Robbie Williams - Escapology
List Price:
Our Price: $6.36
You Save: $11.62 (65%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.01 (click here)
Category: Music CD
See more CD details
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
CD Details
Artist: Robbie WilliamsEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 2003-04-01
Music Label: Virgin Records Us
Soundtracks:
- Feel
- Monsoon
- Sexed Upn
- Get a Little High
- Come Undone
- Something Beautiful
- Love Somebody
- Revolution
- How Peculiar
- One Fine Day
- Me and My Monkey
- World's Most Handsome Man
- Nan's Song
- How Peculiar (Reprise)
Music reviews of Escapology
Music Review: Past, Present and Future
Rating: 4 Stars
The satirical self-absorption, at turns self-deprecation, of this artist may not always be appealing, but Robbie Williams can't be ignored. No matter what the context, his confident, original styling is worth a listen. Such is the case this time. Not without its flaws, "Escapology" still makes for an entertaining musical experience. Aimed at the mass (some have argued specifically American) market, it runs the superficial gamut of genres from hard to soft rock, from alternative to folk-rock. That eclectic mix would deter some, but Williams' broad vocal dimension enables him to "to cover it all."
The best of the selections, "Feel," ranks with "Angels" as perhaps one the finest compositions the Guy Chambers- Robbie Williams writing team has penned. It is fitting that it would be on this, their last album together. It begins with a rhythmic, solo piano intro; then Robbie, sounding better than ever, enters, singing, "C-mon take my hand, I want to contact the living," followed by a clever, cascading melody line culminating in a crescendo chorus of, "I just want to FEEL real love." Of deserved notice as well are: "One Fine Day," with masterful irony in the phrases and a memorable musical refrain; "Something Beautiful," an R & B thumper reminiscent of Wilson Pickett; a suprising treat, "Me and My Monkey" where Robbie dabbles in very witty, eccentric story-telling, and "Nan's Song," a tribute to his grandmother and the first song for which he wrote both the music and the lyrics.
What is clear on several of the other tracks is Robbie's desire to push the boundaries, to allow more of his in-your-face, unapologetic, brash character to come through. While these songs reflect his inward preoccupation, they are simultaneously symbolic of a real battle waged in the studio. Williams' efforts to make a rawer, what he believes is a more honest, statement have prevailed here over Chambers' previously successful attempts to produce a slick, more conventional package: "Sexed Up" is a colorless, biting farewell to a former lover; "Get a Little High" suggests some liberating though disturbing options to the downtrodden; "Handsome Man" [in what appears a purposeful foil to "Better Man" on his previous album] finds Robbie saying he's the center of the universe- "I'm the one who put the 'Brit' in celebrity"- though, as usual, we get the impression that he's not sure he belongs there. "Monsoon" and the power ballad, "Come Undone," ("Because I'm scum, I'm your son, I've come undone") move even further toward Robbie's unrestricted, self-promoting/self-doubting side. A bit offensive and rather rudimentary in form, they are nonetheless compelling. What is not, however, is "How Peculiar." It's just lyrically crude and musically lumbering.
This is not the British pop star's best CD, but it could very well be his most interesting. What we are actually hearing are the last vestiges of his past alongside portents of what will come. After listening to it all, you may find yourself trying to decide which Robbie Williams you like better.
Description of Escapology
Followup to the UK superstar's 2001 album, 'Swing When You're Winning', which has sold more than five million copies. 12 of the 15 tracks (including hidden track) were co-written with longtime collaborator Guy Chambers, who also co-produced. Chrysalis.He's tried his hand at indie-rock, big-band swing, and brash pop music. So where does Robbie Williams' fifth album take the popular British entertainer? Escapology is a a serious attempt to make music that's equally artistically credible and commercially accessible. Williams has matured into an adult-orientated rock/pop performer. Indeed, tead single, "Feel," wouldn't sound misplaced when played along with Phil Collins and David Gray; the singer's heartfelt vocals elevate it above routine radio fare. The highlight here is the epic ballad "Love Somebody," as Williams pushes his voice to its limits atop a lush backdrop of brooding strings and a gospel choir. The heavier rock numbers are impressively produced. However, while they feel like attempts to pay homage to Oasis, they wind up sound more like Toploader. Williams continues to harp on about what a hard time he has being a pop star ("How Peculiar," "Something Beautiful"). To fit his newfound maturity, there is less self parody in the lyrics, although his sense of humor shines though on "Handsome Man" and "Me & My Monkey." Escapology also features the first track written entirely by Williams--"Nan's Song"--is a simple, moving tribute to his late grandmother. --David Trueman
Pop CDs
Music Genres
Bestsellers in Pop CDs
Yvette Freeman - Dinah Was (L.A. Theatre Works Audio Theatre Collection)Release date: 2005-04-12; Music CD
Best price: $20.02
Price in other shops:
Twin Sisters Productions - Building Character Music CDTWIN SISTERS PRODUCTIONS; Release date: 2007-01-01; Music CD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
Bernadette Peters in ConcertDVD
Best price: $129.99
Everything Must Go/ Two Against Natureby Steely Dan
Published: 2003; Music CD
Scattered Ashesby Ihsahn / Emperor
Candlelight Records/Emi; Published: 2009-07-28; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $9.75
Price in other shops:
![Christmas at the Biltmore Estate [VHS] Image](/images/Christmas-at-the-Biltmore-Estate-VHS-076700437X-X.jpg){kind=small}
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate [VHS]A&E Home Video; Release date: 1998-09-04; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $16.83
Price in other shops:
The Shadow: Rare Radio Gems (Rare Radio Gems)Release date: 2002-09-01; Published: 2002-09-01; Music CD
Best price: $20.00
Price in other shops:
On the Shoulders of Giants, Vol. 1: An Audio & Musical Journey Through the Harlem Renaissanceby Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Release date: 2011-09-06; Published: 2008; Music CD
Best price: $1.98
Price in other shops:
Francis Durbridge, Paul Temple & The Gilbert Case - Radio ShowRelease date: 2003-05-12; Music CD
Best price: $21.49
Price in other shops:
The Serenaders - My One and Only YouRelease date: 2011-05-28; Music CD
Best price: $8.76
Price in other shops:
Similar CDs
Robbie Williams - Ego Has LandedRelease date: 1999-05-04; Music CD
Best price: $2.71
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Sing When You're WinningRelease date: 2000-10-03; Music CD
Best price: $3.81
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - In And Out Of Consciousness: The Greatest Hits 1990 -2010Release date: 2010-10-12; Music CD
Best price: $7.49
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - I've Been Expecting YouRelease date: 2006-06-05; Music CD
Best price: $3.18
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Life Thru a LensRelease date: 1999-05-21; Music CD
Best price: $2.28
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Intensive CareWILLIAMS,ROBBIE; Release date: 2005-10-31; Published: 2005; Music CD
Best price: $2.01
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Greatest Hits (Arg)Release date: 2004-11-01; Music CD
Best price: $7.49
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - RudeboxRelease date: 2006-10-30; Music CD
Best price: $0.01
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Reality Killed the Video StarRelease date: 2009-11-17; Published: 2009-11-06; Music CD
Best price: $0.95
Price in other shops:
Robbie Williams - Swing When You're WinningRelease date: 2001-11-26; Published: 2001; Music CD
Best price: $6.96
Price in other shops: