Swings Both Ways
by Robbie Williams
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2013
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. Mojo
    Dec 17, 2013
    60
    Of seven swing covers and duets, only the high camp title track with Rufus Wainwright sparkles. [Dec 2013, p.92]
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  2. The Independent (UK)
    Dec 17, 2013
    60
    It's the original tracks that bring a new life to the form, while the standards--routine duets of "I Wanna Be Like You" and "Dream a Little Dream" with Olly Murs and Lily Allen, and a bland "Puttin' on the Ritz"-- sound like filler.
  3. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Dec 17, 2013
    60
    Those who endured Williams’s recent X Factor performance need not fear: this brassy sequel to 2001’s big-band LP Swing When You’re Winning, is actually rather listenable.
  5. musicOMH.com
    Dec 17, 2013
    60
    It’s not an unqualified success, but it’s a guaranteed seller over Christmas. And, as one of this country’s more entertaining pop stars, it’s nice to have him back.
  6. The Guardian
    Dec 17, 2013
    60
    Some of the covers are too well-worn (Minnie the Moocher and Puttin' On the Ritz), but Snowblind's admission of vulnerability is rather moving.
  7. The Observer (UK)
    Dec 17, 2013
    40
    There's an innate problem in the way Swings Both Ways swings--like a pendulum, flipping and flopping between 2013 and 1953, a problem that the orchestra can't resolve.
  8. NOW Magazine
    Dec 17, 2013
    40
    Williams is at his best when he’s being weird, so cheeky title track Swings Both Ways, which finds him examining his fluid sexuality with Rufus Wainwright, is good. But any fresh moments are balanced by too many unlistenable ones.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 42 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 42
  3. Negative: 8 out of 42
  1. youne
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    This is a fantastic album and he not only looks better than Michael buble but sounds better too, check it out for yourself. A brilliantThis is a fantastic album and he not only looks better than Michael buble but sounds better too, check it out for yourself. A brilliant entertainer and singer.… Full Review »
  2. dierregi
    Oct 14, 2014
    5
    I love this type of music and the "standards", so I have no problem with listening to yet another version of "Putting on the ritz". I alsoI love this type of music and the "standards", so I have no problem with listening to yet another version of "Putting on the ritz". I also think Williams has a genuine love for the music and he does it well.

    What I dislike (a lot) are his lyrics. The man is a smug egomaniac. We are served massive doses of how hard is the life of a billionaire pop star, because the media take too much interest in in sexual orientation and his weight. Those are "real" problems, not ours.... Thanks for sharing Williams, but you can rest assured: I care nothing about the way you look and who're you banging. I just listen to the music and try to ignore the words.    … Full Review »
  3. alicegoldman
    Dec 30, 2013
    9
    Most of songs are written by the artist himself and, as usual, very personal. Playing with haters, fatherhood and other situations this soundsMost of songs are written by the artist himself and, as usual, very personal. Playing with haters, fatherhood and other situations this sounds very fun and consistent, some songs like "Shine My Shoes" are just brilliant. The vocals are way better than his 3 previously works too.… Full Review »
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