View Full Version : Top 30 Robbie Williams Songs
After browsing this forum for a little while I came across several 'Top 30' and 'Top 15' lists by Mojofilter and was inspired to make my own list about one of my favourite artists. . . .
Robbie Williams
http://cdn29.us1.fansshare.com/pictures/robbiewilliams/robbie-williams-702616974.jpg
Some of you may not know who the hell he is but I urge you to at least sample some of his greatest hits in this list and maybe (like me) you will become hooked!
30. Rudebox
(Rudebox, 2006)
https://www.youtube.com/v/1l52QZmN1Gs
It's probably not very fitting to start off this list with a song that almost ruined Williams' career, but it has to fit into this list somehow. From the album of the same name, 'Rudebox' brought with it a new electro style for Robbie which largely backfired, leading him to go into a self-imposed exile for a few years.
29. Let Love Be Your Energy
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/oiBr33_FCAA
A catchy filler from Robbie's third studio album, this song was not as successful as his previous singles but still managed to make the UK top 10 and top 40 in most countries.
28. Somethin' Stupid
(Swing When You're Winning, 2001)
https://www.youtube.com/v/f43nR8Wu_1Y
This cover of the 1966 song written by C. Carson Parks saw Robbie team up with Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman as a duet in 2001. The song became a number one hit in the UK and showed a dramatic change in direction for Robbie from pop to swing music.
27. Hot Fudge
(Escapology, 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/v/rtkqVXFm25I
This song featured on Robbie's hugely popular 5th studio album, Escapology. It was a solid tune located 'down the order' of the track list on the album. There was no music video released for this song so the video above shows Robbie performing the song in my city last year. Skip to 3:00 for the start of the song.
26. Love Somebody
(Escapology, 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/v/VnNV16myFx0
Another song from the Escapology album. This one effectively demonstrates Robbie's vocal range and has an impressive chorus.
gbgoodies
02-12-16, 10:41 PM
28. Somethin' Stupid
(Swing When You're Winning, 2001)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f43nR8Wu_1Y
This cover of the 1966 song written by C. Carson Parks saw Robbie team up with Academy Award winning actress Nicole Kidman as a duet in 2001. The song became a number one hit in the UK and showed a dramatic change in direction for Robbie from pop to swing music.
It's not quite as good as Sinatra's version, but it's a nice version of this song.
BTW, your link doesn't work in the U.S., so I used this link instead:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4nmz6RX9gUQ
mojofilter
02-12-16, 10:42 PM
I should have copyrighted this countdown post format :D
I love Robbie's music, but I doubt there are many Robbie fans on these boards.
Keep it going. I'm tuned in ;)
I should have copyrighted this countdown post format :D
I love Robbie's music, but I doubt there are many Robbie fans on these boards.
Keep it going. I'm tuned in ;)
Sorry about the cheeky bit of plagiarism mate. Your way of formatting seemed the best and tidiest way to present things.
I'm hoping that this list will 'convert' people into Robbie fans once they listen to a few of his greatest hits!
mojofilter
02-12-16, 10:50 PM
That's fine, and I'm down with it. Robbie is criminally underrated and overlooked here in the States.
Just a thing, your links cannot be viewed outside of the U.K. or whatever country you are in. Not sure how to fix the problem, but try to find links that will possibly work worldwide. Sorry, I'm no help
That's fine, and I'm down with it. Robbie is criminally underrated and overlooked here in the States.
Just a thing, your links cannot be viewed outside of the U.K. or whatever country you are in. Not sure how to fix the problem, but try to find links that will possibly work worldwide. Sorry, I'm no help
OK, I think I made the links accessible worldwide. Can you see them now?
mojofilter
02-12-16, 11:07 PM
Nope
Nope
Damn. I'll try and figure something out.
gbgoodies
02-12-16, 11:15 PM
Here are some links that work in the U.S. (I was able to view the other songs):
Robbie Williams - Rudebox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asl0JzW-_Dc
Robbie Williams - Let Love Be Your Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGXYctkR8Ec
Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman - Somethin' Stupid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nmz6RX9gUQ&app=desktop
Here are some links that work in the U.S. (I was able to view the other songs):
Robbie Williams - Rudebox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asl0JzW-_Dc
Robbie Williams - Let Love Be Your Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGXYctkR8Ec
Robbie Williams and Nicole Kidman - Somethin' Stupid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nmz6RX9gUQ&app=desktop
Thanks mate. I've changed the original links again. Hopefully they work.
