This is from ARIA.com chartfacts

 

Rudebox number 1

 

 

Cheeky chap, Robbie Williams is back and ruder than ever! The ex- Take That member turned pop royalty has tantalized fans all over again with the release of his highly anticipated seventh studio album, Rudebox. The singer has enjoyed a whirlwind of superstardom since embarking on a solo career almost a decade ago, where he has managed to hold on to his notably cool image despite his ex-boy band roots. Robbie has set fire to the charts with a series of previous releases including; Escapology (#3 Dec. '02), Swing When You're Winning (#3 Feb. '02), Intensive Care (#1 Oct. '05) and Robbie Williams: Greatest Hits, which hit #1 from October 2004 to January 2005! The lucky singer currently has seven albums in the Top 100, which has not occurred since Metallica way back in 1998! Rudebox features collaborations with super 80s electronic duo, The Pet Shop Boys and fellow cheeky Brit, Lily Allen.

 

I love the pop royalty comment .

 

:o An american review (thanks Bry :heart: )

 

 

Robbie Williams, Rudebox

 

For some reason, Robbie Williams has had difficulty translating his superstar success in North America. It's too bad, because right now there are lame excuses for mass appeal male pop stars right now — the whiny Justin Timberlake is as "good" as it gets. And unfortunately, though Rudebox is Williams' best album since 2000's Sing When You're Winning, its electro-pop leanings are a deficit in today's hip-hop heavy marketplace.

 

But that aside, Rudebox is relentlessly catchy and fun, and its appeal lies in the fact that it never takes itself too seriously — even the horrendously bad title track works because Williams's lame Cockney raps are so knowingly delivered. However, the album's straightforward pop tracks are the true killer singles here, including both "Lovelight" and "Summertime" – though don't mistake the sincere-sounding "She's Madonna" as one of those tracks, as it's supposedly a knock on Guy Ritchie, who allegedly dumped a serious girlfriend as soon as he caught the Material Girl's eye.

 

While Rudebox is never brilliant, there are a few duds ("Louise" and "The 80's" come to mind) but there's more good than bad, and its hard to fault an album that is so consistently entertaining.

 

 

REVIEWED BY ROBERT BALLANTYNE, ON OCTOBER 29, 2006

 

 

 

I know it's been out a while, but I had to post this review. 4 stars!!

 

http://entertainment.ie/reviews/review.asp?ID=4750&subcat=CD

 

Love him or loathe him, you simply cannot deny that Robert Peter Williams has been responsible for some of the greatest pop singles of the 90s and beyond. C'mon - No Regrets? Strong? Rock DJ?. So, it came as something of a surprise when last year's Intensive Care (actually the best-selling album of his career) - was disappointingly drab. Choc-full of reflective, mostly mid-paced ballads, it signalled a change of pace for Williams, and apparently waved goodbye to the incendiary, cheeky, likeable pop that he excelled in. We should have known better. Williams has returned with possibly not only the finest offering of his career to date, but one that sounds like the album he's always wanted to make. On this evidence, it would seem that he's been immersing his lugs in 80s nostalgia; not only are most tracks smattered with electronica, but the both Pet Shop Boys and Human League also feature in some form or other. The former's influence is prevalent throughout; on the title's track's funky, robotic-laced bleepfest, Buslem Normal's sparse, spacey glow and not least on synth-laden tongue-in-cheek homage She's Madonna. Messrs. Tennant and Lowe also make an appearance on the excellent cover of My Robot Friend's We're the Pet Shop Boys (irony is alive and well in RW HQ), which isn't the sole cover on offer, either. Manu Chao's Bongo Bong receives a spicy, colourful makeover with Lily Allen on guest vocals; Stephen 'Tin Tin' Duffy's 80s classic Kiss Me is well-suited to Williams' warm voice, which has now made it a surefire dancefloor hit at G-A-Y, and the Human League's Louise also gets the treatment - albeit with none of the bittersweet charm that the original exuded. Most of Williams' original compositions are also top-notch, oozing the cheeky-chappy charm and clever turn of phrase he was once famed for; and though there are a few bloopers (Good Doctor, Summertime), overall, Rudebox is a thrilling return to form that suggests that Williams still has a hell of a lot to offer.

