Rick Astley Album: “Greatest Hits”

Rick Astley made his US debut with a little song by the name of "Never Gonna Give You Up" which not only became one of the best pop songs in 1988 but also arguably one of the best pop songs of all time. Combined with the production and writing skills of Stock/Aitken/Waterman, Rick came, Rick sang, Rick conquered the top of US charts with 2 consecutive hits ("Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever") and in the process became the first new male artist of the 80s to accomplish such an achievement. This compilation includes all the US singles including all the singles released only in the UK. It's nice that they have included the mixes of the songs rather than the album version which I'm sure most of the fans have already in their collection. The bonus track is of course the first track Rick made to be released on the RCA label "When You Gonna". An experimental track at best, it's a typical 80s production with Lisa Carter on the vocals. I had hoped that some of the B-sides would be included but I'm satisfied that BMG Heritage decided to do justice to Rick by releasing this collection. Nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy in 1988, it's sad that the music industry did not reward Rick for his vocals. So much soul coming from a white man, it's easy to assume Rick as a black gospel singer. The best tracks are Never Gonna Give You Up, Whenever You Need Somebody, My Arms Keep Missing You, Together Forever, It Would Take A Strong Strong Man, She Wants To Dance With Me, Take Me To Your Heart, Hold Me In Your Arms, Cry For Help & Hopelessly.

Back in the late '80s, Rick Astley caught a lot of (undue) flack for his music, but everybody was secretly entranced by the infectiousness of his singles. His two biggest--"Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever"--are obviously included on this Greatest Hits collection, and that will keep the casual fan satisfied. However, Astley had a few more aces up his sleeve as a listen to this album proves: The groove-driven "When You Gonna" is worth checking out, as is the oddly catchy ode to broke-heartedness "Giving Up On Love". The album sleeve also contains a mini-bio and USA/UK chart positions for his songs; neither are all that essential, but they're both fun.

Grunge music effectively killed Astley's career, and as such he's usually nothing more than a footnote in musical history. But for a few years in the late '80s, back when pop music ruled the world, Rick Astley was a star, and this hits collection will show you why.

This is a greatest hits with a pretty good amount of hits on it. However not every song on here hit the top 100, just like some other greatest hits such as Tiffany's. Although some weren't hits they are still worth listening too. The highlights on this CD are "Never Gonna Give you Up", "Together Forever", "She Wants To Dance With Me", "Cry For Help", and "Hopelessly". This is a great collection for the person just discovering Rick Astley.

The quote above is mentioned on the CD cover. This barrel chested singer is one of the bright spots of British music for the eighties. I moves through his hits through early nineties at a great pace. Rick is one of the most underrated songsters in history. I first saw Rick on the British TV show, "Top Of The Pops!" Do not count this CD out! If you want 80's --- its spoken here!

I loved his voice when he first came out...and I was overseas for three years during the late 1980's so I was priviliged to hear what was being released on both sides of the ocean for a time. His voice (very rich and soulful) and his selection of songs he recorded was a refreshing breath of fresh air to me then, and I am pleased to report that they still are!! His music is a pleasant mix of very soulful and "real" songs as well as dance selections that are very lively...His music makes you glad to be alive, puts a smile on your face, and makes you want to dance...I just got this CD delivered yesterday and my 19yr.old and 15yr. old daughters have "discovered" (LOL) his music and I am pleased to know that he is one artist we all actually agree on!! One daughter, my 19yr. old, actually wants to borrow the CD for this weekend. This is a great "starter" CD for those who are not really familiar with him...but it is also a great CD for those who love his music because of the mix of all of his chart hits from both sides of the ocean. Whether you listen to him regularly or haven't heard him in a while (but have great memories of his music)...trust me, he is BETTER than you remember him being and this CD will remind you of why you loved him and his music so much all those years ago!