25. Ego A Go Go
(Life thru a Lens, 1997)
https://www.youtube.com/v/bDtAz5DSVPM
A feisty song from Robbie's debut album way back in '97. Those were the days when Robbie's work was heavily influenced by Britpop icons such as Oasis and Blur. This song in particular outlines Robbie's troubled relationship with Gary Barlow, his former friend from the boyband Take That (which Robbie controversially left in 1995).
24. You Know Me
(Reality Killed the Video Star, 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/v/tyg3RtALnwg
A relatively newer song compared to his other great hits. This song shows a softer side of Robbie and is part of his 2009 comeback album after over a year of partying, drug taking and womanizing (and not much music). Unfortunately the album didn't gain as much success as his earlier releases.
23. Beyond The Sea
(Swing When You're Winning, 2001)
https://www.youtube.com/v/NELYrMzZ_PM
A cover of the 1946 romantic love song by Jack Lawrence, this featured on Robbie's swing album in 2001. You may remember it from the Disney Pixar film 'Finding Nemo' and also features in recent teaser trailers for the sequel 'Finding Dory'.
22. Come Undone
(Escapology, 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/v/4D35vfQ7eZg
The second single from the album Escapology, 'Come Undone' was the first song Robbie wrote largely by himself. The music video caused some controversy, which is a bit of a trend when it comes to Robbie Williams.
21. Advertising Space
(Intensive Care, 2005)
https://www.youtube.com/v/AHU-8yb11CQ
Released as the third single of his album 'Intensive Care', this mournful song describes the
rise and fall of Elvis Presley, who presumably was an inspiration for Williams.
20. Kids
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/cvn6eYJh-0c
Another duet, this time with the legendary Kylie Minogue, who included it on her 7th studio album 'Light Years'. The two artists often perform this song on tours ,but rarely with each other.
19. Freedom
(1996)
https://youtu.be/RBGDPkr4-vQ
Robbie's first single following his controversial departure from the boyband Take That. It is a cover of the George Michael classic and managed to reach No 2 on the UK charts. It is meant to symbolize his 'freedom' following his exit from Take That.
gbgoodies
02-13-16, 03:36 AM
The video for Robbie Williams - Freedom isn't working in the U.S.
Here's a U.S. link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBGDPkr4-vQ
18. Old Before I Die
(Life thru a Lens, 1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msvtkPU8Vkc
A solid track from his debut album. The purpose of this song was to rid Robbie of his goody good Take That image and establish himself as a successful solo artist.
The video for Robbie Williams - Freedom isn't working in the U.S.
Here's a U.S. link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBGDPkr4-vQ
Thanks. I'm trying to edit the links to work Internationally but it doesn't seem to be working.
17. Radio
(Greatest Hits, 2004)
https://youtu.be/Vdg_TxuTZLc
This catchy, Rock DJ-esque song was released along with his Greatest Hits album in 2004. It was Robbie's last UK no 1 hit until 'Candy' in 2012.
gbgoodies
02-13-16, 03:54 AM
Thanks. I'm trying to edit the links to work Internationally but it doesn't seem to be working.
It may be a double-edged problem. The same way that your links don't work here in the U.S., the U.S. links may not work in your country. You might want to just include both links in the post with a note saying which link is for the U.S.
gbgoodies
02-13-16, 03:56 AM
17. Radio
(Greatest Hits, 2004)
https://www.youtube.com/v/PgW5EQZSr84
This catchy, Rock DJ-esque song was released along with his Greatest Hits album in 2004. It was Robbie's last UK no 1 hit until 'Candy' in 2012.
