I'VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU
by
ROBBIE WILLIAMS
Robbie Williams' second solo outing since his departure from Take That marks a continuation of the fine form flashed on 'Life thru a Lens.' 'I've been expecting you' is perhaps one of the pest pop albums of the decade, a seamless collection of gems which are very slickly produced. Whilst some may question the integrity of Williams 'cabaret-style pop', the album is a musical progression from 'Life thru a lens' resplendent with scratching, strings etc.
Opening with the breezy sing-a-long anthemn 'Strong' already the lyrics show a pleasing sense of irony-free humour, 'In the morning when I wake up, I look like Kiss but without the make-up.' 'Strong' has a nice big soaring chorus, which should be a blinder played live. Next up is recent single, 'No Regrets' which is a stroppy lament to a broken relationship (Whether the subject is Nicole 'All Saint' , Take that etc. is anybody's guess). More 'serious' musicians like The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon and Pet Shop Boy Tennant lend some credibility with backing vocals. Tennants contribution is all icy harmonies, whilst Hannon warbles theatrically 'Goodbye' on the chorus. The song ends with a slightly cheesy spoken outro, but it's easy to loose inhibition and just enjoy it. Personally I enjoy effortless pop like this, far more, than the studied eclecticism of say, The Beta Band.
'Millenium' follows, with a swaggering hip-hop beat, pulsing bass, and John Barry strings. Another hit single. At this point it is important to give mention to Guy Chambers, co-lyricist, and Musical 'Director.' His contribution is invaluble, the cement of these songs are Chambers guitar arragements, Chambers harmonies. 'Phoenix from the flames' is another catchy number, with another big chorus, but little sign of humour and perhaps a bit too obvious. The songs present the general theme of Williams rise from a drug fuelled fall from grace, and his blossoming relationship with Nicole Appleton. The latter probably being the theme of the catchy guitar pop of 'Win some lose some' (Nicole incidentally features at the beginning declaring 'I Love you baby!) 'Jesus in a Camper Van' was recorded in Los Angeles and features scratching from DJ Slice. It has a quasi-religious lyrical content, 'I suppose even the son of God gets it hard sometimes.' 'Heaven from here' is an acoustic song, a little too close to 'One of Gods better people' of the debut. But still, on the surface, a gentle, sincere song.
The faster, rockier number 'Karma Killer' starts with Robbie doing his best Michael Caine telling 'You've been naughty, very naughty!' It seems to be a full frontal attack on Take Thats former manager, for whom Williams harbours a great deal of resentment, highlighted on a recent Jool Holland. He sings, 'I hope you choke on your bacardi and coke.' The pace slows considerably next with 'She's the one' a cover version originally by World Party which is a touching piano led ballad. Williams' whispered vocals help create the mood. 'Man Machine' is a rather cliched example of Sixties pop, Robbie flexing his muscles on the chorus, the lyrics to which are to bad to be serious 'I'm a man machine, drinking gasoline.' The album ends with another ballad 'These Dreams' - nice, but at over five minutes a little overlong.
The sleeve-art is all James Bond-esque posturing. White fluffy cats, dark suits, and sexy 'Bond' girls. Clearly Williams does a good job of acting the ultra-confident showman, but his songs often show a more insecure, sensitive side. OK we are not talking Radiohead style proportions. 'I've been expecting you' is not just slick pop, the album has a soul, and a sense of humour. Enjoy it for what it is.
