Jump to content

RW Album. Swings Both Ways (2013)

ThePensmith
in Robbie Williams and Take That

Featured Replies

  • Replies 186
  • Views 20.1k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

From

 

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/review/a...bum-review.html

 

 

Robbie Williams: 'Swings Both Ways' - Album review

Released on Monday, Nov 18 2013

Published Friday, Nov 15 2013, 09:47 GMT | By Lewis Corner

 

It was inevitable that Robbie Williams would record a follow-up to his popular 2001 album Swing When You're Winning; especially when you consider it's still the best-selling album of his career. The singer has all the hallmarks of a Rat Pack crooner; a smooth voice, a charismatic personality and more showmanship than the Las Vegas strip. That said, sequels always have the added pressure of high expectations, so just how does Robbie's return to swing shape up?

 

As lead single 'Go Gentle' acknowledges, Mr Williams has a new love in his life. "If you need me I'll be there/ When you want me I'll be there," he tells his daughter Teddy over a swaying mix of piano and beats, giving us a glimpse of how parenthood has mellowed him ever so slightly.

 

Don't fret though, as 'Shine My Shoes' makes up for the single's lack of attitude. "The way you don't love me makes you look ugly," he tells his detractors over suave brass, reigniting his image of balls-out bravado. Both tracks hear Williams teamed up once more with Guy Chambers, reinforcing the reality that they make a killer songwriting team.

 

While Nicole Kidman was on hand 12 years ago to flirt with Robbie, this time he has Rufus Wainwright to open presents with on Christmas morning. "Face it Robbie, you're a little bit gay," Rufus declares on title track 'Swings Both Ways' over a winter-warming orchestra, with both singers' vocals pirouetting in and out of the brassy twinkles.

 

The bromances don't end there though; Olly Murs is on hand for Jungle Book classic 'I Wan'na Be Like You' as they cheekily refer to each other as "man cub", while Michael Bublé duet 'Soda Pop' is like adding double cream to melted chocolate for impossibly smooth results.

 

Along with the covers of classic swing numbers, Robbie reserves a space for a reworking of his own chart hit. 'Swing Supreme' is a big band take on his 2000 single 'Supreme' that both reminds us of his past brilliance and makes for a rather brooding swing number.

 

However, if there's one song that cements Robbie's current-day genius, it's 'No One Likes A Fat Pop Star'. "I come from a land of kebabs and curries," Williams coos on the swirling Willy Wonka-esque number, that hears a choir beautifully sing the title. It concludes Swings Both Ways in spectacular fashion, and proves that 12 years on, Robbie Williams hasn't lost an ounce of that sparkle.

 

4 Star Rating

 

 

Tracks to download: 'Swings Both Ways', 'Go Gentle', 'No One Likes A Fat Pop Star', 'Soda Pop', 'Dream a Little Dream'

 

 

:o :o :o :o

I give up. Has he ever had such good reviews? :wacko: :wacko: :wacko:

 

Maybe we need to listen again Sparkx. :unsure:

Again? :lol: I haven't really managed to listen to more than 30 seconds of each song yet...

Edited by Sparkle

You lasted 30 seconds a song? :o

 

 

That's about 25 seconds a song longer than I managed :(

:lol:

 

So.......... is it just Jups and I that are unhappy to get another swing album?

 

 

Come on.........own up! where are you all? :unsure:

From

 

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/nov/...oth-ways-review

 

 

Robbie Williams: Swings Both Ways – review

(Island)

3 out of 5

 

Dave Simpson

The Guardian, Thursday 14 November 2013 22.31 GMT

 

 

Robbie Williams has returned to the format of 2001's big band-era cover album, Swing When You're Winning, one of the most successful of his career, but this time with six original songs, and oodles more self-deprecating camp. Swing Supreme – one of a clutch of songs written with Angels co-writer Guy Chambers – depicts an ennui-laden rock star hankering after the jazz age with one-liners such as "a tumour in your humour", while the title track finds Rufus Wainwright telling the singer, "Face it, Robbie, you're a little bit gay." Celebrity guests (Lily Allen, Olly Murs, Michael Buble), brass and finger-clicks abound, and lots of the tracks swing so much you can almost smell the brilliantine. Some of the covers are too well-worn (Minnie the Moocher and Puttin' On the Ritz), but Snowblind's admission of vulnerability is rather moving, and the recent father's Go Gentle – complete with one of pop's great whistled middle eights – may be the most touching declaration of parental love/responsibility since David Bowie's Kooks.

ALBUM REVIEW: Robbie Williams -

 

'Swings Both Ways'After ten years, he returns to swing with help from some showbiz friends

 

When it comes to British solo stars Robbie Williams is one that stands out from the crowd. Never in fear of offending anyone he takes risks (we all remember Rudebox) and nine times out of ten they pay off.

 

Robbie first released a swing album over ten years ago, and now he is at it again, revealing: “First of all, I wanted to do a Swing album because I wanted to do a Swing album. I always knew I’d do another and I think now is the perfect time to do it,” and with the help of a few great showbiz pals he’s hit the nail on the head once more.

 

 

 

Shine My Shoes

 

The opening track is written by Robbie himself and his old pal Guy Chambers and it’s a great opener to the album. It starts with the typical swing click and then grows with the sound of trumpets and a full blown brass band. It’s very much a big band track and shows signs of a new Robbie as he refrains from swearing as he says ‘happy as a pig in shhhhh.’

 

Go Gentle

 

This track was performed by Robbie on last week’s X Factor and is his new single. A song that is quite clearly directed at his little girl Teddy as he sings of dancing with boys but not having to kiss them and stating he will always be there for her. A song most dads out there would be able to relate to about, a sweet and charming look at fatherhood.

 

I Wanna Be Like You Ft Olly Murs

 

Here we see two artists who are often compared joining forces on a classic Disney hit. Does Olly want to be just Like Robbie? He is definitely heading that way. Both stars are known for their cheeky chappy personalities so putting this into a fun light hearted song has worked really well and you can hear in the recording that they had a ball doing it.

 

Swing Supreme

 

A slower track that unfolds into Robbie classic ‘Love Supreme’ but as a swing version. This is a genre he has mastered but taking a track many fans know and love and changing it into a big band number could be a risk but his voice is so smooth and it becomes a really good listen. A little bit of old school RW regenerated into something new.

 

Swings Both Ways Ft Rufus Wainwright

 

Rufus who is potentially unknown in the UK makes a welcome appearance on this track which he also co wrote. Their voices are very similar and the song is a little tongue in cheek which is something everybody is used to with Mr Williams as he sings: ‘And after I’ve done her’ to which Rufus replies: ‘You can do me.’

 

 

Dream A Little Dream Ft Lily Allen

 

First John Lewis, then ‘Hard Out Here,’ now dreaming a dream with Robbie. It’s nice to see Lilly back on the music scene in a selection of different styles. This song is sung beautifully and it sounds incredibly classy and romantic as the two sing it together. An unexpected but gorgeous rendition of a classic love song.

 

Soda Pop Ft Michael Buble

 

It’s instantly clear from the first note that this is going to be a fun, upbeat song. You can hear the jazzy piano and the trumpets are a wonderful big addition throughout the entire song. Buble’s vocal is flawless as always and to see them do this together on a stage with a huge band would be a real treat.

 

Snowblind

 

From fun with Buble to a calming song written by Guy Chambers and Williams himself. Jazzy piano gone and twinkly sounds brought in; maybe Robbie has become a softy at heart now. A song about love and relationships is made more magical as the strings echo in towards the end. As it is a ballad type song the vocal isn’t mind blowing but it still sounds lovely.

 

Puttin On The Ritz

 

The album then goes back to some more toe tapping swing with ‘Putting On The Ritz.’ It’s hard not to imagine him swinging around the stage and putting on a fabulous show when you hear this track. It’s one that really oozes the swing genre with lengthy musical interludes that make you want to chuck on a flapper dress and go dancing in a big jazz hall.

 

Little Green Apples Ft Kelly Clarkson

 

Here we see Williams join forces with one of world’s most loved female vocalists, newly married Kelly Clarkson is a surprise collaboration but his big personality and her big voice makes for an endearing musical moment.

 

Minnie The Moocher

 

Opening with some big notes that prepare you for a strong swing vocal, Robbie's voice has a huskier tone and he is joined by some manly backing vocalists. There would be a lot of crowd interaction at a live show with this one, his voice gets, dare we say it sexier as the song goes on and takes on a faster pace as it comes to an end.

 

If I Only Had a Brain

 

A song from the ever popular Wizard Of Oz is the penultimate track on Robbie’s second swing album and it’s songs like this that show his voice for what it is capable of. Not a huge ballad but a sweet sentimental song that requires heart. However we all know he has a brain because he’s mastered making millions out of a genre that many current artists approach anymore.

 

No One Likes A Fat Popstar

 

“I come from a land of kebabs and curries,” isn’t an opening line anyone would expect to hear, but that’s what happens here. He also sings of how showbiz is a single chin game, and munching on a thimble of self esteem. He’s then joined by an operatic choir who sing about how no one likes a fat popstar. It’s great to see someone (especially a bloke) having a go at the industry as it is one that can be so fickle and shallow when it comes to looks.

