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Old Before I Die
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Old Before I Die
| cover = Old Before I Die (Robbie Williams single - cover art).jpg
| alt =
| type = single
| artist = Robbie Williams
| album = Life thru a Lens
| B-side = "Better Days", "Average B Side", "Making Plans for Nigel", "Kooks"
| released =
| recorded =
| studio = Matrix Maison Rouge (London, England)
| genre = Rock
| length = 3:50
| label = Chrysalis
| writer = Robbie Williams, Desmond Child, Eric Bazilian
| producer = Guy Chambers, Steve Power
| prev_title = Freedom
| prev_year = 1996
| next_title = Lazy Days
| next_year = 1997
| misc =
}}
"'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".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 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 and certifications
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
Category:1997 singles
Category:1997 songs
Category:Chrysalis Records singles
Category:Number-one singles in Scotland
Category:Number-one singles in Spain
Category:Robbie Williams songs
Category:Song recordings produced by Guy Chambers
Category:Song recordings produced by Steve Power
Category:Songs written by Desmond Child
Category:Songs written by Eric Bazilian
Category:Songs written by Robbie Williams
he:Life thru a Lens#Old Before I Die
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