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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rick matures and comes of age but is this the end?, April 18, 2000
On his fourth and final (to date, that I know of) release, the real Rick Astley makes an appearance and makes people take notice. This reinvented, soulful Rick Astley makes a phenomenal showing (and possible exit) with Body and Soul, a powerful, positive, soulful release that, at least symbolically, pays tribute to his phenomenal talent and his loyal fans.After experimenting, learning and growing some in his previous album Free, Rick starts off Body and Soul by showing what he's learned and how he's grown since then. "The One's You Love" and "Waiting for the Bell to Ring" are strong, soulful, powerful, catchy songs that make you smile, tap your feet and sing along. "Hopelessly" is a beautiful love ballad that was released as a single and was a modest success for Rick in 1993. This song is almost an answer to "Cry for Help" from Free, however it shows a more positive and mature attitude, as well as a solid, mature voice. "A Dream for Us" is a smooth, soulful song that has a lot of vocal depth but lacks some orchestration depth. The title song "Body and Soul" is another moving, catchy, power soul-pop song that hooks you from the beginning and gets you singing, swaying, and clapping along like you're in a gospel choir. A soulful r&b groove runs through "Enough Love" that enhances the very mature, thoughtful lyrics. "Natures Gift" is funky and contemporary, and it really hooks you with the lyrics and orchestration in the refrain. While it starts off slow, "Remember the Days" is a jazzy tune that hooks you with the refrain and sax work. "Everytime" is a slow but up-beat soulful groove that is very relaxing. The final song, "When You Love Someone," regresses somewhat to Rick's pop roots, but it compensates with a strong groove and backing vocals that anchor the song in Rick's new style. Originally, I was considering giving this release 4 stars. However, after this most recent listen, I have realized how well this album stands alone and in comparison to Rick's other releases. Whether a fan of Rick Astley or a fan of good, smooth soul-pop, Body and Soul stands alone as a solid work that represents Rick Astley. While not as fun, catchy and top-40-popish as his excellent first album Whenever You Need Somebody, Body and Soul is mature, sophisticated and deep. The emotions and attitudes generated by this release are distinctly different from Rick's first album, but they are strong and make a real connection with its audience. So I suppose my maturity has allowed my attitude to change over time from a 4 star to a 5 star rating. Recommended to Rick fans as well as fans of smooth jazz and pop-soul. Body and Soul is an album to which you can both relax and rock out. If this is indeed Rick's last album, I'd like to take a moment to thank you, Rick, if you're out there, for sharing your music, and your history, with us, your fans. It isn't often an artist can create such a loyal following, go through such a metamorphosis, and then make an exit on such a positive note. Releasing a new album would probably ruin the mystery and legend that has built up over the years, but know your fans are out here waiting and watching, ever hopeful. Thank you for sharing your genius and for enriching our lives with your talent.
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by Rick Astley 
