In a surprise move that delighted fans, pop icon Robbie Williams has released his highly anticipated new album, 'Britpop', a full three weeks earlier than originally planned. The former Take That star announced the immediate availability of his 13th studio record in a spontaneous Instagram video on Friday 16 January 2026.
A Star-Studded Return to Music
The 51-year-old singer's latest offering marks his first new album in seven years and has already garnered positive attention from critics across the board. The tracklist features four previously released singles—'Rocket', 'Spies', 'Human', and 'Pretty Face'—alongside a brand-new single, 'All My Life', which also dropped on Friday.
Williams has assembled an impressive roster of collaborators for the project. The album features notable contributions from his former Take That bandmate Gary Barlow, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, and legendary Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.
Critical Acclaim for 'Britpop'
Early reviews suggest Williams's gamble has paid off. The Guardian and Rolling Stone both awarded the album four stars. Rolling Stone praised its "unrepentantly mad" energy, particularly highlighting the "swirling guitars" on 'Rocket'. The Guardian noted clear influences from Britpop giants Oasis but argued the album's "swagger and sparkle" elevate it beyond mere pastiche.
The Independent's Roisin O'Connor described it as a "fun record from one of our most charismatic pop stars" in a three-star review, while The Telegraph also gave it four stars, simply stating: "The whole album is a lot of fun."
Tour Dates and Release Strategy
'Britpop' was initially scheduled for an October 2025 release but was postponed after Williams learned it would clash with Taylor Swift's 'The Life Of A Showgirl'. The decision to then bring the release forward appears to be a characteristically impulsive move from the singer.
Fans won't have to wait long to hear the new material live. Williams is set to embark on his 'Long 90's Tour' next month, with confirmed dates in Glasgow, Liverpool, London, and Wolverhampton.
