Robbie Williams – ‘Britpop’ Review: A Nostalgic Ode to the ’90s and a Bid for Immortality

Celebrating the spirit of ’90s Britpop, Robbie Williams’ latest album blends legacy, bravado, and heartfelt ballads in a timeless musical journey.

Revisiting the Past with an Eye on Forever

Robbie Williams, the man who once famously crooned, “I hope I’m old before I die,” now finds himself at 51, reflecting deeply on legacy and the past. Ten years after his last album, 2016’s The Heavy Entertainment Show, Robbie is back with Britpop, a record that feels like a warm letter to the ’90s, wrapped in the unmistakable vibe of Cool Britannia and analogue charm.

It’s been an intriguing decade for Robbie fans. We’ve witnessed the intimate Netflix documentary that peeled back the layers of his life—sometimes literally, as he rarely left his bed or his underwear in the film—and the divisive biopic, which showed Robbie in some rather wild moments. That documentary was a turning point, marking the start of what Robbie calls the “third act” of his career. And naturally, it begins with looking back.

Crafting the Soundtrack of an Era

Robbie said it plainly when announcing Britpop: this is the album he wished he had made right after leaving Take That in 1995. His 1997 debut Life Thru Lens gave us arena anthems like Let Me Entertain You and the iconic Angels—a touchstone of ’90s Brit-pop-rock with Oasis vibes. Now, he’s taking us back to those heady days with a fresh spin.

The album kicks off with “Rocket,” a pub-rock banger featuring none other than Black Sabbath legend Tony Iommi. It’s noisy, raw, and irresistibly catchy—an anthem for living in the moment with the refrain “What a time to be alive”. It perfectly sets the tone for an album that’s equal parts homage and celebration.

Following that, “Spies” comes in like a classic Robbie ballad, lighting up the room with slow-burning intensity reminiscent of Strong or Come Undone, but with an added punch of guitar grit.

A Playful Mix of Bravado and Heart

One of the things I love about Robbie is his ability to swing between swagger and vulnerability. Britpop streams this dynamic effortlessly. “Pretty Face” bursts with the electric energy of ’90s alternative rock gems like Elastica and Republica, but with a chorus that feels personal, like a singalong with an old friend.

And then there’s Robbie the rap-spitter. Remember Rudebox? Well, Robbie’s back at it on “Bite Your Tongue” and “You,” mixing cheeky, throwback Kasabian-style verses with hilarious lines like “make Jared Leto out of Lego” and politically charged quips: “Wham bam, ain’t it a scam: Afghanistan and Vietnam.” Whether you love it or cringe, it’s classic Robbie doing Robbie.

Collaborations and Surprising Twists

The album boasts some cool collaborations, too. Gaz Coombes from Supergrass lends his voice to “Cocky,” a glam-rock stomper influenced by Sweet’s Blockbuster. Then, there’s the cheeky orchestral swell of “It’s OK Until The Drugs Stop Working,” a tune that feels like Tony Christie meets Blur with a knowing wink: “I have to smile when she offers me protection.”

Among the slower jams, “All My Life” trudges along like a late-era Oasis or Liam Gallagher solo track, but with the words penned by David Brent—yes, that David Brent—who beautifully captures a life filled with dreams, chaos, and audacity.

“Human,” a country-tinged ballad, is a laid-back ode to surrender and acceptance, while the spectacularly odd “Morrissey” (co-written and featuring Gary Barlow) turns the stalker narrative of The Smiths’ classic Stan into a 2025 electropop romp that’s as silly as it is fun.

Closing with Heartfelt Resolve

Britpop closes with the tender reprise “Pocket Rocket,” offering a moment of quiet reflection. Robbie sings with conviction, “I just wanna be your rock, yeah,” standing firm in his identity. Rather than chasing trends or trying to reinvent himself for the sake of it, Robbie has made a record that’s unapologetically him. It might not be the album that defines his career, but it’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s crafted with heart.

And honestly, that’s what makes Robbie Williams immortal in the music world—doing it his way.

Details

• Record label: Columbia
• Release date: January 16, 2026

FAQ

• What year was Robbie Williams’ album Britpop released?
  It hit the shelves on January 16, 2026.
• Who features on the track “Rocket”?
  Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame joins Robbie on this gritty opener.
• Is Britpop more ballads or upbeat tracks?
  The album balances bravado-fueled anthems with heartfelt ballads roughly equally.
• Did Robbie collaborate with former Take That members on this album?
  Yes, Gary Barlow co-wrote and featured on the playful track “Morrissey.”
• Does Robbie rap on Britpop?
  He does! Tracks like “Bite Your Tongue” and “You” showcase his rap style reminiscent of his Kasabian-inspired days.

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