Rudebox (song)


"Rudebox" is song by English musician Robbie Williams from his seventh studio album of the same name. It interpolates the 1987 song "Boops (Here to Go)" by Sly and Robbie. The single was released on 4 September 2006, although download purchases allowed it to reach number 30 on the UK Singles Chart on 3 September. After the release of the CD single, it ascended 26 places to number four, selling 24,821 copies.
The track was nominated for the 2006 Ivor Novello Award. In the song Williams makes several cultural references including Adidas, T.K. Maxx, Michael Jackson, Special Olympics, Durex condoms, The Matrix and Mandrax.

Reception

The single received widespread criticism from both critics and fans and has been described by Robbie Williams himself as the biggest mistake of his career. Several British newspapers heavily criticized the song upon its release, contributing to a media circus around its unconventional style and departure from his previous sound.

Commercial performance

"Rudebox" had considerable success in Europe, peaking at number two on the European Hot 100 Singles chart. The single reached number one in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland and entered the top 10 in several other countries around the world. In the United Kingdom, the single debuted at number 30 based on downloads alone; when the single was physically released, it climbed to its peak of number four on the UK Singles Chart, spending two weeks inside the top 10 and nine weeks on the chart overall. In Mexico, the song won the award for Song of the Year – International at the 2007 Premios Oye! ceremony.

Track listings

UK CD1 and European CD single
  1. "Rudebox"
  2. "Lonestar Rising"UK CD2 and Australian CD single
  3. "Rudebox"
  4. "Rudebox"
  5. "Rudebox"
  6. "Rudebox"
  7. "Rudebox"
  8. "Rudebox"

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Rudebox album booklet.
Studios
Personnel