Intensive Care (album)
Encyclopedia
Intensive Care is sixth studio album by English
singer-songwriter Robbie Williams
, released on 24 October 2005 in the United Kingdom
.
in late 2004 for the promotion of his Greatest Hits
album, Williams started working on what would become his sixth studio album. Recorded in his bedroom in the Hollywood Hills
, the album was co-written by Stephen Duffy
over the course of 24 months.The album was launched in Berlin
, Germany on October 9, 2005. It was not shown on television, but broadcast to various locations around the world in cinemas and theatres, in a high-definition "cine-cast". It was shown on Saturday 22 October 2005 on Channel 4.
for 'Best Male', and also entered The Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day for his 2006 world tour. The album became the best selling album in Europe
by the end of 2005, with sales of over four million copies. However, it only managed to become the third best selling album in the United Kingdom that year. Williams kicked off his Close Encounters World Tour
in South Africa
in April 2006 in promotion of the album. More than 2.5 million attended the early stages of the tour, with nearly three million having been reported to have seen one or more shows. In January 2007, it was revealed Intensive Care had sold over 5 million copies in Europe, and as such, was certified 5× Platinum by the IFPI
. It was also certified 5× Platinum in the United Kingdom around the same time. In Mexico, the album was certified platinum shortly after it's release, for shipping 150,000 copies of the physical album, and in December 2008 the album was certified 2× diamond for pre-loaded digital sales of 1,000,000 copies. By shipping 1,100,000 copies and reaching 11× gold, Intensive Care became the eighth best-selling album of the decade in Germany. It also became Williams' fifth album to reach a position in the top twenty of the best-selling album of the decade, with Swing When You're Winning
, Escapology
, Live at Knebworth
and Greatest Hits also earning places. According to EMI
, the album has sold 6.2 million copies worldwide.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
singer-songwriter Robbie Williams
Robbie Williams
Robert Peter "Robbie" Williams is an English singer-songwriter, vocal coach and occasional actor. He is a member of the pop group Take That. Williams rose to fame in the band's first run in the early- to mid-1990s. After many disagreements with the management and certain group members, Williams...
, released on 24 October 2005 in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
.
Background
After touring Latin AmericaLatin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
in late 2004 for the promotion of his Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits (Robbie Williams album)
Greatest Hits is a hits compilation by Robbie Williams, released in 2004. It included two new songs, these being "Radio" and "Misunderstood", which were both released as singles.The album is his seventh released in the United Kingdom...
album, Williams started working on what would become his sixth studio album. Recorded in his bedroom in the Hollywood Hills
Hollywood Hills
The Hollywood Hills is an affluent and exclusive neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, in the southeastern Santa Monica Mountains. It is bound by Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west, Vermont Avenue to the east, Mulholland Drive to the north, and Sunset Boulevard to the south.-Hollywood Hills...
, the album was co-written by Stephen Duffy
Stephen Duffy
Stephen Anthony James Duffy is an English singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a founding member and vocalist/bassist of Duran Duran. He went on to record as a solo performer under several different names, and is the singer and songwriter for The Lilac Time with his older brother...
over the course of 24 months.The album was launched in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and is one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.45 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. It is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union...
, Germany on October 9, 2005. It was not shown on television, but broadcast to various locations around the world in cinemas and theatres, in a high-definition "cine-cast". It was shown on Saturday 22 October 2005 on Channel 4.
Success
When Intensive Care was released in October 2005, it became a smash hit around the world, hitting number-one in the United Kingdom, selling 373,832 copies in it's first week, as well as topping charts in twenty other counties including Argentina, Australia, Austria, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, New Zealand and many other countries. Following the success of the album, Williams won the MTV Europe Music AwardMTV Europe Music Awards
The MTV Europe Music Awards were established in 1994 by MTV Networks Europe to celebrate the most popular music videos in Europe. Originally beginning as an alternative to the American MTV Video Music Awards, the MTV Europe Music Awards is today a popular celebration of what MTV viewers consider...
for 'Best Male', and also entered The Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million tickets in a single day for his 2006 world tour. The album became the best selling album in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
by the end of 2005, with sales of over four million copies. However, it only managed to become the third best selling album in the United Kingdom that year. Williams kicked off his Close Encounters World Tour
Close Encounters Tour
The Close Encounters Tour is Robbie Williams' 2006 worldwide concert tour. It kicked off in Durban's ABSA Stadium on 10 April, and ended in Melbourne on 18 December. The tour was a great success financially, with every date selling out the morning the tickets went on sale...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
in April 2006 in promotion of the album. More than 2.5 million attended the early stages of the tour, with nearly three million having been reported to have seen one or more shows. In January 2007, it was revealed Intensive Care had sold over 5 million copies in Europe, and as such, was certified 5× Platinum by the IFPI
IFPI
The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry is the organisation that represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide. It is a not-for-profit members' organisation registered in Switzerland...
