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 far removed from his previous albums: it's a serious attempt to make something as credible as it is accessible--so no more bubble-gum wonders such as "Rock DJ" or "Kids". Robbie has now matured and makes adult-orientated rock or middle-of-the road pop music. Lead single "Feel" is standard adult-pop fare that one might expect from the likes of Phil Collins or David Gray; it's redeemed, however, by Robbie's noticeably heartfelt vocals--though perhaps not the best singer in the world, you can tell he means every word he sings. The highlight of Escapology is the gigantically epic ballad "Love Somebody" in which his voice is pushed to its very limits and is pitched over a lush backdrop of brooding strings and a rousing gospel choir.

Unquestionably the ballads reign supreme--the heavier rock numbers are large and impressively produced with a cheesy touch of soul, filled with brash horns and pub-rock arrangements in what feels like an attempt to follow Oasis but ends up being more like Toploader.

Robbie's lyrical content is still very personal and much of it harps on about what a hard time he has being a pop star ("How Peculiar" and "Something Beautiful"). To fit his new mature style, there is less self parody, although his sense of humour and wry observations do shine though on "Handsome Man" and the catchy but silly "Me & My Monkey". Last but not least, the first track written entirely by Robbie himself, "Nan's Song" is a simple and moving tribute to his late grandmother. Although by far not the best on the album, Robbie will probably take comfort in that, firstly, it's good enough to be on the album and, secondly, it's better than Liam Gallagher's first effort. --David Trueman

What a cracking album from young Robbie.

Like other reviewers I too was critical of his early work but have since been won over by his undisputed talent and spellbinding live performances.

The first release from the album "Tripping" certainly isn't a bad track, but wasn't the reason for me purchasing the album. It's a fun track and definitely grows on you but the album is crammed with so many better songs, such as the brilliant, "Make Me Pure" the beautiful "Advertising Space" and the strikingly honest "The Trouble With Me."

His new writing partnership with Stephen Duffy is in my opinion a great success, and has resulted in a much more mature album full of great, thought provoking lyrics which he delivers in such a heart-felt manner with all the swagger, wit and bravado that we associate with Robbie's work.

If the United States aren't interested in his work then, to be honest, it's their loss and our gain, as he is the most charismatic and dynamic artist of his generation, and the release of his latest album only reinforces this.

Escapology, Robbie's latest offering, has all the hallmarks of Oasis' Be Here Now album of 1997. Totally bloated, completely over-produced and excruciatingly self-indulgent. This album is all about Robbie; and what Robbie does; and what Robbie eats; and what Robbie thinks, etc.

Robbie Williams is one severely insecure guy and feels the need to lie about his life to make it interesting. That's basically what it comes down to.

This album does have its high points, though.

The melancholy "Feel", the emotional "Something Beautiful", the anthemic "Sexed Up" and the rocker "Come Undone" are all very good songs which I will listen to again and again.

However, songs like "Hot Fudge" and "Me And My Monkey" may sound great to his legion of adoring fans at a live performance but they are not worthy of praise for being on this album. It's too self-indulgent for words.

"I used to be the boy next door...if you're Lord Litchfield and Roger Moore" he cheekily proclaims. Yeah, yeah, that's all very well, but while you're admiring yourself in the mirror and asking Guy Chambers to write about how good-looking you are, Radiohead are writing classic songs about pyramids, aliens and geo-political scenarios.

That is the difference between real music and pop music, I suppose. If you're a big Robbie fan, you'll love Escapology. If, however, he doesn't float your boat then you should give this album a wide berth.

