Rick Astley’s greatest hits showcase one of pop music’s most distinctive voices and enduring careers. The English singer-songwriter burst onto the international scene in the late 1980s with his deep, soulful baritone voice that seemed almost impossible coming from his youthful appearance. From chart-topping dance-pop anthems to heartfelt ballads, Rick Astley songs have defined generations and continue to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners discovering his music through modern platforms and the infamous “Rickrolling” internet phenomenon.
This comprehensive guide explores the twenty best Rick Astley songs spanning his entire career, from his breakthrough hits in 1987 to his remarkable comeback releases in recent years. Each track represents a significant moment in Astley’s artistic journey, demonstrating his evolution as a songwriter and performer while maintaining the authentic sound that made him a global superstar. Whether you’re revisiting childhood favorites or exploring his catalog for the first time, these songs showcase why Rick Astley remains one of the most beloved artists in popular music history.
Never Gonna Give You Up
“Never Gonna Give You Up” stands as Rick Astley’s signature song and one of the most recognizable pop tracks ever recorded. Released in 1987 as his debut single, the song topped charts in 25 countries and became a cultural phenomenon that transcended its era. The infectious bassline, combined with Astley’s powerful vocals and the song’s message of unwavering devotion, created a perfect pop storm that still resonates today, achieving renewed fame through internet culture and streaming platforms.
Together Forever
“Together Forever” served as another massive hit from the “Whenever You Need Somebody” album, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1988. The track features the same production team and sonic template that made his debut single successful, with Stock Aitken Waterman crafting another irresistible dance-pop masterpiece. Astley’s vocal performance conveys genuine emotion and commitment, making the song’s romantic promises feel authentic rather than manufactured, which helped it become a wedding reception staple for decades.
Cry for Help
“Cry for Help” marked a significant artistic departure for Rick Astley when released in 1991, showcasing a more mature and sophisticated sound. The song addressed deeper emotional territory with its exploration of relationship struggles and personal vulnerability, demonstrating Astley’s growth as both a vocalist and interpreter of complex material. This track proved that Astley could transcend the teen-pop label and deliver meaningful adult contemporary music that connected with audiences on a different level.
Take Me to Your Heart
“Take Me to Your Heart” exemplifies the classic Stock Aitken Waterman production style that dominated late 1980s pop music. Released from the “Hold Me in Your Arms” album in 1988, the song features lush synthesizers, driving rhythms, and Astley’s distinctive vocal delivery that made his early work so compelling. The romantic lyrics and uptempo arrangement created another radio-friendly hit that demonstrated the winning formula could be repeated successfully.
Never Gonna Stop
“Never Gonna Stop” represents Rick Astley’s successful return to music after his extended hiatus, appearing on his 2023 album “Are We There Yet?” The track showcases a more contemporary production approach while maintaining the melodic sensibility that defined his classic work, proving that Astley could adapt to modern musical landscapes without abandoning his core identity. This song demonstrates that his vocal power and emotional delivery remain as strong as ever, connecting with both nostalgic fans and new audiences discovering his recent output.
Hold Me in Your Arms
The title track from his 1988 sophomore album, “Hold Me in Your Arms” delivered another dose of Stock Aitken Waterman magic with its irresistible hooks and polished production. Astley’s vocal performance conveys both strength and tenderness, perfectly matching the song’s themes of romantic protection and devotion. The song’s success helped establish that Astley was not a one-hit wonder but a legitimate pop star with staying power and consistent hitmaking ability.
She Wants to Dance With Me
“She Wants to Dance With Me” became one of Rick Astley’s most enduring dance-floor favorites with its uptempo groove and playful lyrics. Released in 1988, the song showcased a slightly different side of Astley’s persona, emphasizing fun and movement rather than deep romantic commitment. The track’s infectious rhythm and memorable chorus made it a staple of late-80s pop radio and demonstrated the versatility within the Stock Aitken Waterman production formula.
