Old Before I Die

Last updated

"Old Before I Die"
Old Before I Die (Robbie Williams single - cover art).jpg
Single by Robbie Williams
from the album Life thru a Lens
B-side
Released14 April 1997 (1997-04-14)
Studio Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England)
Genre Rock
Length3:50
Label Chrysalis
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Robbie Williams singles chronology
"Freedom"
(1996)
"Old Before I Die"
(1997)
"Lazy Days"
(1997)
Music video
"Old Before I Die" on YouTube

"Old Before I Die" is a song by English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams, released as the first single from his debut album, Life thru a Lens (1997). The Oasis-influenced song became a number-two hit in the United Kingdom and a number-one hit in Spain following its release on 14 April 1997. Williams wrote the song along with Desmond Child and Eric Bazilian, with production by Guy Chambers and Steve Power.

Contents

Critical reception

Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented, "Williams certainly can't be accused of playing it safe in the wake of his departure from U.K popsters Take That. Instead, post-Freedom, he's opted for a radical change of musical direction. Gone is the sweet, middle of the road style, in favour of a solid and confident rock sound, somewhat reminiscent of his new pals, Oasis." [1] A reviewer from Music Week rated the song four out of five, describing it as "a confidently composed return from the former Take That man, boasting a strong vocal, tuneful Beatlesesque melody and a ILR-friendly hook. On this evidence, Owen, Barlow and co may be left in Williams shadow." [2] The magazine's Martin Aston complimented it as "pure Britpop/Beatles swagger and crunch." [3] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror noted that the singer "has come up with some magic tracks", adding that songs like this are "stadium thrillers". [4]

Music video

A music video was made to accompany the song. It features Robbie Williams performing for the camera with ageing rock stars as his backing band, and some fade-ins by the cameraman. There are also shots of Williams flying through the air.

Track listings

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Life thru a Lens album booklet. [11]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [29] Silver200,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United Kingdom14 April 1997
  • CD
  • cassette
Chrysalis [30]
Japan21 May 1997CD [31]

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