Robbie Williams has made UK chart history by surpassing The Beatles to become the artist with the most number one albums, achieving his 16th chart-topper with the release of ‘Britpop’. This milestone marks the first time since 2000 that any artist has broken The Beatles’ long-standing record, solidifying Williams’ status as a pop icon.
‘Britpop’ debuted at number one in its first week, propelled by strategic release timing. Williams moved the album’s launch from October to avoid competing with Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’, then brought it forward to January for a clearer path to the top. The album serves as a homage to the 1990s Britpop era, channeling the energy of bands like Oasis and Elastica, with Williams describing it as the record he wanted to make after leaving Take That in 1995.
In an interview with BBC News, Williams expressed astonishment at the achievement, stating, ‘This is unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable.’ He likened his career to ‘stretching an elastic band from Stoke-on-Trent to the Moon’ and now ‘orbiting Venus,’ highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to unprecedented success. Williams also reflected on past struggles with mental health and substance abuse, emphasizing his current stability and gratitude.
The album features collaborations that underscore its nostalgic theme. Gaz Coombes of Supergrass contributes to the glam-stomp anthem ‘Cocky,’ while Gary Barlow, Williams’ former Take That bandmate, appears on ‘Morrissey,’ a song about a delusional stalker that playfully addresses their past rivalry. The cover art references a iconic 1995 Glastonbury photo of Williams with bleached hair, symbolizing a full-circle moment in his career.
Critical reception has been broadly positive. The Guardian’s four-star review praised ‘Britpop’ as ‘a wayward yet winning time-machine trip to the 90s,’ noting its ‘swagger and sparkle.’ Rolling Stone also awarded four stars, calling Williams ‘liberated’ and ‘unrepentantly mad,’ while NME described it as ‘bold’ and ‘a laugh,’ though questioned its long-term memorability.
Williams now leads the all-time UK album chart with 16 number ones, ahead of The Beatles’ 15. The Rolling Stones and Taylor Swift each have 14, while Elvis Presley holds the record for most number one singles with 21. Williams achieved this feat in 29 years, compared to The Beatles’ 37 years, demonstrating his consistent chart dominance since his solo debut in 1997.
Despite the record-breaking success, Williams remains grounded, sharing an anecdote about his daughter correcting him when he boasted to family about having more number one albums than anyone—reminding him it’s only in the UK. He plans to celebrate modestly, reflecting a matured perspective after years of personal challenges.
Looking ahead, Williams’ achievement cements his legacy in British music history, with fans and critics alike recognizing his enduring appeal. As he continues to create and perform, this record serves as a testament to his resilience and artistic evolution, promising more contributions to pop culture in the years to come.
