Bodies (Robbie Williams song)

Last updated

"Bodies"
Robbie Williams - Bodies (Cover).jpg
Single by Robbie Williams
from the album Reality Killed the Video Star
Released12 October 2009
Recorded2008–2009 (London, United Kingdom)
Genre
Length
  • 4:03 (album version)
  • 4:14 (music video)
Label EMI
Songwriter(s)
  • Robbie Williams
  • Brandon Christy
  • Craig Russo
Producer(s) Trevor Horn
Robbie Williams singles chronology
"Close My Eyes"
(2009)		"Bodies"
(2009)		"You Know Me"
(2009)
Music video
"Bodies" on YouTube

"Bodies" is a song by English recording artist Robbie Williams. It was released on 12 October 2009 by EMI as the lead single from his eighth studio album Reality Killed the Video Star (2009). It received its premiere on The Chris Moyles Show on BBC Radio 1 after an interview with Williams on 4 September 2009 at 8 am. [1] It is Williams' first single release as a solo artist since "She's Madonna" in March 2007. [2]

Contents

Producer Trevor Horn told Simon Mayo (who filled in for Chris Evans for an episode of his BBC radio show in October 2009) that the song’s trademark swooping bass riff was inspired by the song “Stay Where You Are”, which appeared on the album Faded Seaside Glamour by British indie band Delays. [3]

"Bodies" entered and peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, selling 89,000 copies in its first week and attaining his best first-week sales since "Rock DJ" in August 2000. [4] Williams was beaten to number 1 by Alexandra Burke, whose single "Bad Boys" (featuring rapper Flo Rida) was released on the same day and sold 187,000 in the same week. [5] The cover art was photographed by Julian Broad.

Track listing

International CD single
  1. "Bodies" – 4:04
  2. "Bodies" (Body Double Remix) – 6:14
Digital EP
  1. "Bodies" – 4:04
  2. "Bodies" (Body Double Remix) – 6:14
  3. "Bodies" (Fred Falke Remix) – 6:53
  4. "Bodies" (Cahill Refix Edit) – 3:50

Lyrics

The song's cryptic lyrics, with a wide variety of religious references included, have been subject to a lot of speculation. In an October 2010 interview with Q magazine, Williams referred to the lyrics as "fucking gibberish" that he considered pointless. He also stated that "Who knows what I was going on about? I was fucking stoned." [6]

Music video

The music video for "Bodies" was filmed in the Mojave Desert, directed by Williams' frequent collaborator Vaughan Arnell and features Williams' then girlfriend, and eventual wife (married 2010), Ayda Field. It had its official premiere on 9 September 2009.

Critical reception

Popjustice called the song "a confident, dignified comeback single with a big chorus" commenting that the song is "better than: 'Let Me Entertain You' , as good as: 'Rock DJ', not as good as: 'Feel'." and adding that: "'Bodies' is not a comeback single that takes many chances – it is, career wise, Robbie's most important single since 'Angels' and there's obviously a certain amount of brand rebuilding needed. But nor is it a comeback single that attempts to pretend the last three years haven't happened. [...] 'Bodies' sounds like Robbie and Trevor Horn bringing out the best in each other – in this case 'the best' equalling a big comeback single from Britain's best male popstar." [7]

Digital Spy gave the single four stars (out of five) and said that: "With an Ian Brown-esque funky strut, some monkish chanting and plenty of electro squelches, he hasn't completely ditched the not-so-successful experimentation of his last LP, but this time around he counterbalances it with a whopping great chorus that will have even Gary Barlow green with envy. [...] Packed full of his usual raised eyebrow cheekiness and with a barmy-but-bloody-massive bridge, we're still not entirely sure what the Robster's actually singing about. However, by the time he's launched into the choir-backed crescendo, on which he hollers like a hyperactive preacher, we're too sold to care. Welcome back Robbie – and don't leave it so long next time." [8]

At a Southend gig in September 2012, Robbie commented that "Bodies" and "Rudebox" were both "lame songs" and that he had "let himself down". However, after fans spoke up against his claims via YouTube comments, he added the song to the setlist for his stadium tour for the following album.[ citation needed ]

