"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.
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." 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." The magazine's Martin Aston complimented it as "pure Britpop/Beatles swagger and crunch." Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror noted that the singer "has come up with some magic tracks", adding that songs like this are "stadium thrillers".Hyland, Ian (28 September 1997). "You've Gotta Hand It to the Club Master". Sunday Mirror.
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
UK CD1 "Old Before I Die" "Better Days" "Average B Side"
UK CD2 "Old Before I Die" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Kooks"
UK cassette single "Old Before I Die" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days"
European CD single "Old Before I Die" "Average B Side"
Australian CD single "Old Before I Die" "Kooks" "Average B Side" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days"
Japanese mini-album "Old Before I Die" "Kooks" "Average B Side" "Making Plans for Nigel" "Better Days" "Freedom"
Credits and personnel Credits are taken from the Life thru a Lens album booklet.
Studios Recorded at Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England) Mixed at Battery Studios (London, England)
Personnel
Robbie Williams – writing, vocals, backing vocals Desmond Child – writing Eric Bazilian – writing Steve McEwan – backing vocals, guitar Guy Chambers – guitar, keyboards, production, arrangement Fil Eisler – guitar, bass Steve Power – keyboards, production, mixing Geoff Dugmore – drums, percussion Jim Brumby – Battery Studios assistant Matt Hay – Matrix Maison Rouge assistant
Charts
Weekly charts Chart (1997)PeakpositionAustralia (ARIA)56Estonia (Eesti Top 20)9Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)15Europe (European Hit Radio)6Greece (IFPI Greece) 2Hungary (Mahasz)2Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 40)23 Israel (IBA) Search "Robbie Williams" for Israeli chart history.7Italy (FIMI)2Italy (Musica e dischi) Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Robbie Williams".23Italy Airplay (Music & Media)3Latvia (Latvijas Top 40)18Spain (AFYVE)1Spain Airplay (Top 40 Radio)18UK Airplay (Music Week)2
Year-end charts Chart (1997)PositionUK Singles (OCC)79UK Airplay (Music Week)32
Certifications
Release history RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)United Kingdom14 April 1997ChrysalisJapan21 May 1997CD
References
he:Life thru a Lens#Old Before I Die