Customer Reviews

In & Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

(Note: This review is for the 6-Disc Ultimate Edition. It was written when the reviews for all 3 editions were merged together, for some reason amazon moved my review to one of the other editions)

Being a big fan of Robert Williams, I was extremely excited at the idea of him releasing a career-spanning comprehensive collection of hits, music videos and b-sides. Already having released his first Greatest Hits album back in 2004 which spanned his first 5 studio albums, Robbie now brings us In And Out Of Consciousness, which oversees all of those albums as well as his 3 albums since. And while Greatest Hits omitted some of his singles, this new collection includes ALL of his solo UK singles to date. The first 2 CD's contain 39 tracks including 2 new songs, "Shame" (UK Peak Position #2) and "Heart and I", as well as his rare first solo single "Freedom" (UK Peak Position #2), which was a cover of the George Michael song. Robbie's version had been previously unreleased on any album until now) and a sole track from his original tenure with Take That ("Everything Changes" (UK #1)).

The songs on the first 2 discs run in reverse chronological order, starting with the 2 new songs, then from the newest hits to the older classics.

From Robbie's 1997 debut solo album, LIFE THRU A LENS, the singles "Old Before I Die" (UK #2), "Lazy Days" (UK #8), "South Of The Border (UK #14), "Angels" (UK #4), and "Let Me Entertain You" (UK #3) are included. The songs showcase the rock-n-roll / pop beginning of Robbie's career, with "Angels" being his signature song.

From 1998's I'VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU, all 4 of the singles are here: "Millennium" (UK #1), "No Regrets" (UK #4), "Strong" (UK #4), and "She's The One", which was released as a double A-side with the non-album track "It's Only Us" [UK double-A side #1], which is also included in this set. By this point, the songwriting in his work was a bit more mature, and the production more solid. "Win Some, Lose Some", another track from the album, was released only in New Zealand as the final single, and is sadly not included on this greatest hits collection.

Robbie's third album, 2000's SING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING, produced 6 big international hits: "Rock DJ" (UK #1), "Kids" with Kylie Minogue (UK #2), "Supreme" (UK #4), "Let Love Be Your Energy" (UK #10), the double a-side release "Eternity" (at the time, a non-album track) coupled with "The Road To Mandalay" (UK #1), and "Better Man", which was only released in Australia, New Zealand, and South America. With this album, Robbie had found his stride, and had become a bonafide pop star. All of these singles are included on IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS with the exception of "Better Man", one of Robbie's best songs ever, in my opinion. This is understandable because the song was not a UK single, but I feel that an exception could have been made for this beautiful song.

From Robbie's one-off 2001 swing standards album SWING WHEN YOU'RE WINNING, his duet with Nicole Kidman, "Somethin' Stupid (UK #1) is featured, as well as the European only double a-side tracks "Mr. Bojangles" and "I Will Talk And Hollywood Will Listen".

In my opinion, 2002's ESCAPOLOGY is still Robbie's all-time best album, easily shown by 4 excellent singles: "Feel" (UK #4. i still can't believe this didn't chart higher!), "Come Undone" (UK #4), "Something Beautiful" (UK #3), and "Sexed Up" (UK #10), which had originally been released as an acoustic b-side back in 1998 on the "No Regrets" single.

In 2004, Robbie's first GREATEST HITS album was released, and featured 2 new singles: "Radio" (UK #1), and "Misunderstood" (UK #8). Both songs are included on this new hits set as well, which kind of renders the original GREATEST HITS useless, except for the gorgeous album covers.

2005's INTENSIVE CARE contributes the 3 official singles "Tripping" (UK #2), "Advertising Space" (UK #8) and "Sin Sin Sin" (UK #22, at the time his first solo single to miss the top 20), as well as the airplay only single "Make Me Pure".

2006's underrated electronic/dance RUDEBOX album also contributes 3 singles: "Rudebox" (UK #4), "Lovelight" (UK #8) and "She's Madonna" (UK #16). "Bongo Bong" was released as a single in Europe and South America but is not featured on this collection.

From Robbie's latest album, 2009's REALITY KILLED THE VIDEO STAR, the featured singles are "Bodies" (UK #2), "You Know Me" (UK #6) and"Morning Sun" (UK #45, his lowest-charting UK single to date).

The third CD is where all of the major flaws come in for me. This is the disc of B-sides and Rarities. First things first: Robbie has nearly eighty (80!) b-side / non-album / compilation-only tracks (most of those being -b-sides) yet they only serve us up ONE disc including 18 tracks. Seriously?? To add insult to injury, the selection of some of the tracks that they DO include are questionable ("Lonestar Rising"? "Do Me Now"?? These are FAR from his best.) Where are "Ugly Love", "Come Take Me Over", "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye", "Berliner Star", "Appliance Of Science", "Bag Full Of Silly", etc.??? There are a few b-sides that exist only on DVD singles that should have been included because most people cannot rip DVD audio very easily into am mp3. The b-sides section should have been 3 discs, AT LEAST. and what about some remixes thrown in for good measure?