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [48] Gold35,000^
Germany (BVMI) [49] Platinum600,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [50] Platinum20,000*
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [51] Platinum30,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [52] Silver250,000 [53]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionRelease dateFormatLabel(s)
United Kingdom4 September 2009 Airplay
Australia9 October 2009 CD single
Germany [54]
Austria
Switzerland
United Kingdom11 October 2009 Digital download
  • Virgin Records
  • EMI
France [55] 12 October 2009CD single
United Kingdom
Mexico [56] 13 October 2009Digital downloadEMI

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tripping (song)</span> 2005 single by Robbie Williams

"Tripping" is a song by British singer Robbie Williams from his sixth studio album Intensive Care (2005). The single was released as the album's lead single on 3 October 2005 through Chrysalis Records. Backed with the track "Make Me Pure", also from the same album, it was sent to radio stations around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio (Robbie Williams song)</span> 2004 single by Robbie Williams

"Radio" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, co-written by Williams and Stephen Duffy. It was the first single from Williams' compilation album Greatest Hits, released in 2004. Williams wrote the song's distinctive synth-pop melody by attempting to play Harold Faltermeyer's "Axel F" on an electronic keyboard from memory. "Radio" is Williams's first solo outing without the involvement of long-time producer and co-writer Guy Chambers, and is particularly notable as Williams's last UK number-one for eight years, until 2012's "Candy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feel (Robbie Williams song)</span> 2002 single by Robbie Williams

"Feel" is a song by British singer-songwriter Robbie Williams. It was released on 2 December 2002 as the lead single from his fifth studio album, Escapology (2002). The song became an international hit, peaking at number one in the Czech Republic, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Romania and reaching the top five in several other countries, including Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lovelight</span> 2006 single by Robbie Williams

"Lovelight" is a song written and originally performed by Lewis Taylor for his 2002 album, Stoned, Part I. In 2006, the song was covered by British singer Robbie Williams. His version was produced by Mark Ronson and was released as the second single from his seventh solo album, Rudebox, on 13 November 2006. Williams' version reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart and became a top-10 hit in five other European countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patience (Take That song)</span> 2006 single by Take That

"Patience" is a song by English boy band Take That. It was released on 13 November 2006 as the first single from their comeback album, Beautiful World. The single peaked at the top of the UK Singles Chart, and also topped the charts in Germany, Spain and Switzerland, as well as peaking in the top ten of the charts in Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Austria and Sweden.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine (Take That song)</span> 2007 single by Take That

"Shine" is the second single taken from English pop group Take That's comeback album, Beautiful World (2006). It became Take That's sixth consecutive number one single and their tenth number-one overall, making them one of only seven acts in the history of the UK charts to have more than nine number one hits. The song is about former Take That member Robbie Williams' battle with depression.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All the Right Moves (OneRepublic song)</span> 2009 single by OneRepublic

"All the Right Moves" is the lead single by American band OneRepublic from their second studio album Waking Up (2009). It was released to mainstream radio on September 24, 2009 and released for digital download on October 6, 2009. It is the band's first single of the album for all countries except Austria and Germany, where "Secrets" serves as the first single from the new album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">More (Usher song)</span> 2010 single by Usher

"More" is a song by American singer Usher, taken from the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album Raymond v. Raymond (2010). It was written by Charles Hinshaw, Usher, and RedOne, with the latter also producing the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shame (Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow song)</span> 2010 single by Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow

"Shame" is a song written and recorded by English singers Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow for Williams's second greatest hits compilation album, In and Out of Consciousness: Greatest Hits 1990–2010 (2010). Produced by Trevor Horn, it was released as the lead single from the album on 27 August 2010 in most countries worldwide and on 1 October in the United Kingdom. "Shame" marks the first time Williams and Barlow collaborated on a song together solely and the first time they worked together since Williams left Take That in 1995. It was also Barlow's first single outside of Take That since 1999. It is a pop song with country and folk music influences; two reviewers noted that it contains an acoustic guitar part similar to the one of the Beatles' 1968 song, "Blackbird". The lyrical content revolves around the singers repairing their broken relationship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Flood (Take That song)</span> 2010 single by Take That

"The Flood" is a song by English pop group Take That from their sixth studio album, Progress (2010). It was released as the lead single in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2010. The song is the first to feature Robbie Williams since his return to the band in July 2010, and features both Williams and Gary Barlow on lead vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Club Can't Handle Me</span> 2010 single by Flo Rida

"Club Can't Handle Me" is a song by American rapper Flo Rida featuring French DJ David Guetta and uncredited vocals by Nicole Scherzinger. Carmen Key sings background vocals during the chorus. It was released as a digital download on iTunes on June 28, 2010, as the lead single of the Step Up 3D soundtrack album and is also included on Flo Rida's third studio album, Only One Flo .

