Mature And Balanced Robbie Williams On The Promotional Trail For 'Swings Both Ways'

Robbie Williams’ upcoming album will represent a drastic change in pace and style, as the singer himself has explained. According to Williams’ official website, Swings Both Ways (interesting title choice there) will be out 18 November and just like one of Williams’ most successful releases to date, 2001’s Swing When You’re Winning it will feature “a mix of classic covers and new material.“

Is this an older, wiser Robbie Williams we're seeing?

There will also be several collaborations to be excited about, including tracks featuring Lily Allen, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Olly Murs and Rufus Wainwright. The album has already been made available for pre-order on iTunes, with a bonus track added for anyone who decides to get it ahead of schedule.

The pop star with 17 Brit Awards (more than any other singer) has been keeping a low profile for the past few months, instead of doing constant press rounds (or flooding social media outlets with tales of his various adventures, like some other celebrities have done). One of his most publicized appearances of late has been a one-off gig at the London Palladium, during which Williams not only gave the audience a preview of Swings Both Ways, but also used the stage to share some heartfelt confessions. It was all in jest, of course, but apparently Williams has accumulated some regrets over the course of his career.

More importantly, is that fake grey hair?

"For a long time, as long as I can remember, I've felt a little bit stupid. I left school without any GCSEs, nothing higher than a D," he told the crowd. "Two trips to rehab. Rudebox the album. Geri Halliwell - I should have gone for Victoria really, shouldn't I? I'd have been really famous." (via Sky News)

At this point, Williams is releasing a swing album and projecting the image of a family man with a long and storied career behind his back. Could this be one of those “celebrity reinventions” that people seem so keen on these days?

All highly important questions.