Rock DJ (XXV)

About

Rock DJ was reimagined for XXV with a vibrant new arrangement by Jules Buckley. Originally released in 2000 on Sing When You’re Winning, the song became one of Robbie Williams’s biggest international hits and remains a defining moment of his career. The orchestral version keeps its funky backbone but adds a layer of sophistication through brass, strings and live rhythm.

The original track’s dance floor groove and Barry White sample are preserved, yet the orchestration enhances their texture. Horns punch through the rhythm section while the string section adds depth and tension. Williams’s vocal, slightly lower in key, rides confidently over the instrumentation, maintaining the cheeky swagger that made the song famous while giving it a smoother, more soulful tone.

Williams told Italian radio that the new recording was “a vibe,” highlighting the intoxicating feel of the expanded arrangement. The addition of a new guitar solo and the lush Barry White style strings bring a renewed sense of grandeur, blending pop energy with big band flair. The result feels like a live performance captured in a studio, larger in scale but faithful in spirit.

“It’s a vibe. I’m very proud of it. New guitar solo, but those Barry White strings are just intoxicating—they’re from another planet.”Robbie Williams

With its orchestral swagger and rhythmic vitality, Rock DJ bridges Williams’s pop showmanship and his love of classic soul and funk. The XXV version reaffirms its place as one of his most inventive and irresistibly charismatic songs.