 

 

 

This is a great write up about Rudebox from the Sanity mag with thanks to Suse from TRWS for typing it up :dance:

 

OUT OF THE BOX

 

No-one can ever accuse Robbie of being predictable. Just when it looked as though the middle-of-the-road had him trapped forever, Robbie has said no to another album of arena sized anthems. Instead he has put together a killer collection of tunes designed more for the clubs than Kansas. It's his Confessions On A Dance Floor and you are going to love it!!

 

Christened Rudebox, this is a brilliant and brave step for someone in Robbie's superstar stratosphere to undertake. This album sees him collaborating with a bevy of topnotch producers and they have created something of a mini masterpiece. Thank God the whispers he had planned to record another Swing album proved false. Rudebox is so much more fun.

 

Its leading single has already divided fans. Working wryly as a mininal electronic production-with a wink to 80's hiphop- Rudebox surprised people who were expecting Feel 06 or Angels (again). Indeed before it was released in the UK it was first broadcast on Pete Tong's highly influerntial show to gauge public opinion. The single reached as high as number 4 on the UK charts despite it being widely criticised. It was also a worldwide smash reaching the top position in Chile, Germany and Italy. It was the 2nd best selling single in Europe for a number of weeks and was the 5th best selling single in the world. Not bad huh!

 

Typically Robbie remains unfazed by the more unkind comments about his new material. In fact he admitted on MTV that Rudebox was his favourite "it has a very very special place in my heart. I think out of any RW song, I have listened to this the most"

He has conceded however he is a little thrown by how strongly some fans have reacted to his new direction. "Its confused me. Lots of people have said "We don't like it, we don't get it" but to me its strong. "Rudebox is more of a single than Tripping was.. I love it. Other standouts on the album are the fetching She's Madonna, the 80's and The 90's, there is even a track called We're The Pet Shop Boys, which the said boys themsleves produced (the title alone deserves to win next years mercury prize). The soft and warm melodies of Lovelight is the perfect worm to lure those fans who find themselves sitting back on the fence.

C'mon people, jump, he won't bite.

 

Thanks Scotty. I meant to put it on here the other night but I was so cross eyed after typing it up I had to go to bed LOL. Its a great article...see how easy it is to put a positive spin on things :) .

I saw this idea in the Madonna forum and thought it would be an interesting thing to do. Go through each Robbie album, and discuss it by answering a few questions about them. :cheer:

So lets start off with:

RUDEBOX

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ef/B000HC2MFC.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V59590623_.jpg/200px-B000HC2MFC.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V59590623_.jpg

Favorite Song On The Album?


Rank The Songs On The Album
Rudebox
Viva Life On Mars
Lovelight
Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus
She's Madonna
Keep On
Good Doctor
The Actor
Never Touch That Switch
Louise
We're The Pet Shop Boys
Burslem Normals
Kiss Me
The 80's
The 90's
Summertime
Dickhead


Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?


What Would you give this album out of 10?


What Do You Like Most About The Album?


What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?


What Do You Dislike From The Album?


What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)


Favourite Video From The Album?


Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

Favorite Song On The Album?
The 80's now :wub:


Rank The Songs On The Album
1. The 80’s
2. The 90’s
3. The Actor
4. She’s Madonna
5. Lovelight
6. Keep On
7. Viva Life On Mars
8. Summertime
9. Good Doctor
10. Louise
11. Rudebox
12. Never Touch That Switch
13. We’re The Pet Show Boys
14. Burslem Normals
15. d!*kh**d
16. Kiss Me
17. Bongo Bong



Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?
It is my 4th favourite album behind his first three. :wub:


What Would you give this album out of 10?
9/10…… It would be a 10 if a few songs were taken off.