Angels on My Side
“Angels on My Side” comes from Astley’s acclaimed 2016 comeback album “50,” which marked his return after nearly a decade away from recording. The song reflects the wisdom and perspective that comes with age and experience, with Astley delivering lyrics about gratitude and redemption with genuine conviction. This track proved that his songwriting had matured significantly, tackling more personal and introspective themes while maintaining the melodic craftsmanship that characterized his best work.
It Would Take a Strong Strong Man
“It Would Take a Strong Strong Man” represented another charting success from the “Whenever You Need Somebody” album, continuing Astley’s remarkable 1987-1988 run. The song’s lyrics explore themes of emotional strength and vulnerability in relationships, delivered with Astley’s characteristic vocal power and the production team’s signature sound. This deep cut from his debut album showcases why that record became one of the era’s most successful releases.
Driving Me Crazy
“Driving Me Crazy” appears on the “Are We There Yet?” album from 2023, demonstrating Rick Astley’s continued creative vitality in his later career. The song combines contemporary production techniques with classic songwriting fundamentals, creating a sound that feels both fresh and familiar. Astley’s performance shows that his voice has aged gracefully, gaining character and depth while retaining the clarity and power that made him famous.
My Arms Keep Missing You
“My Arms Keep Missing You” stands as one of the most emotionally resonant ballads from the “Hold Me in Your Arms” album. Released in 1988, the song showcased Astley’s ability to deliver heartbreak and longing with genuine pathos, moving beyond uptempo dance tracks to demonstrate his range as an interpreter of slower material. The production provides the perfect backdrop for Astley’s vocal performance, allowing his voice to carry the emotional weight of the lyrics effectively.
Whenever You Need Somebody
The title track from his breakthrough 1987 album, “Whenever You Need Somebody” encapsulates everything that made Rick Astley’s initial success so remarkable. The song’s promise of constant availability and support resonated with audiences worldwide, delivered with Astley’s powerful vocals and the production team’s hit-making expertise. This track demonstrates the perfect synthesis of performer, material, and production that creates timeless pop music.
Everlong
Rick Astley’s acoustic interpretation of “Everlong” showcases his ability to reinterpret rock classics through his unique vocal lens. Released as an acoustic version in 2020, this cover demonstrates Astley’s artistic confidence and willingness to step outside his comfort zone while respecting the source material. His stripped-down approach reveals new emotional dimensions in the song, proving that great vocals and interpretation can transform familiar material into something distinctive and personal.
Forever and More
“Forever and More” from the “Are We There Yet?” album continues Astley’s exploration of mature romantic themes in his recent work. The song reflects on long-term commitment and enduring love with the perspective that only comes from life experience, delivered with vocal authority and emotional authenticity. This track exemplifies how Astley’s recent output maintains quality and relevance while addressing age-appropriate themes that resonate with his core audience.
Love This Christmas
“Love This Christmas” represents Rick Astley’s contribution to the holiday music canon, released in 2020 as a standalone single. The song captures the warmth and nostalgia of the season while maintaining Astley’s signature vocal style and contemporary production values. This festive track demonstrates his ability to craft seasonal material that feels both timeless and current, appealing to multiple generations of listeners during the holiday season.
Don’t Say Goodbye
“Don’t Say Goodbye” appeared on the “Whenever You Need Somebody” album, providing another emotional moment among the uptempo hits. The song’s plea for relationship continuation showcases Astley’s ability to convey desperation and hope simultaneously through his vocal performance. This track demonstrates that even in his earliest work, Astley possessed the emotional maturity to deliver complex feelings convincingly.
Beautiful Life
The title track from his 2018 album, “Beautiful Life” represents Rick Astley’s philosophical outlook and positive perspective on existence. Released as a single in 2018, the song combines thoughtful lyrics about appreciating life’s moments with an accessible melodic framework that makes the message immediately engaging. Astley’s vocal delivery conveys both joy and gratitude, making this an uplifting addition to his catalog that resonates with audiences seeking positivity.
