New Robbie Williams single hits the airwaves

British popstar Robbie Williams arrives at the 'Featured Artists Coalition' meeting in London, on March 11, 2009.[Agencies]

Robbie Williams' first single from his long-awaited new album will be played on radio stations around the world on Friday.

After mixed reviews for his last album "Rudebox," fans and critics alike are waiting to see whether the single "Bodies" signals a return to the barnstorming sales of old.

"Reality Killed the Video Star," Williams' first album for three years, is released on November 9.

"I'm at a turning point in my career. This next record decides my path," he said. "I'm a bit scared, because I haven't done anything for three years, but then again I'm always scared when an album comes out -- that's just me."

Since launching his solo career after leaving Take That, he has sold more than 55 million albums worldwide, and sold 1.6 million tickets in one day for his 2006 tour, EMI's Virgin Records said.

The label said "Bodies" would be released for play to everybody at the same time across the world and Williams would deliver it in person to be played on BBC station Radio 1. It is released for sale in mid-October.

The album was produced by Trevor Horn, who had a 1979 hit with "Video Killed the Radio Star" with his band The Buggles.

The label said the 12 new tracks, the titles of which will also be released on Friday, were mostly written in Williams' home studio in Los Angeles and recorded in London.