"Escapology" is the fifth studio album by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released on November 18, 2002, through EMI Records. The album features guest appearances from singer Rose Stone and was produced by Guy Chambers and Steve Power. The lead single, "Feel," was released two weeks after the album, on December 2, 2002, and became an international hit, topping charts in countries such as Austria, Poland, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, and reaching the top five in places like Denmark, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The album also spawned three other singles: "Come Undone," "Something Beautiful," and "Sexed Up."
Escapology debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, with first-week sales of over 264,000 copies, making it Williams' fifth consecutive number-one album in the UK. The album was supported by the 2003 Tour, which began in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 28, 2003, and concluded in Sydney, Australia, on December 14, 2003. During the tour, Williams performed three consecutive sold-out shows at Knebworth, England, on August 1-3, 2003, which collectively attracted a record-breaking 375,000 fans, marking the largest music event in British history.
In 2002, Robbie Williams signed a record-breaking £80 million contract with EMI, one of the largest music deals in British history. The deal included significant creative control for Williams, alongside EMI's hopes to establish him in the American market. EMI was also able to benefit from Williams' other activities, such as touring, publishing, and merchandising, ensuring the company was protected from any downturn in album sales.
After taking a year off from recording, Williams began work on Escapology, marking a new era in his career. He became more actively involved in the creation of the album, writing several tracks on his own for the first time, including "One Fine Day," "Nan's Song," and "Come Undone." The majority of the album was recorded in Los Angeles. Lyrically, Escapology reflects Williams' life as a pop star, focusing on themes of love, loneliness, and inner turmoil. It’s often considered a concept album due to its introspective nature, addressing his personal fears and struggles.
As part of his deal with EMI to break into the American market, the label requested some changes to the album for the U.S. release. The American version of Escapology had its song order shuffled, with several tracks removed, such as "Song 3," "Hot Fudge," and "Cursed," while adding "Get a Little High" and "One Fine Day." The track "How Peculiar (Reprise)" was also included as a regular track instead of being a hidden one. Williams promoted the album through appearances on shows like Good Morning America, Last Call with Carson Daly, and The Tonight Show. The U.S. release won the award for Best Album by a Solo Male in the International Category at Mexico's Premios Oye! in 2003.