What Do You Like Most About The Album?
It just has so much energy and is so exciting. The most diverce and bizarre album he has ever made. So many different styles of music and much fun to listen to, no matter what mood you are in. There is something on it for everyone. It is so unbelievably underrated.. :wub:


What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?
Diverce, exciting, bonkers :lol:


What Do You Dislike From The Album?
Bongo Bong :lol: I don’t hate anything on the album. Although, I definatly think it is a bit too long. If it was a 11/12 track album it truly would be a 10/10 album :D

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)
Oh dear, both are so amazing and timeless in so many ways :rolleyes: It’s a bit like asking what’s better, $h!t or Diarrhea :rofl: I’ll go for Lonestar Rising :P


Favourite Video From The Album?
She’s Madonna :rofl:


Favorite Live Performance From The Era?
Rudebox live in Mexico :cheer:

Oh, I'll do this later. :cheer:

Favorite Song On The Album?

 

The Actor :wub:

 

 

Rank The Songs On The Album

Rudebox (16)

Viva Life On Mars (5)

Lovelight (3)

Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus (13)

She's Madonna (9)

Keep On (7)

Good Doctor (8)

The Actor (1)

Never Touch That Switch (14)

Louise (12)

We're The Pet Shop Boys (15)

Burslem Normals (17)

Kiss Me (6)

The 80's (2)

The 90's (4)

Summertime (10)

d!*kh**d (11)

 

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

 

Probably about 4th.

 

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

8

 

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

It's so different. The variety is amazing.

 

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

Eclectic, groovy, interesting.

 

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

It's a bit too long. He could have dropped a couple of the cover versions.

 

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

Errrrr......

 

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

Lovelight :wub:

 

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

Not really seen much. Rudebox at Hampden went down like a lead balloon. He did Lovelight in Australia didn't he? That was ok. ^_^

1. Lovelight

2. She's Madonna (used to be my fav but the wig and fish nets put me off a little) :teresa:

3. The 80's

4. Keep on

5. Summertime

6. Viva Life on Mars

7. The Actor

8. Rudebox

9. The 90's

10. Good Doctor

11. Never Touch that switch

12. Louise

13. We're the pet shop boys

14. Kiss me

15. Burslem Normals

16. Bongo Bong

17. d!*kh**d :puke2:

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

 

Too hard to say, I can choose my fav album easy enough but it isn’t this one :P

 

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

 

8 B)

 

 

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

 

Different :unsure: , fun :yahoo: , and sad :cry:

 

 

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

 

 

d!*kh**d, I know its not supposed to be serious and its just for fun, but I truly hate it :cry: :puke2:

 

 

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

 

Mess me up, I quite liked this, Yeah I know, I was probably the only one that did :rolleyes:

 

 

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

 

Lovelight :wub:

 

 

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

 

Rudebox at MK because I was there :P

 

 

sorry, I didnt answer all the questions :P

Edited April 28, 200718 yr by Sparkle

Wow, looks really fun! :yahoo: I'll definitely do it later. :dance:

Favorite Song On The Album?

 

The Actor

 

Rank The Songs On The Album

 

The Actor

Lovelight

The 80's

The 90's

Summertime

Louise

Viva Life On Mars

Keep On

Never Touch That Switch

Good Doctor

Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus

Burselem Normels

Kiss Me

Were' The Pet Shop Boys

She's Madonna

d!*kh**d

 

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

 

Number 3

 

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

 

8/10

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

 

Uplifting....great lyrics... Rob sounds like he is enjoying himself when singing these songs

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

 

Fun....Mad......Very Cheeky

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

 

Too many covers... not necessary... he could have carried the album just on his own songs alone

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

 

Lonestar Rising

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

 

She's Madonna ( but dont like the song )... sorry

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

 

Rudebox Live from San Siro... Milan ( Saw the video.... looked really good ... best performance of Rudebox live )............

:rap:

Favorite Song On The Album?

 

changes on a day to day basis atm: Lovelight

 

Rank The Songs On The Album

 

Rudebox 5

Viva Life On Mars 2

Lovelight 1

Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus 10

She's Madonna 13

Keep On 12

Good Doctor 9

The Actor 11

Never Touch That Switch 8

Louise 4

We're The Pet Shop Boys 15

Burslem Normals 14

Kiss Me 3

The 80's 6

The 90's 7

Summertime 17

d!*kh**d 16

 

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

 

1

 

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

 

9/10

 

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

 

It's so different and very new

 

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

 

underrated/fun/innovative

 

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

 

/

 

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

 

are you kidding :rolleyes:

