Robbie Williams Releases Britpop Album Three Weeks Ahead of Official Schedule

Robbie Williams album cover displayed in London (Instagram @robbiewilliams)

JAKARTA - Robbie Williams gave fans a big surprise by releasing his 13th studio album, "Britpop", suddenly on Friday, January 16.

This launch is considered unexpected because it was carried out three weeks earlier than the schedule previously set.

To celebrate this special moment, the star's latest work is being massively promoted through album cover projections at various iconic places in the British capital, London.

This move by the former Take That member is the result of a long-term strategy to avoid intense competition on the charts.

Originally, Williams scheduled a release for October 10 last year. However, he chose to withdraw to February because the initial schedule was close to the launch of Taylor Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl".

Williams openly admitted that the pop diva's popularity could potentially hinder his ambitions to top the charts. Now, without a long announcement, he has actually advanced the schedule to mid-January.

The "Britpop" album is Robbie Williams' love letter to the era of music that shaped his solo career.

"You thought it was going to be released then. Then we decided not to. And now I've decided it's being released now," Williams said, quoting an Instagram post, Monday, January 19.

This work carries an exploration of the antemik side that is more energetic than previous albums, such as "The Christmas Present" (2019) or "The Heavy Entertainment Show" (2016).

In this ambitious project, Robbie collaborates with a number of top musicians across genres. Big names such as Chris Martin from Coldplay, Gaz Coombes, Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi, to Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy also took part. Interestingly, Williams also reunited with his former teammate at Take That, Gary Barlow.

Regarding the inspiration behind this project, Williams explained, "Britpop" is a manifestation of his musical vision since leaving Take That in 1995.

"I am determined to make the album I wanted to write and release after I left Take That in 1995. It was the peak of Britpop and a golden age for British music," said the 51-year-old solo artist.

"I've worked with some of my heroes on this album; it's raw, there's more guitars and it's an album that's even more upbeat and anthemic than usual. There's a 'Brit' element there and of course there's some 'pop' elements too - I'm really proud of this as a body of work and I'm excited for fans to hear the album."

If "Britpop" manages to top the UK charts, Robbie Williams will make a big history. This achievement will make him equal to the Beatles' record as the owner of the most number one albums in Great Britain.