Launching a record with absolutely no publicity takes even more planning than launching an album the old-fashioned way...just ask Beyoncé. Robbie Williams released a collection of tracks titled Under The Radar Vol. 1 in a fashion that was, well, under the radar. Even more noteworthy are the circumstances surrounding the release and whether they point to a reformation of the original five-man lineup of Take That.
The release date of Under The Radar Vol. 1 seems less than coincidental. December 1 also marks the date where Take That (currently the trio of Gary Barlow, Mark Owen and Howard Donald) was awarded the highest selling single in last week for its own new release, the single "These Days." Pleasant coincidence that one was released a week after the other, or something that was planned and discussed by both parties, hinting at a reunion of the original Take That lineup?
Donald recently told The Sun that "we want to do something with the five of us. That will be great." Williams left the group during 1995 and Jason Orange just left the group during September. Best bet is the group gets back together by 2017, which will mark the 25th anniversary of the band's debut album Take That & Party.
For now, all we can do is focus on the facts behind Williams' release. The new set is available for download only through his own website and features various "tiers" for purchase, including a download, compact disc or autographed CD, respectively. His name might not strike American listeners as on par with Beyoncé but he's had quite a run of success on the UK charts, racking up 11 no. 1 albums. Expect that number to be no. 12 if it goes over anything like Bey's album hit the U.S.
