Intensive Care

Long-term songwriting sidekick Guy Chambers has been replaced by The Lilac Time’s Stephen Duffy on Robbie’s sixth album but it’s no cause for alarm. Their chemistry is excellent on “Tripping”, which mixes ska and strings to produce Robbie’s most adventurous and infectious single for a long time. “Advertising Space” proves they can also deftly turn out a ballad, while "Spread Your Wings" characterizes an album that balances Duffy’s elegant subtlety with Williams’ ear for a monster hook.