tend to write Robbie Williams off as a brat and therefore start off biased to anythin he does. Shame really, because the guy's much more than a popcorn munching teenybopper. Escapology is an album that sounds different from anything he's done before and covers a lot of new ground. Tracks like Feel, Revolution, The World's most handsome man, Monsoon and Hot Fudge are all first class and deserve extended airplay. The other tracks are excellent too, but special mention must be made of Me and my Monkey and Nan's song which are by far the best songs on the album. Don't mis the hidden tracks on the CD especially the second one which is a scream.

Go on give the guy a chance to grow on you. I promise you he's worth the trouble. Music needs characters like Robbie Williams to kee things interesting.

...so I'm a little biased. I think he could release a cd of nothing but himself reading the telephone book and I'd give it 5 stars.

That said, this is a fantastic album. Anyone who is unfamiliar with Robbie might not understand some of the context of "Handsome Man" or "Come Undone," but you have to appreciate the honesty he pours into his lyrics. And I'd say EVERYONE at some time or another can relate to the sentiments in "Love Somebody" and "Feel."

Escapology has a different sound from Robbie's previous albums, and anyone expecting another "Millenium" will be surprised. The production is a lot less dense, and while there's still some clever & sarcastic humor, these songs have a far more grown-up viewpoint. Heck, there's even some swearing on this one, which is funny in some ways because I've always wondered how this incredibly foul-mouthed guy could keep his lyrics so clean.

I've been a Robbie Williams fan for years now, and it's my goal to force everyone I know to listen to his music. Not only is he the sexiest man in entertainment (Hell-ooo, 'Rock DJ' video!) but he also writes or co-writes all of his own music. Those qualities, combined with his fanatstic sense of humor and truly beautiful voice make our American pop stars just look pathetic.

I love this album, but I'd actually recommend getting the European version. "Hot Fudge" is one one the best sing-along-at-the-top-of-your-lungs-while-driving songs ever recorded, but it was left off the American album because the lyrics are all about moving to Los Angelos, and I suppose that would have been viewed as trying too hard to appeal to this side of the pond. The other discarded songs are great, too. Then again, I'm the one waiting for that telephone book album, so don't take my word for it...

The US version has most of the same songs, but its missing the great songs "Hot Fudge" (the best RW song yet), "Song 3" and "Cursed". But here you get "Get A Little High", "How Peculiar Reprise" and "One Fine Day". Its better to get the import because you get Get A Little High and One Fine Day on the Come Undone and Sexed Up import singles. Still, the US version is Robbie, so its great too.

Robbie delivers again! "Escapology", his fifth studio effort, is among his best...but they are all SO good! But if you like what you hear, buy both the U.S. version and the international version because they have different songs on them. The U.S. version omits the songs "Song 3", "Hot Fudge" and "Cursed"...while adding the songs "One Fine Day" and "Get a Little High". Also, as with all of his cd's, look for the bonus track about 12 minutes after the "How Peculiar" reprise...it's called "I Tried Love" and it's hilarious!! I whole-heartedly agree with the other reviewer...you won't use your "skip" button once!

Warning! When I bought this from Amazon, it came as one
of the new "copy protected" not-CDs that have recently
been coming out.

These may not play on all systems, especially computers.
(When I tried to play it on my Windows PC it crashed the PC
so hard I had to power-cycle it)

Music is pretty good, some outstanding tracks, a couple fillers.

Fifth album released, including that one "Swing While You're Winning", and Robbie is still the world's most fabulous pleaser.
The kid's come a long way since his boy band days in Take That back in the 90's. It's been ten years since Take That took over the British charts. A decade has passed...who would have ever thought that Robbie out of all the members would be ruling the charts singlehandedly?
Escapology is a remarkable elevation for the entertainer. A little bit of R'n B, Rock, and those signature Robbie songs and you have yourself a new type of Robbie. A much more musically focused artist.

The saga begins with 'How Peculiar'. A rock anthem in the steps of past songs 'South Of The Border', and 'Let Love Be Your Energy', short and easy to digest. Then comes 'Feel' which is by far one of Robbie's finest songs. A dramatic boost for Robbie in the direction of artistic excellence. Elton John, George Michael and Sting come to mind after hearing this. This is the most intimate Robbie song ever caught on tape. The song will move you like no other. And it's no wonder that it was chosen as the first single from the album. 'Something Beautiful' is bubblegum pop extraordinary at its best. Highly influenced by the anthemic blues of Billy Joel and the performance of Tom Jones. This is the first new ground that Robbie covers on Escapalogy. 'Monsoon' is a hard rocking track. Expect this to be a live favorite. 'Sexed Up' is the Angels of Escapalogy. I said before in a review of "Sing When You're Winning" that it's songs like these that give juice to Robbie's albums. Well 'Sexed Up' is more than just the juice, it is the fruit itself. A beautiful tune. In fact, the highlight of the entire album. With an open message to former love Nicole Appleton, Robbie declares that it was he who broke up with her and not vice versa. Whatever the song is based on, it is a universal message for all those who can't seem to stick to one partner. 'Love Somebody' follows suit. A good song where the music is much better than the lyrics. 'Revolution' covers the second new ground for Robbie. This time in the rhythm and blues direction. On this one he duets with an unknown, Rose Stone, and what you get is an impressing sweet tune. 'Handsome Man' is a charmer. A rock anthem in the same theme of past tunes 'Let Me Entertain You' and 'Old Before I Die'. What you can't ignore about this song is Robbie's ego surpassing the norm with lyrics like 'I put the brits...in celebrity' The Ego Has Landed? Actually, it has taken off! 'Come Undone' is where he lands once again. A gentle tune where Robbie proclaims 'I am scum....but I'm your son...I come undone' Britain, are you listening? Next Robbie takes on the freshest new ground that he never covered but only wishes to. America. 'Me And My Monkey' is a spoof on modern day pop culture where the stars are...monkeys? A western theme flows throughout the song that steals the title of the famous John Lennon penned Beatles song 'Everybody's Got Something To Hide Except For Me And My Monkey' and the storyline of the Paul McCartney penned 'Rocky Raccoon' both from The White Album. The song is weird. Funny weird explains it best. But Robbie sure does a good American accent. One of the albums highlights and at over 7 minutes, the longest track Robbie has ever done. 'Song 3' is a hard rocking jab at Blur's 'Song 2'. Not as good as the Blur hit but worthwhile. The following track on the list is 'Hot Fudge'. This song's got "potential future hit single" written all over it. Robbie covers the ground he's trying hard to capture again. In the same theme of John Lennon's "New York City", here he praises Los Angeles in every verse and line of the chorus refering several time that 'there's a green card in the way'. Robbie planning to make the same move that the previously mentioned did to America? 'Cursed' is a low key rocker with a disco orchestration in the background. Whether he is or is not refering to Spice Girl Geri Haliwell in the song, it doesn't matter. Skip! The album ends with Robbie's first ever solo composition titled 'Nan's Song' An ode to his deceased grandmother. A sweet acoustic tune ending the album on a good note that Robbie is a much more talented artist than most people think.

Escapology is a staggering effort put together by Robbie Williams and his mate since the very beginning, Guy Chambers. No doubt about it, this pair is one big hit making machine.

As for Robbie individually, he's grown and is growing into a dynamic entertainer. Escapology is a step up from his previous album 'Sing When You're Winning'. It's not necessarily reinvention because Robbie needs no reinventing. Straight and simple, he knows how to make good music.

Escapology is an instant classic!

Highly Recommended