Williams’ comeback song is a ‘grower’

ROBBIE WILLIAMS’ comeback single provoked extreme reactions when it received mass air play yesterday, although, love it or not, the song is tipped to head straight to number one.

Many of the singer’s fans hailed Bodies as a triumph, while the tune received a more lukewarm response from other quarters.

Over a chunky, fuzzy bassline, Williams raps lines like “Jesus didn’t die for me” and “Bodies in the bodhi tree, bodies making chemistry,” before building to a euphoric chorus, reminiscent of past hit Feel, backed by a string section.

Writing on his blog, the 35-year-old said: “The response I’m getting for Bodies from people has been really encouraging...

“It all seems to be very genuine, too.

“I didn’t expect to be welcomed back with such enthusiasm.”

He said his interviews had gone well, adding: “I’m a bit more laid back than I’ve been in the past. Maybe age is catching up on me...”

Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles told the singer, a guest on his show, that the song was “anthemic”.

Moyles agreed with suggestions that the record was a “grower”, quickly adding: “That’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

Ladbrokes have put the single at 1/2 to go straight in at number one.

Meanwhile, Williams’s ex-bandmates Take That have been riding on a career high since re-forming.

Williams has struggled to regain his sure-fire hit-making formula since falling out with his old songwriting partner Guy Chambers.

He has subsequently worked with former chart star Stephen Duffy, although he has now patched things up with Chambers.

Williams’ comeback has been masterminded by Trevor Horn, who tasted chart hits with his band The Buggles, including the number one single Video Killed The Radio Star.