This Ultimate Edition also features 2 DVD's (Discs 4 and 5) with all of the videos of the songs featured on the first 2 CD's. It's going to be nice to have all the official videos in once place for the first time, although I wish they had included some bonuses like the U.S. version of "Angels" or other fan-release videos like "Dance With The Devil" and "A Place To Crash".

The 6th disc is a DVD of a previously unreleased 2005 concert in Berlin, Germany.


Also worthy of note is that the digital edition of this album feature 2 bonus previoulsy unreleased tracks "Dogs And Birds" and "Email From A Vampire". They should have added both of these the physical CD. You would think they would want to give people more of an incentive to buy the actual product to help the already dying cd industry.

Overall, this collection is a nice, comprehensive taster of Robbie's history, and it is done beautifully, but I sincerely hope there is a complete, massive audio anthology collection on its way in the next few years.

EDIT 10/18/2010:

I finally received my copies of all the editions. Here are some additional notes:

AMERICAN STANDARD 2-CD Edition: Comes in a jewel case that holds both discs
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD 2-CD Edition: Comes in a trifold cardboard case with one disc inserted on each of the side flaps, and a booklet in the middle.
INTERNATIONAL AND AMERICAN DELUXE 3-CD Edition: Comes in a CD sized casebound book with the same basic booklet as the standard edition, but with a few additional additional photos.
INTERNATIONAL ULTIMATE EDITION (not available as an American Edition): comes in a longer version of the Deluxe packaging at 2 times the length. The booklet is much more expanded with lyrics, release dates, single cover, and UK chart positions. One of the first things I noticed is that the release date and peak position for Tripping is incorrect. Sorry, but I am a nerd and minor details like this get on my nerves SO much. The bad news is that the discs are inserted into flaps on the side panels, and then almost rub up against each other so there is plenty of opportunity for scratches on the discs with time. USA FANS: The DVD's WILL NOT Play in standard usa players (At least it didn't on mine). You will need a multi region player.

Creating a greatest hits album is already problematic, as invariably someone will complain there's been something left out. When Robbie Williams came out with his first greatest hits album about 6 years ago, it was a single disc album, that arguably contained the necessary singles, but was nothing I'd recomend to get into the artist. This album is different. In & Out of consciousness is a perfect summary of his career, and an even better introduction to those unfamiliar with Robbie Williams carreer. Unlike most greatest hits album, this album has a good progression, feeling almost like your taking a step back through his carreer with him. The album starts with a pair of new songs, both co-written by former band mate (and former rival) Gary Barlow. Both songs are very good, and fit comfortably within the Robbie Williams cannon. Thereafter, the album proceeds from album to album, from newest to oldest, carefully balancing the fast paced songs with the ballads. The album takes you through his more recent experimental songs, to his forray into swing music, to the biggest pop star in europe early days, and even includes his first single (not on any album) freedom, and even a take that song. Its a pleasure to listen to the whole way through, and the best introduction to Robbie's carrier I could think. Highly recomended.

5 stars for almost everything, such as Robbie himself, all the singles released from his solo career and also all the music videos but why the songs is censored ?

Another thing is the selling price from Amazon is too high !!! I bought the ultimate edition with USD80.97 including delivery charges and sadly i found this item in my country, the selling price is only USD38, what a rip off.

Presenting Robbie Williams' radio hits in reverse chronological order, this collection shows how his music has evolved from Oasis-lite to world-class pop, and also reveals the remarkable variety in his work.

Many of these songs are among the best of the late 90's and early 2000s, and offer a summation of both Britpop and good songcraft.

Of course all the classics are here (mostly on disc 2), while the first disc highlights his more recent work since his break with Guy Chambers. Of note is the new "makeup" duet with Gary Barlow, along with another excellent new song co-written with Barlow ("Heart and I"), a vintage Take That song, and his first solo single 'Freedom'. Recent fine singles from his current studio album 'Reality Killed the Video Star' ("Morning Sun", "You Know Me", "Bodies") are also included, as well as several tracks from his uber-flop album 'Rudebox' and his mid-career transitional album 'Intensive Care'.

Being a singles collection, of course some necessary album tracks are absent, and also the censored radio versions of Rudebox and Come Undone are presented. (As if most Robbie fans would be offended or surprised by his use of language). Since the bleeped lyrics are actually a distraction and don't really fool anyone, the proper album versions should have been included in this case.

A 3rd disc includes many otherwise hard-to-find b-sides (which are sometimes better than his singles). Although Robbie has released many more b-sides than are presented here, this disc offers a good overview of their variety and quality (including one superb new track).

There is also a deluxe 6-disc edition of this collection available, which includes 2 DVDs (playable only on PAL equipment, or a PC) containing all his music videos thus far (including the uncensored "Come Undone" and "Rudebox"), as well as a previously-unreleased Berlin concert film, also in PAL. The larger-format booklet for this edition includes additional photos and song lyrics.

Overall then this is an excellent and comprehensive summary of Robbie's career thus far, effectively obliterating his previous Greatest Hits collection.

