Gold

About

Gold appears on Under the Radar Vol. 3 and was written by Robbie Williams, Karl Brazil and Ben Castle, with production by Brazil and Castle. The track was released as a preview download on 18 January 2019 for fans who pre-ordered the album, following a public vote in which Williams invited listeners to choose between two mixes. He described the song as “a celebration of the 1980s,” inspired by the optimism and cinematic scope of classic coming-of-age films from that era.

In interviews, Williams explained that he and his collaborators set out to capture the spirit of John Hughes soundtracks and the era’s widescreen pop. “It hearkens back to the 80s and those moments of innocence, when everything felt possible,” he said. The lyric “Are we disco dancing or throwing shapes in an empty space?” typifies its nostalgic energy. The chorus “Never gonna lose that wonder, fall under your control, go out and paint the world, make it gold” channels youthful ambition and self-belief.

Musically, Gold is an anthemic blend of shimmering synths, bold percussion and stadium-sized hooks. Its layered harmonies and punchy guitars evoke artists such as Simple Minds and U2, while Williams’ vocal alternates between reflective verses and euphoric choruses. Co-writer Castle described it as “a massive blend of the 80s that makes you want to punch the air in celebration.”

“We both really enjoy the 80s and that big celebration of what life could become for us. There’s a naivety to it, and I wanted to capture that feeling.”Robbie Williams

A lyric video, created by the visual production company DNO, used neon graphics and film-inspired imagery to enhance the song’s retro aesthetic. Fans and critics praised Gold for its optimism and cinematic scope, calling it one of Williams’ strongest later singles. The track’s exuberant tone and nostalgic production made it a natural highlight of Under the Radar Vol. 3, affirming his ongoing affection for the pop grandeur of his youth.