On his new album, Swings Both Ways, Robbie Williams offers a mix of covers and original songs. Unlike 2001’s Swing When You’re Winning, new title notwithstanding, not all of the tracks have been arranged in a swing style or have anything to do with the era.

For Williams’ 10th studio set, which also marks his reunion with previous collaborator Guy Chambers, he wrangled a few of his fellow artists to pitch in, including Rufus Wainwright, Lily Allen, Olly Murs, Michael Buble, and Kelly Clarkson.

Covering O.C. Smith’s 1968 #2 Pop/R&B hit, “Little Green Apples,” Williams picked Clarkson to accompany him on the tender love song. “Little Green Apples” was originally written for Roger Miller, whose recording marked his final top 10 country hit that same year. Thanks to the song’s popularity across genres, composer Bobby Russell took home a pair of Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Country Song.

[Ignore the incorrect title on the YouTube video below. It is, in fact, Williams and Clarkson’s “Little Green Apples” duet.]

Swings Both Ways scores a historic feat today for Robbie Williams, officially earning the UK album chart’s 1000th #1 album.

Purchase Robbie Williams feat. Kelly Clarkson – “Little Green Apples” (O.C. Smith cover) via iTunes, Amazon MP3.