Album: Swing When You're Winning

Introduction
"Swing When You're Winning" is the 4th studio album by British artist Robbie Williams, launched in November 2001. Paying homage to the swing and big band era, the album includes reinterpretations of classic songs from the 1950s and 1960s, in addition to a few initial tracks. It rapidly ended up being a commercial success and amassed positive reviews from critics who praised Williams's charm and ability to make the swing category feel modern.

Principle and Inspiration
After discovering success in the world of pop as a solo artist, Robbie Williams chose to explore various musical designs to display his versatility. Inspired by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, he picked to review the swing and huge band age for his 4th album. The title "Swing When You're Winning" is a cheeky play on words of his previous album "Sing When You're Winning" and shows Williams's spirited approach to the task.

Collaborations and Guest Artists
The album features collaborations with numerous big names in music. Amongst them are starlet and vocalist Nicole Kidman, whom Williams duets with on "Somethin' Stupid", a cover of a tune initially recorded by Frank and Nancy Sinatra. Another notable partnership is "It Was a Very Good Year" with Sinatra himself, using a posthumous singing track. In addition, legendary saxophonist and author, Bob Geldof, collaborated on "Come Fly with Me", and singer Jane Horrocks signed up with Williams on the new duet version of "Things".

Tracklist and Notable Songs
"Swing When You're Winning" is comprised of 15 tracks that mix reimaginings of timeless songs with original structures.

Standout covers on the album consist of:

1. "I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen" - An original song by Williams and Guy Chambers that sets a spirited tone for the album.
2. "Mack the Knife" - Williams's performance commemorates Bobby Darin's version of this classic track.
3. "Ain't That a Kick in the Head" - A cover of the Dean Martin hit, showcasing Williams's smooth vocals.
4. "It Was a Very Good Year" - The duet with Frank Sinatra adds a touch of sentimentality.
5. "Somethin' Stupid" - The Nicole Kidman duet ended up being a chart-topping single.
6. "Beyond the Sea" - Another Bobby Darin traditional, Williams's version maintains the original's jaunty feel.

Williams likewise throws in some initial tracks similar to the swing period, such as "Mr. Bojangles", "Me and My Shadow", and "I Will Talk and Hollywood Will Listen".

Business Success and Reception
"Swing When You're Winning" showed to be a significant business success for Robbie Williams. The album peaked at No. 1 in the UK Album Charts and held that position for 3 weeks. It also accomplished multi-platinum status in multiple nations, with over 7 million copies offered worldwide.

Critics applauded Williams for his charm, his ability to make the timeless songs feel fresh, and his commitment to the swing category. The risk of transitioning from pop to a more specific niche style eventually paid off, additional solidifying Williams's status as a versatile artist.

Tradition and Impact
"Swing When You're Winning" showed Robbie Williams's variety as an entertainer and left an indisputable mark on his discography. With this album, Williams successfully presented a brand-new generation to the swing and huge band ages, commemorating the legends who motivated him while still making the music feel relevant and available.