Track Listing

1. How peculiar
2. Feel
3. Something beautiful
4. Monsoon
5. Sexed up
6. Love somebody
7. Revolution
8. Handsome man
9. Come undone
10. Me and my monkey
11. Song 3
12. Hot fudge
13. Cursed
14. Nan's Song

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1116 in Music
• Released on: 2002-11-18
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Enhanced, Explicit Lyrics, Extra tracks
• Dimensions: .24 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
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

CD Description
'Escapology' is the fifth album from ex-Take That member Robbie Williams. Recorded in Los Angeles, Robbie is joined by long time songwriting partner Guy Chambers, and backing bandto help create a 'live' feeling sound to the album, which merges pop, rock, country and soul. The single 'Free' is alsofeatured.

Customer Reviews

A Coming of Age for the Veteran of Pop/Rock
Anybody who has seen the Robbie Williams Bare-all documentary 'Nobody Someday' should realise the significance of this album. After the tear jerking confessions that Mr Williams hates every part of being a popstar, you begin to realise why he took that wonderful year off for "Swing When you're Winning" and why he appeared so very happy at the Albert Hall.
Escapology, then, is his first coming of age album, from mild (but brilliant) pop to serious soft rock...but labels are misleading. This is still very much Robbie, even if some songs are a little misguided (the apparently deliberate non-commercial nature of opener 'How Peculiar' for example).
'Love Somebody' and 'Monsoon' are a relatively new era in RW history, bringing much more of his beloved rock sound into the scheme of things. Much of the album, for me, has the reminiscence of Chris Cornell's first solo effort Euphoria Morning, especially in the catchy 'Something Beautiful'.
The experimenting with different genres and sounds is typical of an album such as this which is more of a statement of freedom than a true attempt at art. It makes the prospect of the next Robbie Williams album all the more exciting. Whether you love or hate this album, one must commend Mr. Williams for having the strength to do something not everyone will like, and may even alienate his audience a little. That said, it is well worth a listen; a few rotations will have you humming along in no time.

Robbie grows up
So the Robster returns with a new band and a totally new writing direction. This album will appeal both to RW fans and also people who have previously found his music lightweight or over produced.

What we have here is a simply superb collection of earthy, well written and supremely executed songs in a variety of styles.

"Something Beautiful" is pure USA radio friendly pop, "Monsoon" is one of a few inward looking songs on the album, this one being a message to his army of female fans and the groupies he has "met" in the Biblical sense.

The chorus of most songs on the album is absolutely massive and masterful and Robbie will do well to meet another writer with the musical power that Guy Chambers obviously has.

Other stand out tracks on the album include the Queen-esque "Love Somebody", "Handsome Man" which is perhaps the albums lyrical centrepiece and source of great humour, the battle with drugs and drink as portrayed in "Come Undone", the hidden meaning in "Me and My Monkey" and the extraordinarily moving "Nans Song".

All of the tracks sound as if they were recorded live and the sampling present on previous albums has matured and been removed by earthy, radio friendly and classy rock instrumentation. Gary Nuttall, the bands guitarist, should also be applauded for his superb guitar work throughout the album that really is masterful in some parts and World class in all.

All in all a truly superb collection of mature and powerful rock songs drizzled with the usual lashings of humour and a mature Robbie - who will surely conquer all including the lucrative USA market. Again.

True Rob!
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!