My theory as to why Robbie Williams isn’t as successful in the US is because of his aforementioned “Rock DJ” video. A lot of teenagers here have seen it, and I don’t know anyone who likes it. It’s so gross–I get the joke about it, but ugh.
That, and what Mojo said–his songs have fewer hooks. This may pass in the UK because of his built-in fan base, but as a new artist, he sounds average and same-y.