Old Before I Die
1997 single by Robbie Williams
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"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.
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- "Better Days"
- "Average B Side"
- "Making Plans for Nigel"
- "Kooks"
| "Old Before I Die" | ||||
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| Single by Robbie Williams | ||||
| from the album Life thru a Lens | ||||
| B-side |
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| Released | 14 April 1997 | |||
| Studio | Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England) | |||
| Genre | Rock | |||
| Length | 3:50 | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Songwriters |
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| Producers | ||||
| Robbie Williams singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Old Before I Die" on YouTube | ||||
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
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Credits and personnel
Credits are taken from the Life thru a Lens album booklet.[11]
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
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[35] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
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‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||