During the credits for "Bridget Jones Diary" I heard a fabulous rendition of "Have You Met Miss Jones?" and wondered who was singing. I found out after I saw Robbie Williams on BBC America singing "Miss Jones." Then I saw a concert movie of a Sloan Castle concert and began surfing the net for his CDs. I bought "I've Been Expecting You." I have not been disappointed. This is one of the best CDs I've ever heard. "Millenium" may be the big hit from this, but I adore "Karma Killer." The song is an anthem for anyone who's been burned in love, is mad as hell about it and doesn't care who knows! Great fun and enormously cathartic. I'm old enough to be Robbie's mother, but I can't fathom why he is not a major star in this country.

My subject line is what the title of this album should have been. Because by the summer of 1998, people doubted that Robbie could earn any respectability as a solo artist after his huge success with Life Thru A Lens, in particular his takeover of the UK charts with the hit single Angels that elevated Robbie as a mainstream pop phenomena.

But September 1998 came about and Robbie dropped the bomb. An instant classic chart-topper titled I've Been Expecting You. Along with Oasis, Robbie became the only British artist who released two consequetive number one hit albums back to back one year apart.

The album opens up with, surpisingly, a self confession, 'Strong' reveals that Robbie isn't who he really is in the public eye and that he is a man dealing with weaknesses and insecurity but that at the end of the day he feels happy to be making music. The track is an Oasis-esque rock song with the weirdest lyrics such as 'early mornin' when i wake up, i look like KISS but without the make-up, and that's a good line to take it to the bridge'

The album as a whole is a artistic statement from a man who spent the previous year in success over a debut album, but not knowing whether it was luck or out of pure talent. I've Been Expecting You proves that Life Thru A Lens was not luck. Robbie is a modern day pop genius where everything he touches turns to gold.

Highly Recommended

A

"I've Been Expecting You"is an amazing album filled with surprises and Rob's creativity. I can never believe that Robbie actually finished producing it over a short period of time. Every track on it is unbelievable. Rob vividly portrays his living experiences in his songs. The enjoyment is second to none if you take your time rocking with Rob on the album.

"Millennium" the first single from this album caught my attention the first time I listened to it. Its magnificent rhythm and Rob's whispering in the background have really graced the song. Rob cooperated with Pet Shop Boys in "No Regrets" which is also my all-time favorite song of Rob. In addition to its great interlude and the brilliant rap when the song ends, the lyrics are intense and real, depicting the strong anguish of losing someone. You'll be even more moved if you know who Rob was referring to. "Strong" is a nice rock song. Rob sings as he subtly jeered himself and his philosophy. Rob once stated that he didn't like "She's the One" since it's the only song not written by himself on his albums. But he still sounds great and tender on that track.

All non-single tracks are no less powerful. Perhaps Rob had encountered so many things in 1998 that inspired him to make this marvelous work. This album is definitely a masterpiece. If you can only buy one album from Robbie Williams, I highly recommend this one. You can also find Rob's ex-fiancee talking on "Win Some, Lose Some." I guess the song is about the sweet moments they used to share. A very great song, indeed.

"I've Been Expecting You" is MAGNIFICENT! If you listen to "Life Thru a Lens" first, then this CD, it's almost like you're following him on his "Boy-to-Man" journey. This CD is like the "to" phase of that transition. It's obvious Robbie has matured, both lyrically and musically on this CD, yet he still manages to keep his young cocky self-depricating lyrics and vocal stylings intact. The one shimmering jewel on this CD is "Grace". Being the proud owner of "The Ego Has Landed", Grace is probably the one song on this CD, not on "Ego" that I was most surprised by. It seems like he took a cue from some of his rat pack heros and did a smooth campy 60's cabaret feeling piece - but he did it well. And that's what makes his CD so great and timeless - even more so than in "Life Thru a Lens." He manages to stretch his musical arms and legs into several different genres yet some how seems to retain a unifying sound that makes it all "Robbie" instead of sounding like some cheap lounge act. This CD has everything from the dancable hip-hop-esque "Millennium" to his incredible mission statement "Phoenix from the Flames" to his rich flowing ballads. And that's just half of it. It's clear Robbie is maturing. however, songs like "Strong" and "Win Some Lose Some" show he's still a vulnerable young man - but that's a good thing. I'm not sure I wanna see Robbie make it to his "Man" stage...at least not for a couple of years. A considerable part of his appeal comes in is cocky, young, self-depricating, music lyrics, and vocal stylings. All in all, this CD is a must have for any CD collection, whether or not you're big into Robbie or not. It's just great music with something in it for everybody.

This is one of those rare albums where every song is a winner.

Mr. Boy Band in a previous life, Williams achieved the show biz miracle of coming back from a seriously washed up career and substance dependency. Having been dismissed as a no talent has-been, he came back with four superlative albums of substance and broad appeal. This one is the best of the lot.

Each song stands up well on its own, from the minor US alternative hit "Millenium", with its catchy string loops and witty acknowledgement of celebrity shallowness, to the anthemic "Phoenix From The Flames". Williams also provides a fine demonstration of the British penchant for clever lyrics throughout.

The song order is well-thought out, with the complex rhythms of "Jesus in a Camper Van" and the (ripping mad!) angst of "Karma Killer" broken up by hummable ballad, "Heaven From Here". This interspersement of showcase tracks with quietly majestic ones occurs throughout the album and enhances the impact of each song.

I've lent this album to three people and all of them purchased it immediately afterward. Happy listening.