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Robbie Williams Surprise-Releases 'Britpop,' Targeting Record 16th UK No. 1

The early drop positions Williams for a No. 1 bid on nostalgia-steeped songs featuring high-profile guests.

Overview

  • Williams released Britpop on January 16, three weeks ahead of its planned February 6 date, after previously shifting from October to steer clear of a Taylor Swift release.
  • The album is his first collection of all-new, non-Christmas material since 2016 and leans heavily into 1990s Britpop sounds he says he long wanted to make.
  • Early reviews are largely positive, with four-star notices from outlets including Rolling Stone, the Guardian and the Telegraph, alongside harsher critiques such as a two-star review in The Times.
  • Collaborators include Tony Iommi, Chris Martin, Gaz Coombes, Gary Barlow and Jesse & Joy, with tracks such as Rocket, Spies, Human, Pretty Face and a new single, All My Life.
  • Williams, currently tied with The Beatles on 15 UK No. 1 albums, has said he wants Britpop to deliver a 16th chart-topper, with a Long 90’s tour set to start on February 4 in Glasgow.