"Different" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, taken from his ninth studio album, Take the Crown. It was released as the album's second single on December 17, 2012.
The song was written by Williams, Gary Barlow and Jacknife Lee. The single will be accompanied by four extra tracks: "On My Own", a duet with Tom Jones, "Soul Transmission", "White Man in Hanoi", a cut from Take the Crown, and "The Promise", a cover from singer songwriter Paul Freeman (Robbie's Christmas song).[1]
Background
"Different" was produced by Jacknife Lee, who said of the track: "I think when Robbie gets a song right, it's the vulnerability mixed with the bravado that makes it so compelling", to which Robbie replied, "It's the great hope of the second single variety. A lot of effort went into this song, which is a very personal statement".[2] Williams also commented on the number of B-sides released with the single: "I write so many songs and I love all of them, but they don't all make it onto a record. Some of my favourite songs have never been heard. I wanted to put out an EP so a few more could be heard. Check out the legend that is Tom Jones on 'On My Own'. 'The Promise' is my Christmas song."[3] Digital versions of the single available in Germany contain a bonus live recording of "Different", featuring vocals from songwriter Gary Barlow, who performed the track live with Williams on November 23, 2012, at the O2 Arena in London.
Music video
The music video for the track premiered on November 27, 2012, via Williams' official VEVO account on YouTube, at a total length of five minutes and sixteen seconds.[4] The video features Williams dressed as an orchestra conductor, who is struggling to prevent his strained relationship with wife boiling over and effecting his job. He is seen arguing with his wife, wasting a pint of milk she had especially bought for him, and flirting with a young girl who is a member of his orchestra. Williams said of the video: "It was a real fun one to film. It took around three days to film each of the separate sequences, but the supporting cast were exceptionally great. I would love to make videos like this all the time."[5]