Giving Up on Love
“Giving Up on Love” from the “Hold Me in Your Arms” album explores the painful decision to end a relationship that isn’t working. Released in 1988, the song showcased Astley’s ability to handle more complex emotional territory than simple romantic celebration, demonstrating artistic growth even in his early career. The production supports the song’s melancholic theme while maintaining the polished professionalism that characterized all his work during this period.
Try
“Try” comes from the “Beautiful Life” album released in 2018, emphasizing perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. The song’s message about continuing to push forward despite obstacles resonates universally, delivered with Astley’s mature vocal approach that adds gravitas to the lyrics. This track demonstrates how his recent work addresses life’s complexities with wisdom earned through decades of experience in both music and life.
Dippin My Feet
“Dippin My Feet” from the “Are We There Yet?” album showcases Rick Astley’s playful side in his recent recordings. Released in 2023, the song features a more relaxed, groove-oriented approach that suggests an artist comfortable in his own skin and unafraid to experiment with different feels and tempos. This track proves that even in his later career, Astley can surprise listeners with unexpected musical directions while maintaining his essential identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rick Astley’s most famous song?
“Never Gonna Give You Up” is unquestionably Rick Astley’s most famous song, having topped charts worldwide upon its 1987 release and experiencing a massive resurgence through the “Rickrolling” internet phenomenon. The track’s distinctive bassline, memorable melody, and Astley’s powerful vocal delivery made it an instant classic that transcended its era. Today it remains one of the most recognizable pop songs ever recorded, with billions of streams and views across platforms, introducing Astley to entirely new generations who weren’t alive during its original chart run.
Did Rick Astley write his own songs?
Rick Astley’s early hits were primarily written and produced by the Stock Aitken Waterman team, with Astley serving as the vocalist and performer rather than the songwriter. However, his later work shows significant growth as a songwriter, with albums like “50,” “Beautiful Life,” and “Are We There Yet?” featuring many songs written or co-written by Astley himself. This evolution demonstrates his development from a talented young singer performing others’ material to a complete artist with his own creative voice and perspective.
When did Rick Astley make his comeback?
Rick Astley’s official comeback began with the 2016 album “50,” released to coincide with his 50th birthday after nearly a decade away from recording. The album was a critical and commercial success, debuting at number one in the UK and reestablishing Astley as a relevant contemporary artist rather than just a nostalgia act. This successful return led to subsequent albums including “Beautiful Life” (2018) and “Are We There Yet?” (2023), proving that his comeback wasn’t a one-off event but the beginning of a sustained creative period.
What genre is Rick Astley’s music?
Rick Astley’s music primarily falls within the dance-pop and blue-eyed soul genres, particularly his Stock Aitken Waterman-produced hits from the late 1980s. His early work combined elements of Hi-NRG, synth-pop, and pop-soul, characterized by electronic production, strong melodies, and Astley’s distinctive baritone vocals. His more recent work has incorporated elements of adult contemporary, pop-rock, and contemporary R&B, showing artistic evolution while maintaining the melodic sensibility and vocal approach that defined his sound from the beginning.
How many number one hits did Rick Astley have?
Rick Astley achieved remarkable chart success during his initial career peak, scoring multiple number-one hits across different markets worldwide. In the United States, he reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with both “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever,” while in his native UK, he topped the charts with “Never Gonna Give You Up” among other hits. His success extended globally with chart-topping performances in dozens of countries, establishing him as one of the most successful pop artists of the late 1980s with sales exceeding 40 million records worldwide.
Is Rick Astley still performing?
Yes, Rick Astley remains actively engaged in both recording and performing, regularly touring and appearing at festivals worldwide. His live performances have been praised for maintaining the vocal quality and energy that made him famous, with audiences appreciating both his classic hits and newer material. Astley has embraced his unique position in pop culture history while continuing to create new music, demonstrating that he’s a working artist committed to his craft rather than someone simply cashing in on past glories.