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Robbie Williams' Rudebox was one of the most enjoyable records of his career, but it wasn't a commercial success. Its follow-up, Reality Killed the Video Star, attempts to right the ship, and as such, it becomes everything its predecessor was not. Recorded with a single producer, the estimable Trevor Horn, but encompassing songs and sessions with a variety of writing partners (Guy Chambers and Soul Mekanik, among others), the songs sound rushed and the performances lackluster. Given an MOR blockbuster production by Horn, and with arrangements by his longtime co-writer Anne Dudley, Reality Killed the Video Star certainly has the sound it needs to succeed with Williams' aging audience and clean up on BBC Radio 2. Granted, Robbie Williams is an excellent ballads singer, well-suited for this grandiose backing, but unfortunately the lyrics don't stand up to the pressure. "Blasphemy" has the worst offenders, beginning with "What's so great about the great depression?/Was it a blast for you? 'Cause it's blasphemy." One song later, Williams declares "This is a song full of metaphors," then fills it with a chorus beyond mindless: "Do, ooh ooh, ooh, ooh ya mind/If I, I-I, I, I, I-I-I touch you?" At least the album is front-loaded with quality, beginning with "Morning Sun," the best and most deeply felt song on the album. Apparently written after the death of Michael Jackson, it begins with a classic example of the taken-two-ways lyric: "How do you rate the morning sun." Second is "Bodies," the first song to be released from the album, and it's the last glimpse of clear quality and inventiveness on the entire album. Reality Killed the Video Star may not be a denouement for Robbie Williams; it's not decidedly worse than 2002's Escapology, it's just bad in a different way. Whereas Escapology found Robbie disappearing into his own neuroses, this one is a hopeless mélange of satire and sincerity where, from song to song, neither can immediately be distinguished.
© John Bush /TiVo
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Robbie Williams, Composer, MainArtist - Don Black, ComposerLyricist - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - Richard Scott, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer - Scott Ralph, Composer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Brandon Christy, ComposerLyricist - Robbie Williams, MainArtist, ComposerLyricist - Craig Russo, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Françoise Hardy, ComposerLyricist - Robbie Williams, MainArtist, ComposerLyricist - Kelvin Andrews, ComposerLyricist - Danny Spencer, ComposerLyricist
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Guy Chambers, Composer - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Ricotti, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - mary Scully, Double Bass, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Peter Lale, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Piano, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Orton, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ralph De Souza, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rachel Bolt, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - R Williams, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Lewis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Cowie, Oboe, AssociatedPerformer - Bill Lockhart, Timpani, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Todd, Alto Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Murray, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Watkins, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Wood, Bass Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Mike Thompson, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Aaron Walk, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Bishop, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tracey Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - CHRIS BRUCE, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - EARL HARVIN, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - John Barclay, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - R Williams, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Noel Langley, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Nightingale, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Long, Tenor Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Derek Watkins, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Chas Jankel, Composer - Randall Jacobs, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tracy Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Todd, Tenor Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Programmer, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Richard Edwards, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tessa Niles, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dai Emanuel, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Schaefer, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - John Barclay, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - R Williams, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer, Programmer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Nightingale, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Kate Musker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nick Barr, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Jo Knight, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Lewis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Derek Watkins, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jackie Shave, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rita Manning, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ivo Van Der Werff, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Lewis, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Skaila Kanga, Harp, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Paddy Lannigan, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - mary Scully, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dai Emanuel, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer, Programmer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Danny Spencer, Composer, Programmer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Kate Musker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nick Barr, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Jo Knight, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jackie Shave, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rita Manning, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ivo Van Der Werff, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Lewis, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Hand, Composer - Stephen Cadman, Composer - Andy Stubbs, Composer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, Keyboards, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tracy Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Murray, Hammond Organ, Vibraphone, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Keyboards, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Orton, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - CHRIS BRUCE, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - EARL HARVIN, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dai Emanuel, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Schaefer, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - R Williams, Composer - Richard Scott, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer - Scott Ralph, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Kate Musker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nick Barr, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Jo Knight, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jackie Shave, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rita Manning, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ivo Van Der Werff, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Lewis, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Skaila Kanga, Harp, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tracy Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Murray, Keyboards, Vibraphone, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Programmer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Beard, Composer, Percussion, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tessa Niles, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Mixer, Programmer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dai Emanuel, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Schaefer, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - R Williams, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Edd Hartwell, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Kate Musker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nick Barr, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Jo Knight, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Lewis, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jackie Shave, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rita Manning, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ivo Van Der Werff, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Lewis, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Skaila Kanga, Harp, AssociatedPerformer - Olivia Safe, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tracy Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Programmer, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Peter Hanson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Richard Watkins, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Ricotti, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Paddy Lannigan, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - mary Scully, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Peter Lale, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Mike Thompson, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Keyboards, Piano, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Orton, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Schaefer, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ralph De Souza, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rachel Bolt, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - R Williams, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Sarm Crowd, Unknown, Other - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Clad, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Wiley, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Rysen Gunes, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Helen Tunstall, Harp, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Lewis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Stacey Watton, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Kegg, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Bill Lockhart, Timpani, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, Keyboards, Piano, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Tracy Ackerman, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Murray, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Paddy Lannigan, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - mary Scully, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Orton, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Programmer, Recording Engineer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dai Emanuel, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - R Williams, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Warren Zielinski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Kate Musker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Nick Barr, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Jo Knight, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Fil Eisler, Composer, Guitar, Programmer, Bass Programming, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Stacey Watton, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jackie Shave, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rita Manning, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Ivo Van Der Werff, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Lewis, Cello, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, Keyboards, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Bruce Wooley, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Lipson, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Peter Lale, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Orton, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Lol Creme, Guitar, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Tim Weidner, Recording Engineer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ralph De Souza, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rachel Bolt, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer - R Williams, Composer - Richard Scott, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer - Scott Ralph, Composer - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Ryan Molloy, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Trevor Horn, Producer, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Steve Morris, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Palmer, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Braide, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Lipson, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Phil Todd, Alto Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Murray, Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Jamie Muhoberac, Keyboards, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Steve Price, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Peter Hanson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Everton Nelson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Richard Watkins, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Isobel Griffiths, Orchestra Contractor, AssociatedPerformer - Ash Soan, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Stephen Hague, Programmer - Paddy Lannigan, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Dermot Crehan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - mary Scully, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Anthony Pleeth, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Perry Montague-Mason, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Peter Lale, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Wood, Bass Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Mike Thompson, French Horn, AssociatedPerformer - Anne Dudley, Conductor, Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Recording Arranger, AssociatedPerformer - Jonathan Rees, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Caroline Dale, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Jon Thorne, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Bishop, Tenor Saxophone, Baritone Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Don Black, ComposerLyricist - Tim Weidner, Mixer, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Tombling, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Emlyn Singleton, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Kiernan, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Pigott-Smith, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Andy Parker, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Frank Schaefer, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Julian Leaper, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Graham Archer, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Ralph De Souza, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Roger Garland, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Cathy Thompson, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Woodcock, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Boguslaw Kostecki, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Rachel Bolt, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Bruce White, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Martin Loveday, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - John Barclay, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, ComposerLyricist - R Williams, ComposerLyricist - Richard Scott, ComposerLyricist - Danny Spencer, ComposerLyricist - Scott Ralph, ComposerLyricist - Sam Farr, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jeremy Murphy, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chuck Norman, Programmer - Niall John Acott, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Liz Edwards, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Berrow, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Clad, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Wiley, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Noel Langley, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Luis Jardim, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - Rysen Gunes, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Helen Tunstall, Harp, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Nightingale, Trombone, AssociatedPerformer - Magnus Johnston, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Mark Lewis, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Stacey Watton, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Maciej Rakowski, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Jim McLeod, Violin, AssociatedPerformer - Pete Long, Tenor Saxophone, AssociatedPerformer - Derek Watkins, Trumpet, AssociatedPerformer - Don McVay, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Robert Smissen, Viola, AssociatedPerformer - Paul Kegg, Cello, AssociatedPerformer - Dave Daniels, Cello, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Bob Ludwig, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Stephen Hague, Keyboards, Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Robbie Williams, Vocals, MainArtist, AssociatedPerformer - Kelvin Andrews, Composer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - R Williams, Composer - Danny Spencer, Composer, Keyboards, Programmer, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Scott Ralph, Guitar, AssociatedPerformer - Soul Mekanik, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Mark Lewis, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Nick Sheldon, Assistant Mixer, StudioPersonnel - DJ Brass, Background Vocalist, AssociatedPerformer - Karl MIller (Akuko), Percussion, AssociatedPerformer
℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
Album review
Robbie Williams' Rudebox was one of the most enjoyable records of his career, but it wasn't a commercial success. Its follow-up, Reality Killed the Video Star, attempts to right the ship, and as such, it becomes everything its predecessor was not. Recorded with a single producer, the estimable Trevor Horn, but encompassing songs and sessions with a variety of writing partners (Guy Chambers and Soul Mekanik, among others), the songs sound rushed and the performances lackluster. Given an MOR blockbuster production by Horn, and with arrangements by his longtime co-writer Anne Dudley, Reality Killed the Video Star certainly has the sound it needs to succeed with Williams' aging audience and clean up on BBC Radio 2. Granted, Robbie Williams is an excellent ballads singer, well-suited for this grandiose backing, but unfortunately the lyrics don't stand up to the pressure. "Blasphemy" has the worst offenders, beginning with "What's so great about the great depression?/Was it a blast for you? 'Cause it's blasphemy." One song later, Williams declares "This is a song full of metaphors," then fills it with a chorus beyond mindless: "Do, ooh ooh, ooh, ooh ya mind/If I, I-I, I, I, I-I-I touch you?" At least the album is front-loaded with quality, beginning with "Morning Sun," the best and most deeply felt song on the album. Apparently written after the death of Michael Jackson, it begins with a classic example of the taken-two-ways lyric: "How do you rate the morning sun." Second is "Bodies," the first song to be released from the album, and it's the last glimpse of clear quality and inventiveness on the entire album. Reality Killed the Video Star may not be a denouement for Robbie Williams; it's not decidedly worse than 2002's Escapology, it's just bad in a different way. Whereas Escapology found Robbie disappearing into his own neuroses, this one is a hopeless mélange of satire and sincerity where, from song to song, neither can immediately be distinguished.
© John Bush /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 14 track(s)
- Total length: 00:56:50
- Main artists: Robbie Williams
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: Virgin Records
- Genre: Pop/Rock Pop
© 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd ℗ 2009 Robert Williams/The In Good Company Co Ltd
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