Here's a U.S. link for "Robbie Williams - Radio":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vdg_TxuTZLc
16. The Road to Mandalay
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/cNyuw6voNEg
This is a gem lying at the bottom of the 'Sing When You're Winning' tracklist. It was written in conjunction with the single 'Eternity' (which will feature later in the list) and describes the friendships made and good times had when Robbie took a break from touring in 2001.
It may be a double-edged problem. The same way that your links don't work here in the U.S., the U.S. links may not work in your country. You might want to just include both links in the post with a note saying which link is for the U.S.
Your links work fine for me. I think I'll steer clear of vevo videos from now on. Maybe that will fix it.
gbgoodies
02-13-16, 04:04 AM
Your links work fine for me. I think I'll steer clear of vevo videos from now on. Maybe that will fix it.
Yeah, it's possible that Vevo is the problem because those videos are from the artist's page. Hopefully other videos will work worldwide.
15. She's Madonna
(Rudebox, 2006)
https://www.youtube.com/v/zbX99EJ9wZ0
A largely overlooked single from the album 'Rudebox'. Released in 2007, this was Robbie's last single before he entered a self-imposed exile following the failure of 'Rudebox'. In my opinion, this is a great song but I'm not a fan of the music video.
14. Candy
(Take the Crown, 2012)
https://www.youtube.com/v/edLmyADiGMU
The newest song on this list, 'Candy' was a breath of fresh air for Robbie as it reminded us of his pop music prime of '98, '99 and 2000. It's everything you want in a pop song. It's catchy, It's upbeat, and It gets stuck in your head, which is what made it so successful.
Please forgive the subtitles in the video. I'm trying to avoid Vevo videos so that users in America and view these videos.
13. Sexed Up
(Escapology, 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/v/u0DQRWPyzjE
Yet another single from the career-defining 'Escapology'. Originally recorded in 1998 as a B-side to 'No Regrets', this song was re-recorded and released in late 2003 as the last single of Robbie's 5th studio album. Basically, It's a breakup song. Also, the music video features Jaime King so check it out if you want to (I did not embed it here because I am avoiding Vevo videos).
12. Supreme
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/PX3CeLtTRm0
It's fair to say that 'Sing When You're Winning' is well represented in this list (and don't worry, there's more to come. This song was yet another successful single for Robbie and made the Top 10 in the UK, Switzerland, Austria and other countries. The song was re-recorded with a swing tone in 2013 and titled 'Swing Supreme' for Robbie's 10th album, 'Swing Both Ways'.
mojofilter
02-13-16, 08:04 PM
Good list, so far!
Robbie is no rock star. He's purely a pop musician. But Old Before I Die is one of the coolest rock songs of the 90's in my opinion.
She's Madonna is a good one! He actually wrote it about Guy Ritchie when he dumped his wife for the Queen of Pop herself Madonna, hence the title.
mojofilter
02-13-16, 08:04 PM
12. Supreme
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/PX3CeLtTRm0
It's fair to say that 'Sing When You're Winning' is well represented in this list (and don't worry, there's more to come. This song was yet another successful single for Robbie and made the Top 10 in the UK, Switzerland, Austria and other countries. The song was re-recorded with a swing tone in 2013 and titled 'Swing Supreme' for Robbie's 10th album, 'Swing Both Ways'.
If I ever make a top songs list for Robbie, this one would be in my Top 5. Brilliant tune.
11. Tripping
(Intensive Care, 2005)
https://www.youtube.com/v/YkNY_Pkzd7g
The first single from the 2005 album, 'Intensive Care'. Robbie has stated that rolling rhythm of this song was influenced by the early work of The Clash. The high notes that Robbie is able to hit in this song is pretty ridiculous if you ask me.
Also, there is a music video for this song so please check it out if you like the song.
Good list, so far!
Robbie is no rock star. He's purely a pop musician. But Old Before I Die is one of the coolest rock songs of the 90's in my opinion.
