Robbie Williams changes course. That is the least you can say about his CD Rudebox. Was he tired of the familiar sound (which gave him so many hits) or did he now want to make an album that he really liked? In any case, Rudebox is a remarkable CD. Williams raps, covers Manu Chao, teams up with the Pet Shop Boys and sings about Madonna. The rock ballads have disappeared and been replaced by electropop
… from the eighties. To be honest, Williams' change of direction is not really going well. Rapping is anything but his strongest side, according to the title track or The Streets-like The Actor. His version of Manu Chao's Bongo Bong with Lily Allen in the background is undoubtedly intended to be funny, but above all it feels superfluous, and the old-fashioned synth-pop sounds in songs like Kiss Me or Louise (from The Human League) often sound unnatural. Rudebox is a brave experiment, but does not produce a satisfying album. This 'special edition' version comes in a luxurious, sturdy cardboard packaging and has an extra DVD. It contains a documentary about the album and a live version of the title track. (IV)more
