Pity the apple-cheeked youth who become soldiers of the evil that dare not speak its name. They preen, pout and seduce the world into a false sense of security, reducing young women into screaming, glass-eyed zombies. They infect the airwaves like an “Outbreak” virus gone mad and suddenly they’re gone. I’m speaking, of course, of boy bands. There is no quicker way to big bucks and bigger ridicule than to be in a boy band. After all, popular wisdom says, boy bands are just commercial fodder and those in boy bands are marginally talented. They’re certainly not (insert hipster cred band here).And pity the poor fool who tries to launch a career after the 15 minutes are up. Is there anyone who’s holding their breath for a solo record from one of the *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys?But there are a few who eke out modest success. Joey McEntire and Jordan Knight, formerly of New Kids On The Block, the whole post New Edition family; BBD, Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant, and… oh yeah, George Michael and Michael Jackson. Add to that list Robbie Williams.Robbie Williams is a former member of the defunct British boy band Take That. Imagine the popularity of *NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys combined and you get the idea. But the band broke up and Williams launched his solo career with “Life Thru A Lens” and followed it up with “I’ve Been Expecting You.” Boy band curse thwarted and faster than you can say WHAM! he was huge. And when you’re huge in England, you try to become huge in America. Williams’ first American release was the album “The Ego Has Landed,” which combined tracks from his two British releases and spawned the minor hit “Millennium.” “The Ego Has Landed” served as an introduction to Williams’ earlier work and set the stage for his new album “Sing When You’re Winning.””Sing When You’re Winning” is a very good and interesting album. It mixes dance pop textures without being cheesy, sincerity without being sappy and tongue-in-cheek humor that isn’t overbearing. The first sign that the listener is in for a different experience can be seen in the album’s artwork. Williams, through the wonders of technology, plays every role in all the pictures. These include; two soccer teams, two groups of fans, a barmaid, various businessmen and a crew of policemen. Little warning though: You’ll see more of Williams in some pictures than you probably wanted to.Sonically, the album blends acoustic instruments with subtle electronic touches such as beats and loops. But it’s worlds away from the sound that Beck and his many imitators have spawned. And there’s no bitter ironic aftertaste. It’s a clean crisp sound that somehow sidesteps the too sterile feeling. The best comparison would be George Michael circa “Faith” and “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.” Vocally, Williams mixes a casual hip-hop-influenced delivery with a straight ahead singer/songwriter pop singer croon. While Williams isn’t a great singer, he knows his limitations and works with them. Lyrically, Williams and his chief collaborator Guy Chambers mix starkly sincere sentiments such as “Send someone to love me/I need to rest in arms/Keep me safe from harm/In the pouring rain,” from “Better Man,” to more flippant “All the best women are married are married/All the handsome men are gay,” from “Supreme.” Yet the sincerity and tongue-in-cheek sit side-by-side comfortable with no chafing.The highlights come early and consistently on “Sing When You’re Winning.” The current single “Rock DJ” finds Williams quoting A Tribe Called Quest, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh while simultaneously chatting up a girl and giving props to the deejay for both “Making me feel so nice” and “Keeping me up all night.” The song “Supreme” is about umm, looking for “a love supreme,” and features an indestructible string quartet loop matched with understated drum programming. Then there’s “Kids,” which features vocals from Kylie Minogue (!) and Williams in a playful back and forth. A don’t forget the drum and bass coda to “Singing For The Lonely.” Hell, the whole record is as solid as Chinese-fighting muffins and more consistent than a political leader.If you’re tired of manufactured anger and the current pop market is being tokind and you can overcome the boy band heebee jeebees, pick up Williams’ “Sing When You’re Winning.” After all, everyone needs a second chance.