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By Julie Skinner

Robbie Williams Reality Killed The Video Star Virgin/EMI Pop

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There has always been some kind of indescribable X-factor that draws me to Robbie Williams. I can even look past those Nick Lachey-esque tribal tattoos that reek of late ’90s pop star. Still, that Ewan McGregor smile and Sean Connery charm always wins me over – call it nostalgia, but the man takes me back to a simpler time.

Reality Killed The Video Star is the eighth solo studio album from the British singer-songwriter and you’ll be hard pressed to find a single track that jumps out as being an obvious hit. The first song, “Morning Sun,” has the upbeat attitude of a young Elton John while tracks like “Last Days Of Disco” and “Difficult For Weirdos” channel a certain Pet Shop Boys influence.

Williams is trying to go easy on himself in this album as he sings about Jesus, self-acceptance, and the brutal criticism of the public: “Don’t call it a comeback.” Apparently, all we really want in life is to look good naked.

This is the case for Williams, anyways, and he’s asking God to save him from himself and his never-ending quest for the perfect body (and not a lady’s body, either… Robbie is referring to his own insecurities).

Williams is feeling “all raved out” these day, and if you are hoping for anything à la “Rock DJ” then you are just going to have to hold out for the ninth album because you certainly won’t find it here.

The majority of this record sounds like the background music for a Bridget Jones movie with its soft yet epic orchestral resonance. It will definitely make you want to take a walk through the English countryside and wonder why your romantic interest doesn’t notice you. The last few songs blur together in a soothing progression of string instruments that would make for some excellent driving music on a lazy, breezy Sunday afternoon.

Video may have killed the video star but I’m still holding my breath for the resurrection of rock. A girl can dream, can’t she?

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