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbra Streisand (song)</span> 2010 single by Duck Sauce

"Barbra Streisand" is a song by Canadian-American DJ duo Duck Sauce. It was released on September 10, 2010. The song topped the charts in Austria, Belgium, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, and Switzerland and peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Denmark, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. On November 30, 2011, the song received a nomination at the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Dance Recording. It was also featured on Just Dance 3 for the Nintendo Wii and the Xbox Kinect.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Take Over Control</span> 2010 single by Afrojack featuring Eva Simons

"Take Over Control" is a song by Dutch producer and DJ Afrojack, featuring vocals from Dutch singer Eva Simons. The song was written by Afrojack, Mike Hamilton, Simons and Ingrid Simons. It was released as a single in the Netherlands on 12 August 2010. The song was a number-one single for six weeks on Billboard's Dance/Mix Show Airplay. The song is also Afrojack's first single ever to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 41.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Save the World (Swedish House Mafia song)</span> 2011 single by Swedish House Mafia

"Save the World" is a song by Swedish house music supergroup Swedish House Mafia. The song features uncredited vocals from Swedish singer John Martin, who co-wrote the song with Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso, Michel Zitron and Vincent Pontare. It was released on 13 May 2011 as a digital download, and it premiered on BBC Radio 1 on 22 April 2011 by Pete Tong. The song debuted in the UK single chart at No. 11, and reached No. 10. Jon Watts directed the video, which features dogs as superheroes. The song peaked at number one on the Hot Dance Club Songs in the United States, becoming the group's second consecutive number-one single following "Miami 2 Ibiza" (2010). On 30 November 2011 the song received a nomination in 54th Grammy Awards for Best Dance Recording. The song has sold over 463,000 copies in the US. Save the World was well-received from music critics. The song is written in the key of C major.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Candy (Robbie Williams song)</span> 2012 single by Robbie Williams

"Candy" is a song by English pop singer Robbie Williams, released on 11 September 2012 as the lead single from his ninth studio album Take the Crown. It was written by Williams and Gary Barlow, interpolating a riff from "Eurodans" by Terje Olsen. The song was Williams's first UK number-one single since "Radio" in 2004, and was deliberately produced in the style of other 2012 chart-toppers in a calculated attempt to re-establish his presence in the UK charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Summer (Calvin Harris song)</span> 2014 single by Calvin Harris

"Summer" is a song by Scottish DJ and singer Calvin Harris, released on 14 March 2014 as the second single from his fourth studio album, Motion (2014). Like his earlier single "Feel So Close" and his later single "My Way", Harris returns as a vocalist on "Summer". The accompanying music video was directed by Emil Nava and premiered on 6 April 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blame (Calvin Harris song)</span> 2014 single by Calvin Harris ft. John Newman

"Blame" is a song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris from his fourth studio album, Motion (2014). It was released as the album's third single on 5 September 2014. The song features the vocals of English singer John Newman and is included on the deluxe edition of Newman's second studio album, Revolve. Newman's brother James Newman assisted the artists in writing the song, with Harris serving as the producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prayer in C</span> 2014 song by Lilly Wood and the Prick

"Prayer in C" is a song by the French folk pop duo Lilly Wood and the Prick that was originally released on their album Invincible Friends in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Days (song)</span> 2014 single by Avicii

"The Days" is a song by Swedish DJ and record producer Avicii, with vocals by English singer Robbie Williams. The song was written by Brandon Flowers, Robbie Williams, Salem Al Fakir, Avicii, and Vincent Pontare, and was produced by Avicii, Fakir and Pontare. The song was played for the first time in Las Vegas, with uncredited vocals by Fakir and Pontare. The song was released worldwide on 3 October 2014, alongside another song, "The Nights" on The Days / Nights EP. A planned release in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2014 was cancelled.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sugar (Robin Schulz song)</span> 2015 single by Robin Schulz featuring Francesco Yates

"Sugar" is a song by German DJ and record producer Robin Schulz, featuring vocals from Canadian singer Francesco Yates. The song was released in Germany on 17 July 2015 as the second single from his second studio album of the same name. It interpolates Baby Bash's 2003 single "Suga Suga".

