Robbie Williams' self-described busman's holiday with
Take That during 2010 may have put a hold on his solo career, but it also rejuvenated his creative instincts. When he returned to the studio without
Barlow & co. (actually,
Gary helped write and produce here), he decided to focus on what he does best: commercial pop music. This is pop music the way he used to create it in the '90s and 2000s, with songs either silly or serious, but always self-referential and knowing. On the surface, all of these songs could be middle-of-the-road hits, although most reveal lyrics that dig just a little deeper than chart fodder. This is a record capable of reaching both the cheap seats and the fans screaming at the front, with big hooks, unmissable melodies, and
Williams' by now trademarked brand of grandiose introspection and relationship examination. The trailer single "Candy" is a perfect example. An uptempo track with a sing-song chorus, it's the perfect radio hit. A few other songs are interesting as well, including "Gospel" and the banner-waving ballad "Different," with tight productions and more substantial lyrics. Overall,
Take the Crown features
Robbie doing what
Robbie does best -- writing and performing effortless pop music. ~ John Bush