OK, well you may or may not already own some of Rob's previous albums. Well, this is by far up to his previous standards. After a year off, a lot was expected of him and what he was going to bring back with him.
We start the album with the catchy bouncy How Peculiar. It may not be a classic, but it's a good song, and it's upbeat enough to make you want to keep listening.
Next is an "Angels'esque" Feel. This song is beautifully written and sung, and surely by now you should know it very well!
Something Beatiful is another bouncy song with some very nice Rob/Guy/(everyone else) lyrics. This song was the basis of a Channel4 tv programme Something Beautiful (where they auditioned for 3 Robbie Williams's to be in his video. One on them is female....ACE!)
Monsoon is truely an homage to Queen and the influence they have on him. With a brilliant band, and lyrics discussing kiss and tells, (he has been in just a few of them!) and love really. a fantastic song which is just amazing to see live.
Sexed up - although this song goes on for 30 seconds or so to long for me, it is a very heartfelt song about breaking up with someone. Personally I prefer the demo (found as a B-Side to Lazy Days)
I adore Love Somebody. I think that it is beautiful, but hey, I'm a soppy romanticist! This orchestral song is wonderfully sung, with the maturity of having down some swing shining through here.
Revolution is a duet which is again nice, but not one of my favourites, but their voices are well matched.
Handsome Man tickles me pink! On the surface this song is an absolute piss take of Robbie Williams the popstar seen from Rob the persons point of view. However, deep down there is a message that Rob really does need his fans, and of desperation. This bouncy song has some ace lyrics!
Come Undone is a dichotomy of Rob. Absolute classic where he picks himself apart and shows the world how he sees himself.
Me and My Monkey - immensely long train of thought. Don't try and work out the meaning it will drive you insane!
Song 3 - amazing band again. Rob goes for the rock "look" this time, but in a good way still. We do get a bit of screaming!
Hot Fudge is another crod bopper - Rock DJ stylee!
Cursed is a sad song about a friend who died with some amazing lyrics.
Nans Song touches the hearts of anyone who has ever lost anyone.

All in all, I think Rob has matured and this album is ace playing with every type of song possible, and I think that Come Undone is a brilliant song and just goes to prove that everything that Rob does isn't just Guy Chambers because he had nothing to do with that track. If you're going to buy this album you have to buy Feel - his new book! A last piece of info - i've owned the album since it came out and it has barely left my stereos!

Sooner or later, the nay-sayers will have to drop the act and admit that Robbie is something a bit special. How long have we waited for a musical act that can put on a great show and do it all with their tongue firmly in their cheek?
Well, finally, it arrived. And goodness me, if he isnt British!
J-Lo, Eminen, Enrique, Oasis, Stones. the list is endless of the big acts who are so self-indulgent on their videos and records. Rob, tells it like it is. He's rich, he's famous, he's amazed, he's lonely, he's adored, he's our biggest star.
So, thats what the songs say. None of this fake rubbish about things they know nothing about.
Great songs here from a maturing artist. Feel is the 'single', and its nice enough. The opening track, 'How Perculiar' is a slow-burner. I didnt get it at first, now i love it. 'Nans Song' is a pure, heartfelt song from the Robmeisters own pen, finally.
'Handsome Man' is very witty. The contrast between the chorus and verses showing his conflicting feelings. My two favs are 'Hot Fudge', a wonderfully funky no-meaning song, but terrificly executed. Try not tapping your feet to it! Second for me is 'Love Somebody'. Shame it wasnt released as a single, as it could have rivalled Angels as his BIG end-of-concert song.
All in all, a triumph. The biggest selling album of its year, only released in Novemeber. Says it all. Singles are for children, Albums are the real indication of success.
Have a rest, Rob. See you in a couple of years, we will be waiting.....

To all those who made negative remarks about this album or Rob, let me reply with his own lyrics: sc*** you, I didn't like your taste anyway!

This is by far his best, most poignant album ever. Both the lyrics and the melodies will linger in your head long after his silly Adam & Eve & Steve made-up song has finished.

One night I sat down with the booklet and just read the lyrics to my mom, who, at first, didn't really get why I keep listening to this album over and over and over again. She now nicks the cd whenever I'm not looking...

Also for those who think Me & My Monkey is just an absurd song: have you no imagination??? This is one of the saddest songs if you see past the surface. I don't know if this was intended or not, but if you think that the monkey is Robbie's alter ego (when he's on drugs for instance) the song gets really dark and sad!
Feel makes me cry, as does Love somebody. Hot fudge is hysterical, Handsome man IS Robbie. It translates his insecurities and self-ridicule (did you ever meet a sexier male ... chauvinist pig) perfectly!

Anyway, if you are not into the "we're going to Ibiza, we're going to have a party" kind of music, but like some substance: this is the album for you!