"Bodies" is a song by English recording artist Robbie Williams. It was released on 12 October 2009 by EMI as the lead single from his eighth studio album, Reality Killed the Video Star (2009). It received its premiere on The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 after an interview with Williams on 4 September 2009 at 8am.RW.com "Bodies" single cover , 4 September 2009 It is Williams' first single release as a solo artist since "She's Madonna" in March 2007."Bodies" Songfacts, 9 September 2009
Producer Trevor Horn told Simon Mayo (who filled in for Chris Evans for an episode of his BBC radio show in October 2009) that the song’s trademark swooping bass riff was inspired by the song “Stay Where You Are”, which appeared on the album Faded Seaside Glamour by British indie band Delays.Delays interview, 15 October 2009
"Bodies" entered and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, selling 89,000 copies in its first week and attaining his best first-week sales since "Rock DJ" in August 2000. Williams was beaten to number 1 by Alexandra Burke, whose single "Bad Boys" (featuring rapper Flo Rida) was released on the same day and sold 187,000 in the same week. The cover art was photographed by Julian Broad.
Lyrics The song's cryptic lyrics, with a wide variety of religious references included, have been subject to a lot of speculation. In an October 2010 interview with Q magazine, Williams referred to the lyrics as "fucking gibberish" that he considered pointless. He also stated that "Who knows what I was going on about? I was fucking stoned."
Music video The music video for "Bodies" was filmed in the Mojave Desert, directed by Williams' frequent collaborator Vaughan Arnell and features Williams' then girlfriend, and eventual wife (married 2010), Ayda Field. It had its official premiere on 9 September 2009.
Demo Before the single was released, an earlier version of "Bodies" circulated online as an unofficial demo. The recording features Williams singing over an electronic arrangement with fewer production layers than the finished track and contains some differences in the lyrics and vocal phrasing. The demo appeared on video-sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo in 2007 and was discussed on pop music forums when it surfaced, but it has never received an official release.
Critical reception Popjustice called the song "a confident, dignified comeback single with a big chorus" commenting that the song is "better than: 'Let Me Entertain You', as good as: 'Rock DJ', not as good as: 'Feel'." and adding that: "'Bodies' is not a comeback single that takes many chances – it is, career wise, Robbie's most important single since 'Angels' and there's obviously a certain amount of brand rebuilding needed. But nor is it a comeback single that attempts to pretend the last three years haven't happened. [...] 'Bodies' sounds like Robbie and Trevor Horn bringing out the best in each other – in this case 'the best' equalling a big comeback single from Britain's best male popstar."Popjustice "Bodies" review, 4 September 2009
Digital Spy gave the single four stars (out of five) and said that: "With an Ian Brown-esque funky strut, some monkish chanting and plenty of electro squelches, he hasn't completely ditched the not-so-successful experimentation of his last LP, but this time around he counterbalances it with a whopping great chorus that will have even Gary Barlow green with envy. [...] Packed full of his usual raised eyebrow cheekiness and with a barmy-but-bloody-massive bridge, we're still not entirely sure what the Robster's actually singing about. However, by the time he's launched into the choir-backed crescendo, on which he hollers like a hyperactive preacher, we're too sold to care. Welcome back Robbie – and don't leave it so long next time."
At a Southend gig in September 2012, Robbie commented that "Bodies" and "Rudebox" were both "lame songs" and that he had "let himself down". However, after fans spoke up against his claims via YouTube comments, he added the song to the setlist for his stadium tour for the following album.
Track listing International CD single "Bodies" – 4:04 "Bodies" (Body Double Remix) – 6:14
Digital EP "Bodies" – 4:04 "Bodies" (Body Double Remix) – 6:14 "Bodies" (Fred Falke Remix) – 6:53 "Bodies" (Cahill Refix Edit) – 3:50
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2009) PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)1Europe (European Hit Radio)3Finland (Suomen virallinen Radiolista)2Finland Airplay (Radiosoittolista)2Italy (Musica e dischi) Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Robbie Williams".2Latvia (Latvijas Top 40)5Luxembourg Digital Songs (Billboard)1UK Airplay (Music Week) 3
Year-end charts Chart (2009)PositionAustria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)16Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)68Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)36France (SNEP)90Germany (Official German Charts)16Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)40Italy (FIMI)21Latvia (Latvijas Top 50)89Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)29Netherlands (Single Top 100)74Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)16UK Singles (OCC)80 Chart (2010)PositionEurope (European Hot 100 Singles)47Hungary (Rádiós Top 40)15
Certifications and sales
Release history Region Release date Format Label(s) United Kingdom 4 September 2009 Airplay Australia9 October 2009CD single Germany Austria Switzerland United Kingdom 11 October 2009 Digital download France12 October 2009 CD single United Kingdom Mexico 13 October 2009 Digital download EMI
References
External links RobbieWilliams.com – Robbie Williams official website