Under The Radar was one of the best compilation of rarities which showed that Robbie Williams has a strong team capable of delivering so many stellar songs that some of then do not even find their place on regular albums. The whole promotion of that record was a bit clumsy, so I am happy to see that its successor got a much clearer promo story.
During the summer, it was announced that the second part of b-sides and rarities will come out. Although the first volume contained better songs, the second volume is more wisely conceptualized. I did not perform a meticulous research regarding the years when these tracks were made, but by the sound I can conclude that there are materials from all the eras of Robbie's career, moving from classic pop-rock, over 80s infused electro-pop to swing moments.
After first two introductory songs, synth-charged Satellites and infectious 9 to 5, comes the first signature ballade. If it was released as a single, Ms Pepper would certainly become a chart-topper and stadium classic. Next few songs can easily be skipped: Bambi comes off as a bad cover of George Michael, Eyes On The Highway is banal, Speaking Tongues is worse than Rudebox, and Go Mental is weak electro-swing. Luckily, everything changes with Run It Wild that sounds like Robbie Williams wants to be Billy Idol.
Numb totally fits Intensive Care phase; Andy Warhol is confusing, while My Fuck You To You is a good downtempo number with interesting message. Weakness combines swing with country, and Booty Call presents Robbie as Sinatra. On The Fence is in a similar tone. Everything closes with International Entertainment that holds the essence of Williams.
Compilation albums are usually messy and eclectic, so it comes as no surprise that Under The Radar Vol 2 is also a melting pot of various genres with which the singer experimented over the course of his prolific career. Altogether, it is more than a solid release that stands as an evidence that Robbie Williams was one of the most entertaining pop artists of our times.
