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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Free from SAW, but its a whole new beginning, April 18, 2000
After the tremendous success of his first two albums produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, Rick Astley breaks out more on his own creatively with his third release, Free. Don't expect to be hearing the Rick of old - this release is a new beginning for Rick that finds him trying to reinvent himself from his "bubble gum" beginnings.If you listen to the sample provided of the first song, "In the Name of Love," you might find yourself saying the same thing I did: "That sounds like Michael McDonald." There's a good reason for that - Michael McDonald wrote the song. This indicates a trend for the release where Rick tries to break out of the old SAW mold, however he hasn't found his own voice just yet. The second song, "Cry for Help," was a Top 10 hit for Rick in 1991. I seem to recall Rick learned to play piano for this song (though he isn't credited), demonstrating how Rick was trying to gain more control over the creative process. This is a good song, however Rick's voice strains in places, though he shows his propensity for soul music in the ending. "Move Right Out" is a strong r&b grooving song that has a great attitude and lyrics. "Be With You" is another Michael McDonald sounding song, fast paced and up-beat, but not exactly strikingly brilliant. "Really Got a Problem" is appropriately named. Rick finds himself struggling between his pop roots and his new soulful sound, creating a song that is not much of either and falls somewhat flat. "Is This Really Love?" enters a new area for Rick - soulful rock. While I'm not a big fan of that style, Rick pulls it off pretty well with a solid performance and orchestration. "This Must Be Heaven" and "Never Knew Love" continue that style, but they have been infused with some pop edges (a la Mike and the Mechanics) that dull the potential power these songs might have. "The Bottom Line" I think is the worst song Rick has ever recorded (though Rick's worst is better than some artists' best work). It's an up-beat, almost big band pop ditty that sounds like it should be in some cheesy musical, though the jazzy instrumental ending is kind of cool. Rick gets help on piano from Elton John on the last two songs, "Wonderful You" and "Behind the Smile." Ending with these songs concludes the album on a positive note. Both songs are deep, strong, and soulful, showcasing Rick's talented (though sometimes wavering) voice and showing the growth and maturity he was striving for. I will be crucified by Rick Astley fans the world over, but I only give Free 3 stars. I gave Rick and this album many serious listens. But let's face it - not even a musical talent like Rick Astley can be perfect all the time. And this was his first attempt at making music on his own terms in his own style; you can't expect him to get it right the first time. And despite many concerted efforts, I just could not develop a strong bond with many of the songs on this release as I had on other releases. And this will sound silly, but the packaging brought me down as well. The lack of glossy photos (Rick's image is a simple black line art drawing), and using black and a baby-poop brown as the only two colors really made the release look cheap and unappetizing. [Rick might have been trying to save money, but at least use a grayscale photo and better colors!] Thus, only the 3 stars. For true Rick Astley fans, this is a must have. This is a historic piece that shows Rick's progression from a music industry hit-making machine to an individual artist with his own style and sound. This release is interesting and has quality material, but it is not phenomenal, and it was quite a departure from the Rick audiences were used to. However, it is an incredibly important release and a stepping stone to where Rick was headed. I would recommend Free to die hard Rick Astley fans, those who hated the Rick of SAW, and to fans that picked him up at his last album, Body & Soul.
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by Rick Astley 
