(Single from album, “Take The Crown")
Robbie Williams first single since 2010's shockingly bad duet with Gary Barlow, "Shame", "Candy" had a lot to live up to; Williams' best songs were recorded well over 10 years ago, for the "Escapology" album, and everyone's been wanting to take to the dance floor ever since, but with appalling album efforts like "Intensive Care" and "Rudebox" standing in the way, its been difficult.
Even 2009's "Video Killed The Reality Star" with its hit-ish singles, "Bodies", "You Know Me" and "Morning Sun" didn't satisfy demand for the return of Robbie we know, singer of "Angels", "Something Beautiful" and "Let Me Entertain You", all of which are staple songs of his live sets; that says something...
The former (and simultaneously current) Take That star has returned with everything everyone wants. This song is pop through and through. Nothing intelligent; all dancing and 'stuck-in-your-head' catchy melodies and, perhaps, his snappiest album/single artwork yet. (Gary Barlow is also back on this one, though (thankfully) his inclusion involves writing only).
What can I say? What is going on in this song? I don't really know - I've been dancing too much to notice - a little bit of Two Door Cinema Club-esque flanged up guitar in the background at 2:30...ummmmmmmmm...not much else to be honest with you; some pretty squelchy dub horns and piano at the beginning, and apart from that, really, honestly, nothing else special.
Well, hang on, lets not be rash - for a song so non-descript in sound and simply dance orientated to the core, the lyrics are pretty snappy. "She got lots of different horse by lots of different men", "No self esteem and vertigo, she thinks she's made of candy"; for a song, which, I assume, is headed , or at least aimed, straight at #1, that's a bit deep. Well, whatever you think, its reassuring to see Robbie's sharp comedy reappear (whether or not he wrote those lines is debatable, though I would guess not). I'm not sure, however, about the 'liberate your sons and daughters' line, which has been ripped straight from Take That's "SOS" - nice one Robbie and Gary, using the same lyric twice because you couldn't think of a better one - very original indeed...
The artwork is very cool though. I really like it. Its a twist on the album artwork, and I guess the next few singles will be similar. Its cool and stylish and it grabs your attention and sticks out. Not exactly Peter Saville, but not far off for a modern pop song.
Take it as you find it. "Candy" is an above average dancey pop song, and not much else. However for Robbie fans it will be more, most importantly, a thankful return of their idol to a position of interest after a few very naff albums.
★★★
Versions of "Candy"
Album/Single Version - 3:21
Max Sanna & Steve Pitron Remix - 6:52
Major Look Remix - 4:26
More Candy - 7:07