Attaining massive international fame during the ‘80s golden era of Pop Rock radio, Rick Astley’s music is easily recognized. With such success found with 1987’s hit parade of “Never Gonna Give You Up,” “Together Forever,” “Whenever You Need Somebody,” and “It Would Take a Strong Strong Man,” other favorites include 1991’s “Cry for Help.” Only a 21-year-old kid when becoming a star in ‘87, it became evident immediately that even at such a young age Astley had a voice of gold that was rooted deeply in Soul and R&B.
Continuing along into the 1990s and early 2000s, Astley would then go on a bit of a hiatus from recording after 2005’s Portrait; not returning until 2016 with his album 50. An exciting return for long-time fans, Astley also partook in some extensive touring which flowed into his 2018 follow-up Beautiful Life. Both two very strong comeback albums for him as a performer, but also a songwriter, he brings fans something a little different in 2023.
Looking at more recent history, Beautiful Life was more along the lines of a Pop Rock album with some really nice R&B tint. That in mind, in June of 2023 Astley announced his forthcoming album Are We There Yet? parallel with the release of the R&B rocking single “Dippin My Feet.” A very upbeat, danceable introduction to new Astley music, to follow was the soulful “Never Gonna Stop” in August, leaving a gap of anticipation until Are We There Yet?’s release on October 13th.
Put out through BMG, and marking the third consecutively produced record by Astley, being his ninth overall studio album, Are We There Yet? could be his most pure R&B effort to date. Obviously influenced by artists such as Marvin Gaye, this album oozes Soul, Funk, and R&B from start to finish. Recorded at Astley’s home studio, the tone is crisp, smooth and quite pleasing. Furthermore, other aspects that stick out with this new session are the ever-present guitars over the top of each song. Performed by Astley himself, he also recorded the bass and drums, more explicitly proving how talented he is.
With each intricate detail laid out, some of the most ear-catching tunes of this new 12-song collection include “Golden Hour,” “Close (Your Shoes),” “High Enough,” and “Driving Me Crazy.” Matching these, more upbeat go-to cuts include the really cool sounding “Maria Love,” plus “Forever and More.” Each offering very well-written songs full of soul, another distinctive aspect amidst all of the new music is that Astley’s voice sounds richer than ever.
Overall, Are We There Yet? is a colorful, mature album that is very impressively done. Lighter on the Pop and more leaning toward Rock and R&B, it has charm, but also thoughtful lyrics that can only come from life experiences. More than the Pop singer some may remember, Rick Astley keeps proving he is worthy of your attention, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives Are We There Yet? 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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