 

Our Verdict

 

It’s rare to see an artist poke fun at themselves and others whilst still remaining respectful but Robbie Williams does just that. It’s clear to see people want to work with him and his songwriting efforts with Guy Chambers are fantastic. His vocals, although not always flawless are charming and listenable. This album has the swoon factor and proves once again that Robbie is one of our best entertainers.

 

 

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/reviews/

:lol:

 

So.......... is it just Jups and I that are unhappy to get another swing album?

Come on.........own up! where are you all? :unsure:

 

I've got to listen it to a bit more first. It is pleasant but not my favourite album on first listen. That said it should do really well in the album charts, Go Gentle was the right single choice ;)

Bought the deluxe edition yesterday and absolutely love it. Not as good as Swing When You're Winning and won't have the same high sales but still very good. Especially love Swing Supreme and Dream A Little Dream Of Me.

Yo :smoke:

 

Bought the album on Saturday but only just got around to listening to it this evening. I am actually quite surprised how enjoyable it is. Some really good tunes on there - Shine My Shoes has the Williams/Chambers classic sound all over it, Snowblind is very good vocally and lyrically and No One Likes A Fat Pop Star is brilliant. The covers are not as obvious as SwingWYW which is nice - Dream A Little Dream and Little Green Apples are very strong duets. Soda Pop with Micky Bubbles is a bit of the let down - very repetitive. I wanna be like you with Olly is a bit of cheesy fun really. Not overly fond of 'Go Gentle' though - the bridge and some of the lyrics are very well done but it has a weak chorus and it drags on and is overly dull imo - not surprised it failed to make the top 5. A big let down for the return to writing with Guy. Shine My Shoes would've been a far better choice and should be the second single. I see in the TV guide that he is performing 'I wanna be like you' on Graham Norton this week though so maybe that's second single. A bit pointless unless Olly is doing it with him but I suppose it could be a big hit for Xmas especially with a duet on the XF final with Olly.

 

Great to see he is heading for the 1000th #1 Uk album this week - just read it has sold over 48K yesterday alone which is very impressive especially given it took Take That Crown two days to shift that amount and that was on the back of a massive lead single with 'Candy'. It would be good to see this open with over 100K.

I agree Go gentle is a bit too watery for my liking , Robbie being sentimental again & obviously getting his own way as usual

After a few listens here's my opinion on Swings Both Ways:

 

Shine My Shoes

 

One of the catchiest songs in this album, classic Rob's egoist song, surprised this wasn't lead single. Perhaps because it is slighly different than the main climate in this album. I enjoy every part of this song, both music/vocals and lyrics, also both verses and chorus :) Also one of my favourite.

 

Go Gentle

 

I absolutely love the feeling this song emanates. The music and the singing (even the lyrics) during the verses. The chorus is just annoying and badly sung imo. I however love the tune so much that I simply do not care. It replaced 'Haven't met you yet" as my wake up tune and it somehow makes me feelhappy every time I wake up. I found myself whistling the tune several times in public transport. Did a good job as first single because it is representative of the rest of the material in this album imo despite being "less hardcore".

 

I Wanna Be Like You Ft Olly Murs

 

Their voices match, duets are the highlight of this album anyway. I could do without some of the "jungle sound effects" but this song is fun. It took me quite a few listens to realise it but yes it is fun. Was it hinted that this will be the next single or am I wrong? It sounds like a fun, swing version of Bongo Bong. "Be like me Olly! yes I want to be like you Rob" , this is the gist and seems a bit uncomfortable for a pop-rock 39 year old star imo, but the choice is theirs. The verses are once again way better than the chorus.

 

Swing Supreme

 

I couldn't care less. Supreme had some swing elements either way and this new version is not different enough to feature as a new song imo. If Supreme had never surfaced I would say Swing Supreme is brilliant but now I simply couldn't care less.

 

Swings Both Ways Ft Rufus Wainwright

 

Lyrically entertaining. It has this annoying thing that you need to put some effort into understanding who sings what, their voices are almost identical. "After I dump her. Well you can do me" Some brilliant sence of humour about this song, lyrics is its strongest feat.

 

Dream A Little Dream Ft Lily Allen

 

Fell in love with this immediately. There is serious chemistry between Lily and Robbie! This could be a good single choice but this Allen lady is already too much on the radio for now.

 

Soda Pop Ft Michael Buble

 

I expected A LOT from this collaboration. Easily the catchiest song on the album. Fun yes, remarkable no. Soda Pop is what this song really is :lol: The chorus is infectious (despite being repetitive) to a new level, even topping Candy. I so badly wanted something more like "Sway" but at least it is fun and should be entertaining live.