She's Madonna is a good one! He actually wrote it about Guy Ritchie when he dumped his wife for the Queen of Pop herself Madonna, hence the title.
Yeah, I've always been very fond of the track, even though many people (even fans) ignore it largely because it was part of the 'failed' Rudebox album.
If I ever make a top songs list for Robbie, this one would be in my Top 5. Brilliant tune.
I would be very interested to see how you rank his songs and your reasoning behind it.
10. Bodies
(Reality Killed the Video Star, 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/v/z7piUVvCZ1U
I swear I could listen to this track all day! The tune is gripping and really hooks you in, treating you to a massive chorus reminiscent of 'Angels' or 'Let Me Entertain You'. This song was Robbie's comeback single following his exile and it managed to peak at No 2 on the UK charts in late 2009. Just don't try to make sense of the lyrics because even Robbie himself has said that it's just "gibberish".
You may also notice this is not the full music video. Apologies for that (I'm trying to avoid Vevo for accessibility reasons).
9. Better Man
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/gY2ekm_krNU
A touching, heartfelt song all about Robbie trying to right the wrongs of his past "be a better man". In his most recent tour he sang this song alongside his father, Peter Williams.
8. Eternity
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/Sxit3G8rUK4
Written as a tribute to Robbie's close friendship with singer Geri Halliwell, this song never actually featured on 'Sing When You're Winning but was released as part of Robbie's Greatest Hits album in 2004. It became Robbie's 4th No 1 hit in the UK.
7. Strong
(I've Been Expecting You, 1998)
https://www.youtube.com/v/qlQKUld2aB4
Released as part of his 2nd studio album, 'Strong' managed to break the UK Top 10 in March 1999 but did not have a big impact in Europe and presumably wasn't even noticed in the US. Here's a fun fact: During his live performance to 375,000 fans at Knebworth in 2003, Robbie attempted to break the record for biggest number of people singing karaoke with this song.
6. She's The One
(I've Been Expecting You, 1998)
https://www.youtube.com/v/h_SP5KDTYYg
A cover of the 1997 World Party song, 'She's the One' is a legendary track on Robbie's discography. It reached the No 1 spot on the UK charts in late 1999 and has become a classic song for weddings in many countries.
Again, forgive the foreign subtitles in the video
5. Rock DJ
(Sing When You're Winning, 2000)
https://www.youtube.com/v/fZ_lJSwlVBg
I swear this is the last song from 'Sing When You're Winning' on this list! Similarly to 'Bodies', this song has such a catchy tune that just gets stuck in your head for days. Unfortunately most of the attention surrounding this track was due to the controversial music video which featured Robbie stripping naked then peeling off his skin and organs in order to impress a female DJ. If you are squeamish please stop watching the above video before 2:50 or watch the alternate music video below.
https://www.youtube.com/v/xVWUtEnOSuk
4. Let Me Entertain You
(Life thru a Lens, 1997)
https://www.youtube.com/v/1vXZNbElj-A
A classic, rock anthem inspired by bands such as The Rolling Stones and Kiss. Robbie starts all his live shows with this song to get the fans on their feet and exciting. After all, his aim is to entertain us! Upon release, this song shot to No 1 on the UK charts and stayed inside the top 10 for a month. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this at sports games, it is just such a great stadium song!
3. Millennium
(I've Been Expecting You, 1998)
https://www.youtube.com/v/e-bIqEsRATQ
The first track of Robbie's 2nd studio album, 'Millennium' rocketed to No 1 on the UK charts upon release and has been one of Robbie's classic songs ever since. The song borrows heavily from John Barry's 'You Only Live Twice', the title track of the 1967 James Bond film of the same name. This inspired the Bond themed music video above.
