"Rudebox" is song by English musician Robbie Williams from his seventh studio album, Rudebox (2006). It interpolates the 1987 song "Boops (Here to Go)" by Sly and Robbie. The single was released on 4 September 2006, although download purchases allowed it to reach number 30 on the UK Singles Chart on 3 September. After the release of the CD single, it ascended 26 places to number four, selling 24,821 copies.
The track was nominated for the 2006 Ivor Novello Award.Ivor Novello Award In the song Williams makes several cultural references including Adidas, T.K. Maxx (in a joke about product placement, "T.K. Maxx costs less!"), Michael Jackson, Special Olympics, Durex condoms, The Matrix and Mandrax.
Reception The single received widespread criticism from both critics and fans and has been described by Robbie Williams himself as the biggest mistake of his career. Several British newspapers heavily criticized the song upon its release, contributing to a media circus around its unconventional style and departure from his previous sound.
Commercial performance "Rudebox" had considerable success in Europe, peaking at number two on the European Hot 100 Singles chart. The single reached number one in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland and entered the top 10 in several other countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, the single debuted at number 30 based on downloads alone; when the single was physically released, it climbed to its peak of number four on the UK Singles Chart, spending two weeks inside the top 10 and nine weeks on the chart overall. In Mexico, the song won the award for Song of the Year – International at the 2007 Premios Oye! ceremony.
Track listings UK CD1 and European CD single "Rudebox" (radio edit) "Lonestar Rising"
UK CD2 and Australian CD single "Rudebox" (album version) "Rudebox" (Soul Mekanik dub) "Rudebox" (Chicken Lips Malfunction) "Rudebox" (Chicken Lips Malfunction dub) "Rudebox" (video) "Rudebox" (interview clip)
Credits and personnel Credits are taken from the Rudebox album booklet.
Studios Recorded at Wendy House Studios (London, England) Mixed at Twenty One Studios (London, England) Mastered at Metropolis Studios (London, England)
Personnel
Robbie Williams – writing, lead vocals, backing vocals Kelvin Andrews – writing, backing vocals, Moog, synthesisers, programming Danny Spencer – writing, backing vocals, Moog, synthesisers, programming Bill Laswell – writing ("Boops (Here to Go)") Carl Aiken – writing ("Boops (Here to Go)") William Collins – writing ("Boops (Here to Go)") Sly Dunbar – writing ("Boops (Here to Go)") Robbie Shakespeare – writing ("Boops (Here to Go)") Charmaine Baines – featured vocals Marsha Thomason – featured vocals Richard Scott – backing vocals Soul Mekanik – production Jeremy Wheatley – mixing Matt Kemp – engineering Tony Cousins – mastering
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (2006)PeakpositionEurope (Eurochart Hot 100)2Europe (European Hit Radio)15Finland Airplay (Radiosoittolista)8Italy (Musica e dischi) Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Robbie Williams".1Latvia (Latvijas Top 50)16Turkey (Türkiye Top 20)Turkish Top 20 Chart Billboard Turkey 1UK Airplay (Music Week)18
Year-end charts Chart (2006)PositionAustria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)65Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)58Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia)96Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)27Germany (Media Control GfK)40Italy (FIMI) Click on Scarica l'allegato.16Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)75Netherlands (Single Top 100)57Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)41UK Singles (OCC)103
References