Word: Dai Man

Let’s be clear here, Robbie’s last album Rudebox was the most interesting studio album he’s recorded. It was edgy and that apparently was a problem for a public who want Robbie dressed in a cardigan singing lovely, heart-wrenching ballads. Whatever he sings I’m a fan, well, that is to say, I’ve enjoyed quite a few of his singles. New album Reality was always going to be a safer outing than Rudebox, Robbie must have felt that he had a lot to prove, to his fans and the record company who rely on him shifting millions of units. Fortunately travelling the safe route hasn’t diminished either his talent or this album’s appeal. Trevor Horn was a good choice as producer and has helped create a lush sound and consistent set of tracks that will surely appeal to the fan base. Two standout tracks capture the mood here; Starstruck is the Lovelight of Reality, smooth white-boy soul with a subtle disco beat followed by Difficult For Weirdos which producer Horn has managed to make sound like the Pet Shop Boys of Left to My Own Devices era. Those who didn’t buy Rudebox, come on back, this is your return-to-form album from the master entertainer.