Robbie Williams - Reality Killed The Video Star CD

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Up-tempo, glitzy and bursting with perfect pop moments, Reality Killed The Radio Star is the hugely anticipated new long-player from Robbie Williams. After leaving Take That in 1995, the cheeky frontman has enjoyed a succession of bestselling albums, ranging from his power-pop debut, 'Life Through A Lens', to the sophisticated jazz of 'Swing When You're Winning'. Three years after his last studio outing, Williams is back with his most eclectic and accessible album to date, Reality Killed The Radio Star.

Rumoured to be inspired by the death of pop icon Michael Jackson, 'Morning Sun' opens the album on a touchingly beautiful note. Written with Don Black (James Bond lyricist), the piano ballad, backed by heavy strings, is a stark reminder of Williams' emotional power. However, any suggestions that this would be a downbeat record are dismissed by the exuberant techno funk of 'Bodies'. With all the hallmarks of a classic Robbie Williams hit, 'Bodies' is yet another exquisite single from the master of 3-minute wonders. With acclaimed producer Trevor Horn - whose band The Buggles wrote 'Video Killed The Radio Star', which inspired the title for this album - behind the desk, the production of Reality Killed The Radio Star is noticeably strong throughout, in particular with the bold arrangements on shimmering ballad 'Won't Do That' and the perfect mid-tempo pop of 'You Know Me'. Elsewhere there are continuous reminders that Williams is back to his fiery, chart-dominating best with disco-influenced floor fillers 'Difficult For Weirdos' and the aptly titled 'Last Days Of Disco', whilst his trademark seaside postcard humour makes a welcome appearance on the glam-infused 'Do You Mind?'. The album's highlight comes in the shape of a stripped-down number. With just piano, oboe and strings, 'Blasphemy' was the last song co-written with long-term collaborator Guy Chambers and it's a glorious chamber pop inclusion to an album littered with magnificent moments.

There is no question that collaborating with Trevor Horn has aided Robbie Williams in his bid to return to the top of his creative game, but the confidence displayed in the often mind-blowing Reality Killed The Radio Star is unquestionably from a Robbie in his pomp. Across 13 sterling, chorus-filled tracks, Williams hits the peak of his powers on a regular basis. As the man himself explains in the brilliant 'Last Days Of Disco', "don't call it a comeback" - we certainly won't, for the eighth album from Stoke-on-Trent's finest export confirms he's never really been away.