 

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

 

Lovelight

 

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

 

/

Edited April 29, 200718 yr by Sabrina

Rank The Songs On The Album

 

The 80's

The 90's

She's Madonna

Keep On

Viva Life On Mars

Summertime

Lovelight

Rudebox

Burslem Normals

Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus

The Actor

Kiss Me

Louise

We're The Pet Shop Boys

Never Touch That Switch

d!*kh**d

Good Doctor

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

 

#2 behind Life Thru A Lens

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

 

9

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

 

The experimentation, coming off the back of his two weakest studio albums to date the irratic Escapology & the dull Intensive Care it was a breathe of fresh air to here Robbie taking risks.

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

 

Fun, Experimental, Sad

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

 

He choose the wrong two tracks to release as the first two singles, when there was so much better to choose from.

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

 

-

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

 

She's Madonna - in the long line of UK tradition of dressing up in drag in videos (i.e. Rolling Stones - Have You Seen Your Mother Baby; Kinks - Dead End Street; David Bowie - Boys Keep Swinging; Queen - I Want To Break Free, etc + Rocky Horror Picture Show, Monty Python, The League Of Gentleman, etc)

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

 

I saw the gig on Sky 1 & to be honest I felt he lacked the energy & spark of his Knebworth Gigs.

Yeah, as much as I loved the Leeds gig, it was nowhere near as good as Knebworth, Cologne, Slane, RAH. I think it had something to do with him being so tired after such a large tour. After he had his break, it seemed the South American gigs (Argentina, Brazil & Mexico) were brilliant. They are on youtube (well most of them I think). :D

 

Thanks TIP and everyone else, keep em coming :cheer:

Favorite Song On The Album?

 

Louise :heart:

Rank The Songs On The Album

1. Louise

2. Rudebox :o

3. Viva Life On Mars

4. We're The Pet Shop Boys

5. Keep On

6. The Actor

7. Burslem Normals

8. Kiss Me

9. d!*kh**d

10. Lovelight

11. She's Madonna

12. Never Touch That Switch

13. The 90's

14. The 80's

15. Summertime

16. Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus

17. Good Doctor :puke2:

 

 

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

4th best

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

10 like all his albums :kink: :P

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

The difference, the fact that he took a chance to do something he wanted

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

Different, Risky, Brilliant

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

The video clips for the singles -_-

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

Lonestar Rising

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

Lovelight :unsure:

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

Rudebox in Brisbane december 13th 2006 :dance:

RUDEBOX

 

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/ef/B000HC2MFC.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V59590623_.jpg/200px-B000HC2MFC.01._SS500_SCLZZZZZZZ_V59590623_.jpg

 

 

Favorite Song On The Album?

Viva Life On Mars

 

 

Rank The Songs On The Album

1. Viva Life On Mars

2. Dickhead

3. Keep On

4. Bongo Bong & Je Ne T'aime Plus

5. She's Madonna

6. Lovelight

7. The 90's

8. Never Touch That Switch

9. Good Doctor

10. We're The Pet Shop Boys

11. The Actor

12. The 80's

13. Summertime

14. Burslem Normals

15. Louise

16. Rudebox

17. Kiss Me

 

 

Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

#19 I think I put it at

 

 

What Would you give this album out of 10?

9.5ish

 

 

What Do You Like Most About The Album?

It's different

 

 

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

Very Good Crap

 

 

What Do You Dislike From The Album?

Quite a few songs actually, some bore me cause he talks about god knows what and some of the singing ones are boring to

 

 

What's your favourite B-side from the Rudebox era? (Lonestar Rising or Mess Me Up)

Dont ask me

 

 

Favourite Video From The Album?

She's Madonna, then Lovelight

 

 

Favorite Live Performance From The Era?

Rudebox I guess

What 3 words sum up Rudebox for you?

Very Good Crap

 

 

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

 

 

 

 

 

:kink: sorry, that just appealed to my sense of humour

RUDEBOX

 

[Where Would This Album Rank in a list of your favourite Robbie studio albums ever?

#19 I think I put it at

 

 

What? 19? He hasn't made 19 albums. :lol:

 

:lol: if he has, I havent got them all yet :P