I've been a Robbie fan all my life simply because my parents liked them, so I grew up with the rest of his material and, yes, this album is a lot different. But it rules! I don't know why I like it so much, but I enjoy every song and think Robbie's done well to break his mould and try something different. The tracks people dislike generally make me laugh, too!

This album got such undeserved flack from tabloids and people who never gave it a chance, purely because it sounds so different from Robbie's usual material. I wish people would open their minds and appriciate this for the truly wonderful, innovative, diverce record it is. Yes the single 'Rudebox' is clearly not a great song, and is largly to blame for the negetivity surrounding the album, but please do not be fooled by the tabloids and people who put this album down because of the single Rudebox, because you are missing out on an amazing album if you do.

There is something on this album for everyone. You have a rap/hip hop/funk sound on tracks such as Keep On, Bongo Bong (both featuring Lily Allen) Good Doctor, Dickhead, and the two tracks 'The 80's and The 90's, where Robbie sings (or talks) about his childhood, and days in Take That. It proves to all the doubters that Robbie is one of the most talented lyricists of his generation. These two tracks are two of the best he has ever released.

There is also some classic uplifting Robbie pop on there as well, with amazing songs such as Viva Life On Mars, She's Madonna (featuring the Pet Shop Boys),Kiss Me, and the amazing 'Lovelight'. As well as that there is excellent unique electro sounding tracks such as 'The Actor' (one of the best songs he has ever released), We're the Pet Shop Boys (featuring the Pet Shop Boys) and Never Touch That Switch. And there is even two excellent slower songs, Summertime, which sees Rob return to his ballad roots, and 'Burslam Normals'.

Overall, this is one of the most enjoyable and diverce albums I own. It is such a shame the tabloids and the lead single has put so many people off buying it. Pleae don't be fooled. Buy it, give it a chance and you will be pleasently suprised I am sure. And don't believe it was the disaster it is labelled as being either. It sold over 4.5m copies globally, and reached #1 in 14 countries, and as far as reviews go, it got amazing reviews from series music mags and broadsheet papers, it was mainly the tabloids who put it down. Had it sold millions in the UK, I highly doubt they would've as sales are all that matter to them.

Just goes to show, without the brains of a decent songwriter, Robbie is at best, hit and miss, at worse, a lightweight.

This is truly dreadful. I'm just so relieved I borrowed a copy before seeking to buy it.