 

Snowblind

 

Sounds like something that also feature in Reality Killed the Video Star or Intensive Care. A sweet ballad, the most sentimental song on this album, and a nice addition to it.

 

Puttin On The Ritz

 

Not outstanding in any way but ok.

 

Little Green Apples Ft Kelly Clarkson

 

Another outstanding duet. Despite being a bit grey-haired lyrically during the verses it has a great chorus (becoming rare nowadays!). A very good cover nevertheless.

 

Minnie The Moocher

 

This could have been a swing Me and My Monkey. Unfortunately the chorus is litteraly unbearable. Where Drunk Cowboys Dare :rolleyes:

 

If I Only Had a Brain

 

Not touching me lyrically in any way... Shame because it has a sweet melody and is beautifully sung. If you can somehow connect to the lyrics I guess you will like it.

 

No One Likes A Fat Popstar

 

The operatic parts ruin the whole thing for me. I had to endure them in order to listen to the rest of the song which is actually good. Perhaps it will be funnier live...

 

Where there's Muck

 

Bah... Starts brilliantly but evolves into a 'prank song' . Too much "kish my ass" for me. Doesn't exactly fit my sense of humour.

 

Wedding Bells

 

Another sweet mellody. Beautifully sung as well. Not my favourite, yet a quite charming song.

 

16 Tons

 

Sound a bit like Elvis. It is quite short, but flows surprisingly effortlessly! Definitelly not a forgettable song, I like this one a lot.

 

 

 

All things considerred this album is FUN. Maybe a bit too fun at times. It also features some more sentimental songs, including two brilliant duets. There are some "kind of annoying" details here an there but it is generally a great effort. I like it.

Edited by 7heDreamer

Well it's going to be UK No1 album on Sunday and Robbie will equal Elvis's record. And get the 1000th UK No 1 album. So yay for that :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

As of Thursday

 

 

Albums

 

1 Robbie Williams - Swings Both Ways * (82,8k)

2 Jake Bugg - Shangri La * (31,5k)

3 Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (27,9k)

4 Céline Dion - Loved Me Back To Life * (19,4k)

5 JLS - Goodbye: The Greatest Hits * (19,3k)

 

King of the swingers Robbie Williams scores UK’s historic 1000th Number 1 album

http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff449/forumrw/BZ209xRCEAEqD48_zpsb45b849e.jpg

Official Chart Company

 

By Lauren Kreisler

 

Robbie Williams scores the Official Albums Chart's 1000th Number 1 with Swings Both Ways, and equals Elvis Presley’s tally of UK chart topping albums!

 

Robbie Williams claims an historic Official Albums Chart milestone as Swings Both Ways becomes the UK’s 1000th Official Number 1 album, the Official Charts Company can confirm.

 

57-and-a-half years after Frank Sinatra’s Songs For Swingin’ Lovers became the UK’s first ever Number 1 album, Robbie Williams brings the classic genre full circle and back to the top of the chart with new album Swings Both Ways.

 

Robbie tells OfficialCharts.com "I am over the moon that Swings Both Ways is Number 1! And such an honour to be the 1000th album in that spot too, following Frank Sinatra who was the first person in that spot and my hero. Thanks to everyone who bought the record, see you all on the tour next year!”

 

With a staggering 18.6 million UK album sales across his solo career, and 55 million, globally, Robbie is no stranger to albums success. But now he can also count a UK chart-topping tally to match Elvis Presley among his many achievements. 2013’s king of the swingers, Robbie, today draws level with The King himself, boasting 11 Official Albums Chart solo Number 1s apiece.

 

You can check out all of the UK's 1000 Number 1 albums to date, here.

 

Martin Talbot, the Official Charts Company’s chief executive says: "Congratulations to Robbie Williams on claiming the 1000th Official Number 1 Album. He couldn't be a more suitable victor, both as one of the all-time greats of the Official Albums Chart (now tied with Elvis Presley as the male solo artist with most Number 1 album) and with his Swings Both Ways providing a beautiful symmetry with the very first number 1 in 1956, Frank Sinatra's Songs For Swingin' Lovers.

 

"In topping nearly 109,000 sales in its first week, Swings Both Ways is also confirmed as a bona fide smash - and is well placed to be the album of choice for music fans and gift purchasers at Christmas 2013."

 

Swings Both Ways is Robbie’s second swing album. He previously topped the Official Albums Chart back in December 2001 with Swing When You’re Winning (which included the Number 1 single Something Stupid FT Nicole Kidman). The album went on to become Robbie’s second best-selling album of all time in the UK, shifting 2.3 million copies on these shores. The new album finishes this week’s race a clear margin of 67,000 copies ahead of Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (Number 2).

 

http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/k...r-1-album-2630/

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to TRWS

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.