• Welcome to ASR. There are many reviews of audio hardware and expert members to help answer your questions. Click here to have your audio equipment measured for free!

Robbie Williams – BRITPOP – Review (Stereo and Dolby Atmos)

Jean.Francois

Active Member
Joined
May 31, 2022
Messages
275
Likes
1,023
Hello,

After nearly a decade without a true original pop-rock album, Robbie Williams returns with BRITPOP, a bold record rooted in the spirit of the 1990s and the golden age of British music.
Robbie Williams BRITPOP - Small.jpg

What does this album sound like in stereo and Dolby Atmos? That’s what we’re about to discover in this review.



There are no real surprises with this album: the stereo version is heavily compressed, with overall dynamic range values between DR4 and DR5 across most tracks, except for the final one, which reaches DR8.
We are still firmly stuck in the loudness race, the loudness war is clearly ongoing. This is particularly disappointing today, especially when high-resolution formats like this 24-bit release offer massive dynamic potential that is simply not being used at all.
waveform_BRITPOP - Tidal MAX - 2026MVD_800px.jpg



To regain greater precision and dynamics, one must turn to the Dolby Atmos version which, thanks to the enforced normalization at 18 LUFS integrated, allows mixes to make better use of dynamic range.
Global - 4.2 ( 3.6 --  5.0).SP -- small.jpg


The result is an immersive mix that draws the listener into the album, with a predominantly frontal presentation.
However, this mix is less showy than those of albums such as Boys and Girls, reviewed previously.


Find all the samples to listen to and compare the different versions, as well as all the analyses and measurements of each versions here (link).

Enjoy listening,
Jean-François
 
Last edited:
Thank you Jean-Francois. I doubt I shall ever listen to this album as I am not a fan.

When will these studios learn - just look at that stereo waveform. Ridiculous isn't!!!!! You cannot really even call that a waveform.
 
i like cats and cat food but not a fan of his music certainly not in rubbish dolby labs atmos

header_banner_mobile.webp
 
I loved his 1999 The Ego has Landed compilation, its all I have ever really heard of his stuff.
 
Please excuse my ignorance but I've been searching everywhere to buy a copy of the Dolby Atmos version of Britpop but can't find it, not even on his own website shop. I'm totally addicted to the first track (Rocket) but the sound quality with all the compression is terrible. I'd love to get the full dynamic range version.

Thanks,
Ali.
 
Used to go to the same kebab shop as Robbie - 'Sinbad's' at the bottom of Tunstall high street.

Don't look for it, it's not there any more. (Literally - they demolished the building).

He's done a handful of good tunes over the years. Leave it a while you should be able to pick this album up in the charity shop for thirty pee. You can with all his others.
 
Leave it a while you should be able to pick this album up in the charity shop for thirty pee. You can with all his others.
The Dolby Atmos version? I can't even find it new, which is why I asked on here!

Anyone any idea where I can buy the Dolby Atmos version?

Thanks,
Ali.
 
Back
Top Bottom