Released 20 years ago this October
Rudebox
Robbie Williams · 2006
74 min · 16 tracks · alternative rock
An eclectic blend of dance-infused pop and cheeky storytelling brimming with playful energy and unexpected collaborations.
Top tracks — play these first
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Rudebox Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's playful spirit with its infectious beat and irreverent lyrics, showcasing Williams' knack for blending humor with pop sensibility.
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She's Madonna — This track features sharp, witty lyrics that playfully comment on fame and relationships, reinforced by an upbeat production that highlights Williams' charismatic delivery.
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Viva Life on Mars — A standout track that combines a catchy melody with introspective lyrics reflecting on life choices, demonstrating Williams' ability to balance lightheartedness with depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic styles and playful lyrics but lacks strong cohesion and depth for lasting appeal.
What we noticed
- Several tracks utilize sampling and interpolation, such as the title track which prominently features a recognizable hook from another song.
- The sequencing includes abrupt transitions between tracks, with some songs ending on unexpected notes or hooks that lead into the next.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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4/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful dance party atmosphere
- wave-like pacing with surprises
- extended tracks for exploration
- self-referential humor and wit
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Rudebox marked a departure in sound and style, showcasing eclectic influences.
- Themes
- celebrity culture critique· London nightlife· personal reinvention· British pop nostalgia
- Career context
- Released on October 23, 2006, 'Rudebox' marked Robbie Williams' sixth studio album during a period of artistic reinvention. Following the commercial success of 'Intensive Care' in 2005, this album showcased a shift towards a more experimental sound, incorporating elements of electronic music and collaborations with various producers.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Take That· Gary Barlow· Oasis
Tracklist
- 1 Rudebox Start here 4:45
- 2 Viva Life on Mars 4:50
- 3 Lovelight 4:02
- 4 Bongo Bong and Je ne t'aime plus 4:48
- 5 She’s Madonna 4:16
- 6 Keep On 4:18
- 7 Good Doctor 3:16
- 8 The Actor 4:06
- 9 Never Touch That Switch 2:46
- 10 Louise 4:46
- 11 We're the Pet Shop Boys 4:56
- 12 Burslem Normals 3:50
- 13 Kiss Me 3:16
- 14 The 80's 4:17
- 15 The 90's 5:33
- 16 Summertime / Dickhead 10:53
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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