If you're a Robbie fan, you've probably already heard the controversy over his latest single, Rudebox. A drastic departure from his usual style, Rudebox sees Robbie try to break the increasingly popular urban music scene, influence by the growing popularity of Grime. Does it work, or should he stick to loving angels instead?
Rap and so-called 'grime' music is a particularly difficult type of music to fake, and despite the best efforts of Robbie, his PR team, and his producers, I think it's a safe bet to say that he's failed to fool anyone into thinking that he's taking this seriously.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that his efforts are cringeworthy - although Grime lyrics aren't known for being particularly poetic, Williams' effort falls far short of the mark, and the execution is sub par too. There's no real redeeming feature to the vocal performance - it's an ill fitting style, performed poorly, with little in the way of aplomb.
Perhaps this is a publicity stunt, or just a misguided attempt to break free of an ageing pop profile - Robbie is known for being bold when it suits him - but as a standalone track, it simply doesn't work.
Mr Williams would be well advised to leave this particular brand or urban music to the more authentic talent out there.
Robbie can't rap.
What next?More by Robbie Williams? More reviews? More pop?