. It was also certified 5× Platinum in the United Kingdom around the same time. In Mexico, the album was certified platinum shortly after it's release, for shipping 150,000 copies of the physical album, and in December 2008 the album was certified 2× diamond for pre-loaded digital sales of 1,000,000 copies. By shipping 1,100,000 copies and reaching 11× gold, Intensive Care became the eighth best-selling album of the decade in Germany. It also became Williams' fifth album to reach a position in the top twenty of the best-selling album of the decade, with Swing When You're Winning
Swing When You're Winning
Swing When You're Winning is a swing cover album by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams.-Background:After the success of his third studio album, Sing When You're Winning, Williams wanted to take another musical direction...
, Escapology
Escapology (album)
-Background:In 2002, Williams signed a record-breaking £80 million contract with EMI. The contract featured a number of provisos, including the label ceding greater creative control to the artist and a commitment to breaking Williams in the American market...
, Live at Knebworth
Live at Knebworth
Live at Knebworth, also known as Live Summer 2003 with different cover text, is a live album by English pop singer Robbie Williams, recorded and released in 2003. The album is his first live album, and is a compilation of songs performed during three consecutive shows at Knebworth, England.The...
and Greatest Hits also earning places. According to EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
, the album has sold 6.2 million copies worldwide.
Singles
- "TrippingTripping (song)"Tripping" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, it was the first single from his 2005 album Intensive Care. The single was backed with the track "Make Me Pure", also from the same album, it was sent to radio stations around the world. Williams himself calls the song "something like a...
" was released as the album's lead single on October 3, 2005, becoming an international success, topping the charts in Germany, The Netherlands, Taiwan, Argentina and Mexico. In the United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, it was released as a double A-side with "Make Me PureMake Me Pure"Make Me Pure" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, released as the second single from his album Intensive Care in late 2005. It was written by Robbie Williams, Stephen Duffy, and Chris Heath. It was first released in New Zealand and Australia only as a promotional single intended to...
", however, "Make Me Pure" was also released separately in Australia, New Zealand and Mexico.
- "Advertising SpaceAdvertising Space"Advertising Space" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, it was released as the third single from his album Intensive Care in December 2005, and reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. "Advertising Space" draws from Tony Scott’s movie True Romance, where Christian Slater’s character...
" was released as the album's second single in December 2005, becoming another international hit, reaching the top ten in Europe, Australasia and Latin America.
- "Sin Sin SinSin Sin Sin"Sin Sin Sin" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, it was released as the fourth and last single from his album Intensive Care in the summer of 2006. It was remixed for single release, being at a quicker tempo than the original...
" was released as the album's third and final single in the summer of 2006. It was the first song Williams and Stephen Duffy co-wrote together. The video was shot in Cape TownCape TownCape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, South Africa just days before the start of Williams' tour there. It became Williams' first single to miss the UK Top 20, charting at number twenty-two, however, it performed much better internationally, hitting the top ten in Europe and Latin America.
Track listing
Musicians
- Robbie WilliamsRobbie WilliamsRobert Peter "Robbie" Williams is an English singer-songwriter, vocal coach and occasional actor. He is a member of the pop group Take That. Williams rose to fame in the band's first run in the early- to mid-1990s. After many disagreements with the management and certain group members, Williams...
: Lead vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, backing vocals, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, Bass guitar epiphone casino, synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones... - Stephen DuffyStephen DuffyStephen Anthony James Duffy is an English singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a founding member and vocalist/bassist of Duran Duran. He went on to record as a solo performer under several different names, and is the singer and songwriter for The Lilac Time with his older brother...
: Guitar, keyboards, nord lead, wine glass, sitarSitarThe 'Tablaman' is a plucked stringed instrument predominantly used in Hindustani classical music, where it has been ubiquitous since the Middle Ages...
, harpHarpThe harp is a multi-stringed instrument which has the plane of its strings positioned perpendicularly to the soundboard. Organologically, it is in the general category of chordophones and has its own sub category . All harps have a neck, resonator and strings...
, secquencers, shakers, dilruba, harmonicaHarmonicaThe harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes... - Claire Worrall: Backing vocals, (track 11) pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, mellotron, Hammond B3, helicopter - Melvin Duffy: Pedal steel guitar (track 11)
- Neil TaylorNeil Taylor (guitarist)Neil Taylor is a guitarist best known for his long-time affiliation with Robbie Williams and for formerly being a member of the backing band of Tears for Fears.-Career:...
