The 10 Best Rick Astley Songs of All Time
Rick Astley is a British singer, songwriter, and radio personality who began his career in 1985. The award-winning singer was at the height of his fame during the latter half of the 80s and the early 90s. Although he retired from the entertainment industry in 1994, he decided to resume his career in 2000. During his career, Rick Astley released nine studio albums, five compilation albums, two remix albums, and 24 singles. Here are the 10 best Rick Astley songs of all time.
10. Hopelessly
‘Hopelessly’ was one of only two singles released from the 1993 album ‘Body & Soul.’ The song’s biggest success was in Canada, where it peaked at number three on the charts. It only reached number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 33 on the UK charts. Astley co-wrote the song with Rob Fisher and co-produced it with Gary Stevenson. Rick Astley took his first retirement just after releasing this single, so it was the last single he released until 2001, by which time he had resumed his career in the music industry.
9. It would Take a Strong Man (1988)
‘It Would Take a Strong Man’ is a track from Astley’s debut album, ‘Whenever You Need Somebody.’ Many of Astley’s singles were released in the UK and Europe, but not in the United States or Canada. This single is unusual because it was only released in Canada and the United States and was never released anywhere in Europe. It topped the charts in Canada and peaked in the tenth position on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single was the fifth released by Astley, and the song was written by Stock Aitken and Waterman.
8. She Wants to Dance with Me (1998)
The first single Rick Astley released from his 1998 album ‘Hold Me in Your Arms’ was ‘She Wants to Dance with Me. In both the UK and the United States, the single reached number six on the charts. It was also a top ten hit in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. However, the single’s biggest success was in Canada, where it topped the charts. Astley was the sole writer of the single, and it was the first self-composed single he released. The music video for the single was filmed at Rumours at 33 Wellington Street in London, which is now a burger restaurant.
7. Take Me to Your Heart (1988)
Released in 1988, ‘Take Me to Your Heart’ was the second single from the album ‘Hold Me in Your Arms.’ In the UK, the song reached number eight on the charts and was also a top ten hit in Germany, Ireland, Greece, Denmark, Spain, and Sweden. The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken and Waterman.
6. Whenever You Need Somebody (1987).
Tone Deaf lists ‘Whenever You Need Somebody’ as one of the best Rick Astley songs. It was the second single released by Astley, and it was originally performed by O’Chi Brown. While Brown did not achieve much success with the song, peaking at only 97 on the UK charts, Astley’s version of the track reached the number one spot in seven countries. This song featured on the 1987 album of the same name.
5. Hold Me in Your Arms (1989)
‘Hold Me in Your Arms was the third single released from the 1989 album of the same name. Not only did Astley record the song, but he was also the sole writer. The singer later recorded a reimagined version of the song with a new piano arrangement, and the reimagined version featured on the 2019 album ‘Best of Me.’
4. Cry for Help (1991)
Released in 1991, ‘Cry for Help’ was Astley’s first single of the 90s, and it was the first single from the album’ Free.’ Astley co-wrote the single with Rob Fisher. It was the last single of Astley’s to appear in the top ten in either the UK or the United States, and it reached number seven in the charts in both countries.
3. When I Fall in Love (1987)
‘When I Fall in Love’ was the third single Astley released from the album ‘Whenever You Need Somebody.’ It was number one in Belgium, and number two in the UK, and number 2 in the UK and Ireland. Astley released the song on the 30th anniversary of the release of the original version, which was performed by Nat King Cole.
2. Together Forever (1988)
‘Together Forever’ was the fourth single Rick Astley released from his 1987 album ‘Whenever You Need Somebody,’ although the single was not released until 1988. It was a number one hit in the United States, Canada, and Ireland. However, it only reached number two in the UK, as Kylie Minogue was at number one with her debut single, ‘I Should Be So Lucky.’
1. Never Gonna Give You Up (1987)
According to Discotech, the best Rick Astley song of all time is ‘Never Gonna Give You Up.’ Astley was just 21 years old when he released the song, his first single, in 1987. The song was such a big success that it launched Astley into the limelight and marked the beginning of a successful career. ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ topped the charts in seven countries, including the United States, the UK, Australia, and Canada. It was certified Platinum in the UK and Gold in five other countries. The song features on Rick Astley’s 1987 debut album ‘Whenever You Need Somebody.’
