"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."[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.
^Old Before I Die (UK CD2 liner notes). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. CDCHSS 5055, 7243 8 83847 2 8.{{
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^Old Before I Die (UK cassette single sleeve). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. TCCHS 5055, 7243 8 83846 4 3.{{
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^Old Before I Die (European CD single liner notes). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. 7243 8 83823 2 8.{{
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^Old Before I Die (Australian CD single liner notes). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. 8838222.{{
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^Old Before I Die (Japanese mini-album liner notes). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. TOCP-40019.{{
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^Life thru a Lens (UK CD album booklet). Robbie Williams. Chrysalis Records. 1997. CDCHR 6127, 7243 8 21313 2 8.{{
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