Robbie Williams’ ‘Feel’ is his most played song on UK radio and television in the 21st century, topping a ranking released by music licensing company PPL for National Album Day 2026. His recordings have accumulated more than 100,000 hours of airplay during that period, equivalent to nearly 12 years of continuous listening.
The chart marks 30 years since Williams’ first solo release. He is one of the Album Champions for this year’s National Album Day, which takes place on Saturday 17 October and has ‘Icons’ as its theme.
‘Feel’ leads the airplay ranking
Released in 2002 from Williams’ fifth studio album, Escapology, ‘Feel’ has averaged 18 plays per day since release. The Platinum-selling single reached number one in seven countries.
‘Rock DJ’, from the 2000 album Sing When You’re Winning, places second with an average of 17 plays daily. ‘Angels’, from his 1997 debut solo album Life Thru’ A Lens, ranks third and continues to average 16 daily radio and television plays.
‘Angels’ was voted the best song of the previous 25 years at the 2005 BRIT Awards. Another track from Williams’ debut, ‘Let Me Entertain You’, takes fourth place, followed by ‘She’s The One’ from his second studio album, I’ve Been Expecting You.
The full ranking is:
- 1. ‘Feel’, Escapology
- 2. ‘Rock DJ’, Sing When You’re Winning
- 3. ‘Angels’, Life Thru’ A Lens
- 4. ‘Let Me Entertain You’, Life Thru’ A Lens
- 5. ‘She’s The One’, I’ve Been Expecting You
- 6. ‘Candy’, Take The Crown
- 7. ‘Millennium’, I’ve Been Expecting You
- 8. ‘Strong’, I’ve Been Expecting You
- 9. ‘Supreme’, Sing When You’re Winning
- 10. ‘You Know Me’, Reality Killed the Video Star
‘Candy’, a number one hit in 2012, is the most recent release in the top 10.
More than 100,000 hours of broadcasts
Across Williams’ catalogue, PPL’s figures translate to an average of 182 plays a day, or 7.5 per hour, on UK radio and television this century.
PPL compiled the ranking from airplay information collected from UK radio and television stations to distribute payments to performers and recording rightsholders. The company licenses recorded music for broadcasts and use in public places.
Since beginning his solo career in 1996, Williams has earned 16 UK number one albums, more than any other solo artist, and seven UK number one singles. His worldwide record sales exceed 75 million, and he has received a record 18 BRIT Awards.
Vinyl reissue for National Album Day
Universal Music Recordings and Island Records are marking National Album Day 2026 with a limited-edition red and blue double-vinyl release of Williams’ third studio album, Sing When You’re Winning.
The album includes ‘Rock DJ’, ‘Supreme’ and ‘Kids’, his collaboration with Kylie Minogue. This edition is its first vinyl reissue and its first release on coloured vinyl.
Both records will play at 45 revolutions per minute (RPM), matching the original edition. Pre-orders through participating retailers open on 6 October 2026.
