Rudebox [review]

Quoted from: http://www.megastar.co.uk/

'Gemma Freeman

Rudebox
Released: 23/10/2006The battle of the ex boyband members gone electro has begun - but it seems like team America is already miles ahead, as Justin Timberpants shows old timer Robbie how it's done. With what sounds like a desperate bid to snatch a smidgen of credibility, and move away from his Mother and Daughter Mr Nicey audience, Robbie Williams has made an attempt to get sexed-up with Rudebox. But sounds instead like an 80s night out at a gay club. With soft rock producer Guy Chambers kicked to the curb, Robster has looked elsewhere for a writing partner - and with his squillions in the bank he's experimenting and so assembled a catching ensemble of songwriter / producer talent including Mark Ronson, Jerry Meehan, Joey Negro and Soul Mekanik, plus guest appearances from the Pet Shop Boys and Lily Allen.
The cod, old school electro single Rudebox may have been universally panned, but second single (and Lewis Taylor cover) Lovelight is the light at the end of the tunnel. With a nod to glitzy disco and suave crooning, Robbie sounds like prime George Michael - fuzzed up beats and vague 'babe' references.
The album also includes five random covers – from Manu Chao's King of Bongo, to Rob’s personal fave, Louise by the Human League. My Robot Friend by We’re The Pet Shop Boys and Kiss Me by Stephen Duffy also get the honour, and he declares his love for the material girl herself on the Tennant and Lowe produced, She’s Madonna.
Gone are the cheesy post-pub ballads and crooning; instead Robbie’s gone self-indulgent – trying to tag along with ‘new rave’ (see Keep On, Good Doctor and Dickhead) but sounding lazy and middle-aged rather than the pill popping teen tearaway he wishes he once was.
Maybe it’s the realization that he’s past it that’s making Britain’s ‘born entertainer’ bored of showbiz and willing to sacrifice commercial success for rekindling his love for music. Self-aware and far from self-pitying, Rudebox pays homage to Robbie’s heroes, letting them take the spotlight and give his inflated ego a break.'