I am a simple music consumer. My only area of musical expertise is to know what I like and don't like. Before I heard this album I did not know a great deal about Robbie Williams (I do now!), but had truly appreciated his efforts with Swing When You're Winning (his swing CD). On hearing Sing When You're Winning (released August 2000, first heard by me June 2003), I just had to acquire Robbie's earlier and subsequent albums as well!
Sing When You're Winning is Robbie's 3rd solo album and is named after an English soccer chant. The soccer theme continues (with lots of Robbie's in various forms) in the CD booklet. Robbie Williams, in one interview, said that this album "had more grown-up stuff on it", which I certainly agree with, and that he was just "trying to beat his best score from his previous album". He wanted people to "have a good time, be sad, be in different moods, and go all over the place", while listening to it. Well, he achieves all that, and more.
On my first listen, the lyrics made (and still make) me laugh. Not since Bernie Taupin wrote lyrics for Elton John, have I been particularly interested in any song's lyrics -- until I listened to this album, that is. The lyrics here are brilliant; clever, funny, real and sung so sincerely you feel that you are part of each song.
Let Love Be Your Energy: a good song about finding love, but my least favourite of the whole album. Lots of energy and great at a live show, though.
Better Man is the best ballad on the album, sung and written beautifully (with the help of a prayer to John Lennon, I believe). I know men of all ages who love this song, and Robbie sings it with so much meaning. I also know of two women who were proposed to with this song playing in the background, and yes, they are now happily married. I recently had the opportunity of singing Better Man (with 50,000 others) in a Sydney stadium with Robbie accompanying us on guitar during a concert I'll never forget.
Rock DJ is a simply fantastic (and silly) pop song / dance tune with a great beat and funny lyrics. Check out the clever video for this song (where he peels everything off, even his skin) if you haven't already.
Supreme has lyrics that I love, and a bit of Gloria Gaynor's "I will survive", a great catchy song.
On Kids, Robbie's sexy duet with Kylie ("the singing budgie") Minogue, the singers sound like they're having fun; Robbie said that he "wanted her to sing lots of dirty things to me but wasn't brave enough to write the lyric". No matter, the lyrics he did write do the trick and the chemistry between them is obvious. However, the best bit for me is the fantastic Robbie rap at the end of the song.
If It's Hurting You is an emotional ballad with soft music and beautiful vocals. Anyone who has been in a relationship can relate to this song.
Singing For The Lonely is a touching, easy-listening song about the trappings of fame.
Love Calling Earth is a good album track from a great performer. Another ballad about love, this dreamy song has definitely grown on me.
Knutsford City Limits is another good song with excellent lyrics, about where Robbie grew up.
Forever Texas is a raunchy and fun song. Great stuff. (Apparently some Texans have taken offence at some of the lyrics; makes it even funnier, really.)
By All Means Necessary showcases brilliant lyrics about wanting fame and fortune……
Road To Mandalay is another fun catchy tune which can be sung along to, especially the chorus! Everyone feels happy after this song. For those of you who look forward to Robbie's hidden tracks on his CD's, there is a surprise waiting for you 25 minutes after this track.
If you like this CD (and I don't know anyone who doesn't), do yourself a favour and get hold of a copy of Robbie's "Where Egos Dare" DVD, where you can you can see Robbie during the making of this album, as well as the Rock DJ video (with additional footage), some Slane Castle Concert (1999) highlights, and other funny features. You won't be sorry!
Sing When You're Winning is a timeless, infectious, feel-good album for all ages. Be proud, Robbie……… Play the CD; listen, sing, dance, laugh, enjoy!
Reviewer- Pamela Eggins
REVIEWS
Albums | | 2005 | Intensive Care | | | 2004 | Greatest Hits | | | 2003 | Robbie Williams Live at Knebworth | | | 2003 | Escapology | | | 2003 | ...Me and My Monkey | | | 2001 | Swing When You're Winning | | | 2000 | Sing When You're Winning | | | 1998 | I've Been Expecting You | | | 1997 | Life Thru A Lens | | | DVDs | | 2003 | The Robbie Williams Show - on DVD | | | Books | | 2004 | Feel | | | Concerts | | 2003 | Knebworth | | | Singles | | 2005 | Tripping | | | 2004 | Misunderstood | | | 2004 | Radio | | | 2003 | Something Beautiful | | | 2003 | Come Undone | | | 2002 | Feel | | | 2002 | The Coppice Charity CD - Rock DJ | | | 2001 | Something Stupid | | | 2001 | Eternity/ The Road to Mandalay | | | 2001 | Let Love Be Your Energy | | | 2000 | Supreme | | | 2000 | Kids [duet with Kylie Minogue] | | | 2000 | Rock DJ | | | 1999 | She's The One/ It's Only Us | | | 1998 | Strong | | | 1998 | No Regrets | | | 1998 | Millennium | | | 1998 | Let Me Entertain You | | | 1997 | Angels | | | 1997 | South Of The Border | | | 1997 | Lazy Days | | | 1997 | Old Before I Die | | | 1996 | Freedom | |
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Robbie in the studio
