Millennium

Millennium was released in September 1998 as the lead single from I’ve Been Expecting You. Written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers, the track became his first UK number one single.

Produced by Steve Power, the song prominently samples the orchestral theme from the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, composed by John Barry. Its bold brass arrangement and cinematic scope marked an evolution in scale from Williams’ earlier releases.

Lyrically, Millennium combines humour and bravado with self awareness, reflecting on fame and ambition against the backdrop of the approaching year 2000. The track’s playful tone and memorable hook contributed to its strong chart performance.

We’ve got stars directing our fate.Robbie Williams

The single’s success established momentum for I’ve Been Expecting You and confirmed Williams’ growing commercial power. Millennium remains one of the most recognisable songs of his late 1990s output.