Old Before I Die

"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.

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".

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
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Better Days"
 * 3) "Average B Side"


 * UK CD2
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Making Plans for Nigel"
 * 3) "Kooks"


 * UK cassette single
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Making Plans for Nigel"
 * 3) "Better Days"


 * European CD single
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Average B Side"


 * Australian CD single
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Kooks"
 * 3) "Average B Side"
 * 4) "Making Plans for Nigel"
 * 5) "Better Days"


 * Japanese mini-album
 * 1) "Old Before I Die"
 * 2) "Kooks"
 * 3) "Average B Side"
 * 4) "Making Plans for Nigel"
 * 5) "Better Days"
 * 6) "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