Sensational

About

Sensational closes the standard edition of Heavy Entertainment Show. It was written by Robbie Williams, Guy Chambers, Rufus Wainwright and Chris Heath, and produced by Chambers and Richard Flack. The track includes a brass sample from “I’m Over 25 (But You Can Trust Me)” by Sammy Davis Jr., originally written by Mac David and Mike Curb. The result is a triumphant show tune with big-band flair, functioning as Williams’ tongue-in-cheek farewell to his audience.

Williams explained that Sensational was originally conceived as a closing number for his Swing Both Ways Tour in 2014. Inspired by cabaret finales, it was intended as “walk-off music,” both self-mocking and affectionate. When adapting it for Heavy Entertainment Show, Williams and Chambers used the song’s swing foundation and exuberant brass arrangement to link the album’s theatrical opening and closing tracks.

Lyrically, the song is an overblown thank-you to fans, blending gratitude with mischief. Lines such as “You’ve been sensational, now go away” and “I think you’re sexy and you’re funny, and I love you because you love me” balance affection with humour. Williams acknowledged that some listeners took the words literally, but stressed the comic intent behind them.

“It’s egoic, irreverent walk-off music. If you take every lyric literally, you’ll have a problem.”Robbie Williams

Sensational features sweeping horns, vintage percussion and a call-and-response arrangement that channels the spirit of Las Vegas showmanship. It has been used to close live sets since the 2014 swing tour, where it replaced My Way as Williams’ final number. Critics noted its self-parodying charm and clever positioning as both a curtain call and a wink to the audience.