Back for good?

Britain's biggest showman is making a comeback! No, not Norman Wisdom, but Robbie Williams. Having flopped three years ago with his last album, Rudebox, Williams has lived in LA and stayed out of the limelight. But today, he's announced his new "killer" (in his words) album will be released in November, with the first single from it out in October.

Yes, I admit it, I own some of his albums! He's made sing-a-long,perfect pop songs that has appealed to children, men and women of all ages (though he really shouldn't try rapping again). Despite having an ego the size of Saturn, he has a cheekiness and likeability that you can't help warm too, and he's a down-to-earth bloke at heart - you can take the boy out of Stoke-on-Trent, but you can't take Stoke-on-Trent out of the boy. As they say...

But with this imminent return to Popville - will it ever be the same for Robbie? I very much doubt it. He's hit amazing heights in his career both as a solo artist and with Take That, and I can't see him getting anywhere near it. The music world has moved on since he was top dog. Many of his fans will have done too. And will he actually be willing to work hard enough or will he be too complacent and cocky?

My fear is Williams will believe his own hype, release the album and sit back - but if he gets on tour, does some live shows, tries to be original and himself... then maybe Britain will welcome Robbie back into its bosom again.

(Photo credit: Stefan G)