2. Feel
(Escapology, 2002)
https://www.youtube.com/v/KpRQSoDicmE
The lead single of 'Escapology', 'Feel' truly was an international hit for Robbie, topping the charts in countries such as Austria, Poland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand when released in late 2002. Most of the vocals in the final version are actually from the demo due to Robbie not being satisfied with the re-recorded vocals. This song also got some exposure in the U.S. (a rarity when it comes to Robbie's songs) and the video above shows him performing on an American talkshow. Throughout the performance he manages to get 'up close and personal' with the host, guests and the crowd.
And now for the big one . . .
1. Angels
(Life thru a Lens, 1997)
https://www.youtube.com/v/BI4_2utnuAE
Probably one of the best songs ever released by a solo artist. 'Angels' kick-started Robbie's career upon release in 1997 just when his record company was about to drop him. The lyrics are meaningful and the chorus is truly powerful. This explains why this song is suitable for "hatches, matches and dispatches" (births, weddings and funerals). This is easily Robbie's best selling single and was voted the best song of the last 25 years at the 2005 BRIT awards. I have also included a video of a live performance for this song (from 1999). You can see how popular the song is when Robbie doesn't even need to sing half the words, and the power of the chorus is truly present. Robbie always finishes every live show he does with this song and I reckon thats a great way to end an amazing night.
https://www.youtube.com/v/7TqONERYW-I
mojofilter
02-14-16, 01:00 AM
Your top 7 are rock solid!
Good job with your list!
Well, that didn't take long :D
Please share your opinions on my list. I would love to hear anyones perspective! I hope that I have converted at least a few people into Robbie fans. Also, if you reckoned I missed some songs please let me know, just remember that this is just my opinion :)
Anyway, that's probably the only 'top songs' list I will do (I don't know any other artist as well as RW!) https://49.media.tumblr.com/bc40bd1a1900fcf089afc063ff6d5dbb/tumblr_nx8ocqyZfy1s2heiro2_500.gif
mojofilter
02-14-16, 01:04 AM
https://www.youtube.com/v/7TqONERYW-I
That performance is amazing. What a breathtaking scene when the audience sings the song in unison. I love that stuff
Honourable Mentions
I know I finished this thread a week ago now but in that time I have been thinking about the songs I missed out. So, instead of transplanting them into the original list I have decided to create a 'honourable mentions' section for the songs I simply cannot leave out.
Do You Mind
(Reality Killed the Video Star, 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/v/1PRz6AfTkXo
Considered by many as a 'filler' from Robbie's comeback album, 'Reality Killed the Video Star'. I think it's a nice change from Robbie's usual pop tones as it has a bit of a country vibe to it.
I will post more 'honourable mentions' soon so stay tuned!
Go Gentle
(Swings Both Ways, 2013)
https://www.youtube.com/v/o3OWZaIpEDk
Following the birth of his daughter in 2013, Robbie wrote this song for her as a promise that he would not be a selfish popstar anymore and would be there for her. This song is quite touching and looking back I am surprised it didn't break into my top 30.
Love Cheat
(1998)
https://www.youtube.com/v/pvSBvKQBkDQ
Written as a B-side to 'Millennium' and not released in 'I've Been Expecting You', this song is a little gem in the back catalog of Robbie Williams. It has the essence of a Britpop hit reminiscent of bands like Oasis and Blur
No Regrets
(I've Been Expecting You, 1998)
https://www.youtube.com/v/QbmFzJGJcN0
Many Robbie fans would probably question my decision to leave this out of my original list but this song just never really got to me. It has lost its meaning these days as it was originally written about how Robbie had no regrets about leaving Take That (they reunited in 2011).
Calling All Robbie Williams Fans!!!
I promise this list will be over after this post but I have been trying to get WatchMojo.com (the youtube channel) to do a Top 10 Robbie Williams list and would appreciate your help!!
http://www.watchmojo.com/suggest/Top+10+Robbie+Williams+songs
I didn't make this particular list but have heavily contributed to the descriptions (copied and pasted from my list here).
So please help and spread the word!
Thanks!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g36lsEipcxc/UkY0ear3gEI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/HFe80Saww_s/s1600/Robbie-Williams-bei-_Willkommen-bei.gif
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