Album: Life Thru a Lens

Introduction
Life Thru a Lens is the launching solo album by British singer Robbie Williams, released on September 29, 1997, through Chrysalis Records. Williams, who was previously a member of the tremendously popular UK kid band Take That, took a new instructions with his music to make his first solo album a business and important success. With a blend of pop, rock, and a touch of Britpop, Life Thru a Lens established Williams as an authentic solo star in the UK and Europe.

Background and Production
Following his departure from Take That in 1995, Robbie Williams dealt with depression, substance abuse, and an absence of direction in his profession. It wasn't till he met songwriter and producer Guy Chambers that he began to find his footing as a solo artist. The two formed a successful collaboration and co-wrote the majority of the songs on Life Thru a Lens.

The album was tape-recorded at numerous studios in London, and was produced by Guy Chambers and Steve Power. Its sound is a shift from Williams' earlier deal with Take That, integrating influences from Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur, along with more traditional rock sounds reminiscent of Rod Stewart and Paul McCartney.

Singles and Chart Performance
Though the very first single, "Freedom", a cover of George Michael's classic, reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart, it was the second single, "Old Before I Die", which showcased Williams' brand-new, edgier sound. The track peaked at No. 2 on the UK chart and got widespread airplay.

However, it was the album's 3rd single, "Angels", that strengthened Williams' status as a solo artist and remains among his signature songs today. Co-written with Chambers, the ballad is a sincere and psychological tribute to the support Williams got throughout his darker periods. "Angels" peaked at No. 4 on the UK charts and invested over 3 months in the Top 10, ultimately becoming the third best-selling single of 1997 in the UK.

In General, Life Thru a Lens generated five top-40 songs, consisting of "Let Me Entertain You" and "South of the Border". The album invested a total of 218 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and was certified 8x Platinum in the nation.

Critical Reception
Life Thru a Lens got usually positive reviews from music critics. Following its release, numerous lauded Williams' ability to distance himself from his boy band image and praised the album's mix of glam rock, memorable pop hooks, and unapologetic relatability. Critics specifically appreciated Williams' candidness in addressing his individual battles through his lyrics. While some detractors found parts of the album inconsistent or extremely self-indulgent, others saw it as a showcase of Williams' possible as a solo artist.

Tradition
Life Thru a Lens works as a significant milestone in Robbie Williams' profession and stays among his best-selling albums. The success of "Angels" moved him to international fame and assisted him create a course separate from his Take That past. More than two decades after its release, the album continues to be a testimony to Williams' growth as an artist and the start of an effective solo profession.