Rock DJ (Better Man)

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Rock DJ appears midway through the Better Man soundtrack, reimagined as a vibrant, brass-infused reinterpretation of Robbie Williams’s 2000 hit from Sing When You’re Winning. Produced by Juan Ariza, the new version fuses the original’s funky groove with cinematic energy, transforming it into a kaleidoscopic set piece that symbolises Williams’s ascent to solo superstardom. Ariza has said that most of the arrangement was crafted “on aeroplanes and in green rooms” across multiple continents during Williams’s tour.

In the film, the sequence accompanies a stylised depiction of Williams’s early solo fame, blending humour, chaos and charisma. Brass stabs and live percussion replace the electronic beats, while the addition of layered vocal harmonies lends the track a jubilant theatricality. The famous “Can’t stop it, DJ” refrain becomes both mantra and commentary on momentum and excess, reflecting the unstoppable rise—and looming burnout—of the young performer.

Ariza’s production pays homage to the original while heightening its sense of spectacle. The orchestral flourishes, sweeping camera movements and bold choreography in the Regent Street scene align perfectly with the updated musical dynamics, each accent punctuating the visual explosion of fame.

“Most of this tune was produced in aeroplanes and green rooms all over Australia, New Zealand and Asia. It kept evolving for months.”Juan Ariza

With its exuberant arrangement and irrepressible energy, Rock DJ reasserts the song’s place as a cornerstone of Williams’s career. On the Better Man soundtrack, it stands as both celebration and cautionary tale—a portrait of an artist propelled by rhythm, charisma and the relentless machinery of pop.