Sensitive

About

Sensitive appeared on Heavy Entertainment Show and was written by Robbie Williams, Stuart Price and Jackson Guthy, with Price producing. Guthy, an American singer-songwriter, collaborated with Williams during sessions in Los Angeles, contributing melodic and lyrical ideas. The song reflects Williams and Price’s shared love of slick 1980s and early 1990s pop and R&B, with Williams describing it as “our take on late-eighties soul pop.”

The track is built around shimmering synths, crisp percussion and a falsetto-driven chorus, evoking the sound of artists such as Alexander O’Neal and Luther Vandross. Lyrically, it depicts a man puzzled by a partner’s emotional volatility, delivered with a blend of affection and exasperation. Its glossy production and repeated hook “H-A-P-P-Y” give the song a light, playful tone that contrasts with the frustration in the lyric.

In interviews, Williams explained that he wanted to capture the atmosphere of “under-16s discos and those nights when pop sounded both innocent and cool.” Price’s sleek arrangement added a nostalgic feel while keeping it contemporary. Although never released as a single, Sensitive showcased Williams’ versatility and willingness to explore modern pop textures beyond his typical sound.

“We wanted to make a song that echoed back to school discos and late-eighties soul pop.”Robbie Williams

Sensitive received a mixed reception from listeners, with some praising its polished retro style and others finding the chorus overly sweet. Nevertheless, it remains a distinctive part of the album, highlighting the collaborative chemistry between Williams and Price and the artist’s continued embrace of pop experimentation.