References

  1. ↑ RW.com "Bodies" single cover Archived 12 February 2010 at the Wayback Machine , 4 September 2009
  2. ↑ "Bodies" Songfacts, 9 September 2009
  3. ↑ Delays interview, 15 October 2009
  4. ↑ Petridis, Alexis (21 October 2009). "First night: Robbie Williams, Roundhouse, London | Music". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 October 2009.
  5. ↑ "Alexandra Burke v. Robbie Williams". Digital Spy. 18 October 2009. Retrieved 19 October 2009.
  6. ↑ Roberts, Laura (22 October 2010). "Robbie Williams: my comeback single was gibberish". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  7. ↑ Popjustice "Bodies" review, 4 September 2009
  8. ↑ "Music – Singles Reviews – Robbie Williams: 'Bodies'". Digital Spy. 5 October 2009. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
  9. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  10. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  11. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  12. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  13. ↑ Robbie Williams — Bodies. TopHit. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
  14. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 46. týden 2009 in the date selector.
  15. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". Tracklisten.
  16. ↑ "Hits of the World: European Hot 100 Singles". Billboard . Vol. 121, no. 43. 31 October 2009. p. 51.
  17. ↑ "Listat – Radio Nova – Suomen suosituimmat vko 42/2009".
  18. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in French). Les classement single.
  19. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  20. ↑ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  21. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Bodies". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  22. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". Top Digital Download. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  23. ↑ "Robbie Williams Chart History (Japan Hot 100)". Billboard.
  24. ↑ "Luxembourg Digital Songs – November 14, 2009". Billboard . Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2013.
  25. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 43, 2009" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 15 June 2019.
  26. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  27. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". Top 40 Singles.
  28. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". VG-lista.
  29. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 200943 into search.
  30. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies" Canciones Top 50.
  31. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". Singles Top 100.
  32. ↑ "Robbie Williams – Bodies". Swiss Singles Chart.
  33. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  34. ↑ "Robbie Williams Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard.
  35. ↑ "Jahreshitparade Singles 2009". austriancharts.at (in German). Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  36. ↑ "Rapports Annuels 2009" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  37. ↑ "Year End Charts: European Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  38. ↑ "Top de l'année Top Singles 2009" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  39. ↑ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 2009" (in German). GfK Entertainment . Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  40. ↑ "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2009" (in Hungarian). Mahasz . Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  41. ↑ "FIMI – Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana – Ricerche e dati di mercato". Fimi.it. 19 January 2010. Archived from the original on 23 January 2010. Retrieved 18 December 2010.
  42. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2009". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  43. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2009" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved 17 January 2020.
  44. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2009". hitparade.ch (in German). Retrieved 31 December 2018.
  45. ↑ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2009". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  46. ↑ "European Hot 100". Billboard. 31 December 2010. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  47. ↑ "Rádiós Top 100 – hallgatottsági adatok alapján – 2010" (in Hungarian). Mahasz. Retrieved 6 May 2020.
  48. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2009 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  49. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Robbie Williams; 'Bodies')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  50. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Robbie Williams – Bodies" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  51. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Bodies')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  52. ↑ "British single certifications – Robbie Williams – Bodies". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 2 January 2012.
  53. ↑ Myers, Justin (24 October 2014). "Number 1 today in 2009: Alexandra Burke blocks Robbie Williams' comeback". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 9 June 2015.
  54. ↑ "Bodies: Robbie Williams: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  55. ↑ "Bodies: Robbie Williams: Amazon.fr: Musique". Amazon.fr. Retrieved 27 September 2009.
  56. ↑ "Bodies: Robbie Williams in iTunes Mexico". iTunes Mexico. Retrieved 1 November 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.