If ever there was an album title that screamed confidence (or cheeky self-awareness), it’s The Ego Has Landed. Released in May 1999, this compilation marked Robbie Williams’ official introduction to the United States – a market famously hard to crack for many UK stars. Up until this point, Robbie had already become a household name across Europe, thanks to his post – Take That transformation into a swaggering, sharp-witted solo artist. But America? That was uncharted territory.
A Transatlantic Compilation with Purpose
Unlike his earlier UK albums, The Ego Has Landed wasn’t a collection of brand-new tracks. Instead, it cherry-picked standout songs from his first two British solo albums: Life thru a Lens (1997) and I’ve Been Expecting You (1998). The result was a sort of ‘greatest hits – so far’ designed to show off the full spectrum of what Robbie could offer: charm, charisma, a touch of chaos, and killer hooks.
The album features 12 tracks, including the euphoric crowd-pleaser ‘Let Me Entertain You’, the lush and emotional ballad ‘Angels’, and the Bond-esque swagger of ‘Millennium’. Each song was selected to give American listeners a taste of Robbie’s diverse musical palette – and, of course, his unmistakable personality.
Album Track Listing:
- Millennium
- No Regrets
- Strong
- Angels
- Win Some Lose Some
- Let Me Entertain You
- Jesus in a Camper Van
- Old Before I Die
- Killing Me
- Man Machine
- She’s the One
Chart Performance: Modest in the U.S., Massive Elsewhere
In the United States, The Ego Has Landed didn’t shoot straight to the top, but it did make a notable impression. It peaked at number 63 on the Billboard 200 – a respectable showing for a debut in a tough market. Singles like ‘Angels’ and ‘Millennium’ entered the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 53 and No. 72 respectively. Not exactly chart domination, but certainly enough to turn a few heads and pique curiosity.
Internationally, however, it was a different story. The album was a hit in Australia and New Zealand, going Platinum and even multi-Platinum in the latter. In fact, in New Zealand, The Ego Has Landed soared to number one and became one of the top-selling albums of the year.
Behind the Swagger: A Career in Transition
What’s especially interesting about The Ego Has Landed is that it came at a pivotal moment in Robbie’s career. By 1999, he had successfully shrugged off his boy band past, battled tabloid headlines, and re-emerged as a credible solo artist with a unique voice in British pop. This album wasn’t just a commercial move – it was a declaration. Robbie was ready to take on the world, one wry lyric and power ballad at a time.
Even though America didn’t fully embrace him at first, The Ego Has Landed laid the groundwork for his global ambitions. It’s a time capsule of late-‘90s pop-rock, laced with British wit and a little theatrical flair – essentially, Robbie Williams in a nutshell.
Legacy and Lasting Appeal
Over two decades later, The Ego Has Landed still stands as a vital chapter in Robbie’s story. It’s not just a compilation – it’s a bold, curated introduction to one of pop music’s most magnetic and unpredictable performers. For fans who met Robbie through this record, it was the start of a wild, entertaining ride. And for Robbie, it was proof that even across the Atlantic, his ego – and his talent – had indeed landed.
