Freedom (Ambient Mix)

About

Freedom (Ambient Mix) appears on CD3 of the 25th anniversary edition of Life Thru a Lens. The remix is presented as part of the Work in Progress disc, which documents alternative versions, demos and studio experiments from Robbie Williams’ earliest solo period. The Ambient Mix dates from mid 1996, shortly before the release of Freedom as his debut solo single.

The track was remixed by Antony Genn in collaboration with Robbie Williams. Genn was an early creative ally during Williams’ post Take That transition and later co wrote Clean for the album. This version strips back the conventional pop structure of the single, placing emphasis on rhythm, texture and atmosphere rather than hooks or radio friendly pacing.

Musically, the Ambient Mix leans towards downtempo and club influenced production, with extended instrumental passages and minimal vocal intervention. Williams’ vocal is treated as part of the soundscape rather than the focal point, reflecting the exploratory nature of the sessions. The approach suggests an artist experimenting with identity and genre at a point when his solo direction was still being formed.

I was trying things out and seeing where my voice and personality might fitRobbie Williams

While never intended for mainstream release, Freedom (Ambient Mix) offers valuable insight into Williams’ early creative process. Its inclusion on the anniversary edition highlights the breadth of material recorded at the time and underscores the uncertainty and freedom of his first steps as a solo artist. As an archival piece, it stands as a snapshot of experimentation rather than a finished statement.