Rocket

Rocket was released as the first single from Britpop. The track features guitarist Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, marking a collaboration between Williams and one of British heavy metal’s defining figures. Its release introduced the album’s more pronounced guitar led direction.

The recording pairs Williams’ vocal with Iommi’s distinctive electric guitar work. His contribution shapes the song’s heavier arrangement and riff driven structure, aligning it more closely with classic British rock than the polished pop production associated with much of Williams’ earlier solo catalogue.

Lyrically, Rocket adopts a direct and anthemic tone, supported by live band instrumentation. The production foregrounds guitars and rhythm, reflecting Williams’ stated intention to revisit the musical influences that informed his early ambitions as a solo artist in the mid 1990s.

As the lead single, Rocket established the sonic identity of Britpop, signalling a deliberate stylistic shift and positioning the project within a broader lineage of British guitar music. The presence of Tony Iommi underscored the record’s rock credentials and framed the album’s opening statement.