Overall, I loved the cds and couldn't wait to get them. I wish I had known (didn't see it listed in description anywhere) that this was an edited version. The swear words have all be 'cleaned' out, and the little rap at the end of Kids has been totally removed. I only assume the latter is for space. There may be other songs that are shorter versions, that was just the only one I have noticed so far. Still a good cd, and worth every penny. This one will stay in rotation for awhile.

Re:
Robbie William's Greatest Hits updated and new.........

I will be buying this........I have all of the old (well most of them) cd's and 1 DVD that came out in 2007 that I haven't even opened yet or watched (I'm slow, what can I say?) from years ago when I ordered it. Hey, I like to take my time.

One thing you should know is that these are great songs to take a walk outside to with headphones and walking stereo....I can't help but dance while I'm walking......to some of these songs, they are great. His father went on record as of late to reporters stating that he liked his new deeper more matured voice...........I like his old voice.......but I never thought of it as either deep or high...just wonderful.

As far as the reviews on here stating part of the dvd is in MONO.......and that the curse words are *BLEEPED* out, well, if you have followed his career you will know that he has been through a lot, and has always been a bit of a smart *BLEEP*, and so I think this is just his way of stating that for the record, he's gone away from that image...
and of course, the people that complained about it, didn't get it.

I can see where it would be annoying to hear *bleeps* but I think he's trying to say something by doing this.

He is more mature now.

I doubt you will see him getting nekkid and holding his family jewels anymore...........
or writing anymore too suggestive lyrics........\

His new work is great too...I don't like the song Bodies, but the rest of them are great, especially the new song on Take That's Progressive album KIDZ that he wrote (so I hear).......I shall get that album also.

I'm not typically that big on greatest hits packages, unless of course there is new or additional content that makes it worthwhile. This set is a little pricey, but all the extras (unreleased concert DVD, videos, rarities, etc.) really make it a great gift for the Robbie fan! The only unfortunate thing is that the songs themselves are edited versions. Would loved to have gifted and "adult" version!

I have to first start off by saying that I am happy and pleased with the number of hits that are included in this collection of Robbie William's Hits. The songs that stood out for me the most are:
1)She's the One-A great track on what it feels like to be with someone that is like your twin soul. He recently found true love with US model and actress Ayda Field (Robbie married her at his Los Angeles mansion in the summer of 2010) (I saw a picture of them on a bbc website, they are a cute couple). The point that I am making is that because he has found true love that the title "She's the One" has come to be the real-life connection to his great musical art.
2)Rock DJ- A great song about having fun, and making the best of your life regardless of where in your journey that you are.
3)Millenium- A song that symbolizes taking inventory of where a person is in their life while an abundance of time is available.
4)Angels- A beautiful song about enjoying the company of kind people (symbolized by the lyrics I'm loving angels instead).
5)Do Me Now- A catchy song about the many fascinating things that he is interested in, but that although he has many interest, that in the now moment it is more important to him to seize the moment and have fun.
6)Feel- A beautiful song about experiencing passionate and happy love. His music video has him playing a rodeo star, and Hannah plays as his love interest. I love both the video and the song to "Feel". I admit that I thought that Robbie Willliams looked very handsome in the "Feel" video. However, his quality lyrics and strong singing expressed in "Feel" proves that he is much more than just an attractive face(and that Robbie truly has the gift of singing great songs). "Feel" by Robbie Williams is one of my favorite songs because it expresses how passion can serve as a positive agent for joyful change in a person's life.
7)Bodies- A very sexy song that is tastefully done, and appears to be about striving to make sense of the importance of seeing the beauty in one's body even amidst the societal obsession with having "perfect" and/or "thin" bodies.

Getting this three cd set by Robbie Williams was so very worth it because of the number of good songs and his excellent voice. There is something magnetic and powerful about Robbie William's voice that goes wonderfully with many of this songs. Please consider getting this collection of Robbie's if you like any of his songs and/or you enjoy pop music. In my humble opinion, Robbie has so much talent and creatively expresses his spirit through his music (it beautifully shows through many of the songs on this three cd set). I would even dare to say that Robbie deserves alot more attention here in America because of the superb music that he creates, and his powerful singing voice).

I think is just to close to the another one, but it's ok.
The 3rd cd... i'm not sure, i would prefered a cd with the videos or remixes or something like that... but it's ok.
I love robbie so i bought this cd to keep in the car.
AND WHY THE BOOKLET HAVEN'T THE LYRICS?
ONE OF THE IMPORTANT THINGS ABOUT BUY A NEW CD IS: rip the plastic paper and see the booklet.. forget the cd... THE BOOKLET!!!!!!!!!!
ok, i'll calm down.... i forgive you robbie just cause i enjoy the songs

AND... AND the song are censored.. the damn BEEP are in the songs... so please i need hear the song in the original way! with bad words and all these things!

I feel somewhat bad giving this a low rating, because the content is good, but the DVD is so poorly made that I can't give it anything higher than one star.

NINE of the videos are in MONO! All the 4x3 videos are pillarboxed to 16x9 - ok, this helps with making the disc easier to author, but results in lower resolution. The menus are basic beyond belief, there are no special features whatsoever, all in all a really disappointing DVD.

Epic fail by Metropolis Group I'd say.