''XXV'' is a
compilation album
A compilation album comprises Album#Tracks, tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one Performing arts#Performers, performer or by several performers. If the recordings are from ...
by English singer
Robbie Williams
Robert Peter Williams (born 13 February 1974) is an English singer and songwriter. He found fame as a member of the pop group Take That from 1990 to 1995, launching a solo career in 1996. His debut studio album, ''Life thru a Lens'', was re ...
, released through
on 9 September 2022. The album marks the 25th anniversary of Williams's solo career,
[ and contains re-recorded and orchestrated versions of songs from his career, which were reworked by ]Jules Buckley
Julian "Jules" Buckley (born 8 January 1980) is an English conductor, composer, and arranger.
Career
In 2004, Buckley and producer/manager Chris Wheeler co-founded the Heritage Orchestra, with the intention of featuring an orchestra in a music ...
, Guy Chambers
Guy Antony Chambers (born 12 January 1963) is an English songwriter, musician and record producer, best known for his work with Robbie Williams.
Education
Chambers attended Quarry Bank Comprehensive School sixth form in Liverpool. From 18, ...
and Steve Sidwell with the Metropole Orkest. The ''XXV'' version of "Angels
An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
" was released as the lead single, followed by the promotional single "Eternity
Eternity, in common parlance, is an Infinity, infinite amount of time that never ends or the quality, condition or fact of being everlasting or eternal. Classical philosophy, however, defines eternity as what is timeless or exists outside tim ...
/ The Road to Mandalay" and the new song "Lost" as the second official single. The deluxe edition of the album adds 10 tracks, including four more original songs—"Disco Symphony", "More Than This", "Home Thoughts from Abroad" and "The World and Her Mother". The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...
, with Williams breaking the record for most number-one albums among solo acts.
Background
On 7 June 2022, Williams announced that his next album ''XXV'', would be released on 9 September 2022. It features new versions of his hit songs, plus new material. On the same day as this announcement, Williams released "Angels (XXV)", a reworked version of "Angels
An angel is a spiritual (without a physical body), heavenly, or supernatural being, usually humanoid with bird-like wings, often depicted as a messenger or intermediary between God (the transcendent) and humanity (the profane) in variou ...
".
Singles
The first single taken from ''XXV'' was a reimagined version of his hit single "Angels" and was released on 7 June 2022. On 10 June 2022, "Angels (XXV)" reached number 92 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart, rising to 74 a week later.
The second official single was "Lost (XXV)". It was released on 5 August 2022.
Commercial performance
''XXV'' became Williams's fourteenth number one album on the UK Albums Chart
The Official Albums Chart is the United Kingdom's industry-recognised national record chart for album, albums. Entries are ranked by sales and audio streaming. It was published for the first time on 22 July 1956 and is compiled every week by the O ...
, surpassing Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley (January 8, 1935 – August 16, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as Cultural impact of Elvis Presley, one of the most significant cultural figures of the ...
as the solo act with the most UK number one albums.
Track listing
All tracks are subtitled "XXV". The Australian physical edition follows the standard edition order below but removes "Candy" and "She's the One" and includes "Better Man" for a total of 18 tracks.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
{{Robbie Williams
2022 greatest hits albums
Columbia Records compilation albums
Robbie Williams albums