Robbie Williams – ‘Britpop’ Review: A Jubilant Celebration of the Sound That Made Him
When Robbie Williams declares his musical intentions, he rarely does so half-heartedly – and with ‘Britpop’, his thirteenth studio album, he delivers a full-throttle, defiantly joyous homage to the sonic era that helped define British music in the 1990s. Out now via Columbia Records, this record isn’t merely a nostalgic exercise; it’s a boldly executed collision of swaggering guitars, anthemic hooks, and Robbie’s irrepressible personality.
Right from the opening surge of ‘Rocket’ – fuelled by explosive guitar work from heavy rock legend Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath) – Williams sets the tone for an album that wears its influences proudly while stamping them with his own pop prowess. The track’s swirling riffs and unrepentant energy signal that ‘Britpop’ is raw, upbeat, and purposefully unpolished in all the best ways.
But this isn’t a one-trick retro act. Tracks like ‘Spies’ and ‘All My Life’ swirl retro indie textures with Robbie’s unmistakable vocal charisma, threading a clever line between affectionate tribute and pure pop invention. Lyrically, Williams navigates themes from fame and mortality to self-reflection, showing a matured songwriter who still knows how to connect with an audience.
Collaborations across the album – from Coldplay’s Chris Martin to a memorable reconnection with Gary Barlow – add rich layers of melodic and emotional depth. Standouts like the reflective ‘Human’, featuring Mexican duo Jesse & Joy, showcase an artist comfortable stretching beyond the expected, balancing bombast with sincerity.
What makes ‘Britpop’ special isn’t just its homage to a glorious British musical tradition, but also its unpredictability and heart. Whether you’re drawn in by the rollicking hooks or the playful swagger, Robbie’s undeniable charm binds it all together, reminding us why he remains one of Britain’s most beloved musical icons.
On reflection, ‘Britpop’ feels less like a standard album and more like a mission statement: Robbie Williams leaning fully into his influences, reshaping them through his own unmistakable theatrical flair, and reminding us that – even decades into his career – he can still surprise, provoke, and genuinely delight.
Buy, download and stream ‘Britpop’ here