Try-hard white boy lounge rapping. Pop genius. Why did this guy never rule america?

Keep us posted on that.

because he didn't want to work at it. i read an interview with him many years ago in which he was asked the same question. and his response was that what really boosted his popularity in britain was the stage show. (and the man is a tremendous performer.) with good singles and excellent word-of-mouth, his stock skyrocketed. and he just wasn't prepared to put in that type of work to win over america. i think he's awesome, though.

Cause America is largely homophobic and the guy comes off as pop-effete.

Which is why Elton John and Prince have done so well. Because they make manly-man pop.

I don't think Robbie comes off as effete at all, but i only have a slight knowledge of his work.

will have a listen to this. i freakin' loved his debut solo album. some very well crafted pop music.

That one video of his with the roller-skating rink was very cool. I'd like to hear this too.

Yeah, but Elton and Prince are anomalies - you can't compare their careers with anyone's. And if they were trying to crack America right now, they'd have no luck.

I'm not sure what U.S. demographic Robbie would hit home with.

Never in a million years did I think Obner would be discussing Mr. Williams. Its not that I think we're stuck up (because we can be) but more that I didn't think his music had as much impact on this soil.

I really dug his debut, and bought his followup US release. I think I passed on his lounge/swing album, but enjoyed him in that ill-fated Cole Porter biopic. I, too am interested in his latest stuff. I've read horrid reports from PopMatters, but from the vids I've seen on YouTube he seems to be interesting enough to at least look into.

You can play the what if game for days, but it doesn't change history.

And as far as not comparing their careers to other's careers, may I have an actual reason why other than your say so?

Anyhow, the point i was trying to make is that robbie doesn't seem that femme to me, and america, while homophobic, likes whatever pop music is shoved down thier throats. The more exposure, the more they like it. It's a question of familiarity.

Haven't heard his new material, but his performance at Live 8 last year was fucking fantastic.