: Guitar (track 11) - Greg Leiz: Guitar
- Justin Duarte: Acoustic Guitar
- Jerry Meehan: Bass guitar, fender precision (track 11)
- Matt ChamberlainMatt ChamberlainMatthew Chamberlain is an American drummer, producer and sound engineer. He is currently based in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:...
: drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
, percussionPercussion instrumentA percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...
(track 11) - Kate Kisson: Backing Vocals
- Tessa Niles: Backing vocals
- Jeff Babko: TromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate...
(track 11) - Cleto Escobedo: Baritone saxophoneSaxophoneThe saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
(track 11) - Waddy Wachtel: Guitar (track 11)
- Jebin Bruni: Synthesizer
- Davey Farragher: Bass guitar, fender precision
- John Paterno: Guitar
- Buddy Judge: Guitar
- Max Beesley: Percussion, vibes
- Gary Nuttall: Backing vocals (track 11)
- Carlton E. Anderson: Choir (track 3,11)
- Maxi Anderson: Choir (track 3,11)
- Randy Crenshaw: Choir (track 3,11)
- Judith Hill: Choir (track 3,11)
- Julia Tillman: Choir (track 3,11)
- Carmen Twillie: Choir (track 3,11)
- Oren Waters: Choir (track 3,11)
- Maxine Waters Willard: Choir (track 3,11)
- Will Wheaton Jnr: Choir (track 3,11)
- Terry Wood: Choir (track 3,11)
- Charlie Bisharat: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- Mario De Leon: Violins (track 1,3,5,6,8)
- Armen Garabedian: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,10,12)
- Berj Garabedian: Violins (track 1,3,5,6,8)
- Alan Grunfeld: Violins (track 1,3,5)
- Sara Pakins: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- Michelle Richards: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- Sarah thornblade: Violins (track 1,3,5,6,8)
- Josefina Vergara: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- John Wittenburg: Violins (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- Denyse Buffum Violas (track 1,2,3,5,6,8,10,12)
- Matt Funes: Cello
- Roland Kato: Cello
- Evan Wilson: Cello
- Larry Corbett: Cello
- Suzie Katayama: Cello
- Dan Smith: Cello
Credits
- Album produced by Stephen DuffyStephen DuffyStephen Anthony James Duffy is an English singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was a founding member and vocalist/bassist of Duran Duran. He went on to record as a solo performer under several different names, and is the singer and songwriter for The Lilac Time with his older brother...
and Robbie WilliamsRobbie WilliamsRobert Peter "Robbie" Williams is an English singer-songwriter, vocal coach and occasional actor. He is a member of the pop group Take That. Williams rose to fame in the band's first run in the early- to mid-1990s. After many disagreements with the management and certain group members, Williams... - Original production by Andy Strange
- Mixed by Bob Clearmountain at Mix This
- Engineered by John Paterno, Andy Strange, Stephen Duffy Pablo Munguia, Tony Phillips, Adam Noble and Dan Porter
- Strings arranged and conducted by David Campbell
- Strings engineered by Alan Sides at NRG
- Mastering by Tony Cousins at Metropolis Studios, London
- A&R: Chris Briggs
- Photography: Hamish Brown
- Design and artwork: Grant MorrisonGrant MorrisonGrant Morrison is a Scottish comic book writer, playwright and occultist. He is known for his nonlinear narratives and counter-cultural leanings, as well as his successful runs on titles like Animal Man, Doom Patrol, JLA, The Invisibles, New X-Men, Fantastic Four, All-Star Superman, and...
and Frank QuitelyFrank QuitelyVincent Deighan, better known by the pen name Frank Quitely, is a Scottish comic book artist. He is best known for his frequent collaborations with Grant Morrison on titles such as New X-Men, We3, All-Star Superman, and Batman and Robin, as well as his work with Mark Millar on The... - Art coordination by Tom Hingston Studio
Charts
| Country | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Argentina | 1 |
| Australia | 1 |
| Austria | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| European Top 100 Albums European Top 100 Albums The European Top 100 Albums chart is the European adaptation of the Billboard 200 albums chart. It was created in March 1984.The European Top 100 Albums, commonly referred to as Eurochart Top 100 Albums shows the sales of an act in 19 European countries based on IFPI data.The European Top 100... |
1 |
| Finland | 3 |
| France | 1 |
| Germany | 1 |
| Hungary | 2 |
| Ireland | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| Mexico | 2 |
| Netherlands | 1 |
| New Zealand | 1 |
| Portugal | 1 |
| Spain | 1 |
| Sweden | 1 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
| United Kingdom | 1 |
Certifications
End of Decade Albums
| 2000–2009 | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
53 |
| 2005 | Peak position |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
3 |