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30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Rick Astley - the Glory Years, June 24, 2002
1987 was a good year for Rick Astley and producers Stock-Aitken-Waterman, who hit the jackpot with the international hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up." It turned Astley into an overnight star, thanks to the catchy single and his ultra-deep barritone. Platimum records ensued, and people were even so bold as to align him with other, more seasoned, r&b vocalists. The following year, he released his second album, and while it spawned a couple hits, it didn't sell as well as its predecessor. The next year, he severed ties from Stock-Aitken-Waterman, and tried to make it on his own before he faded out of public consciousness. The Rick Astley story is not uncommon, but, at long last, we finally have a hits collection that throws together his hits and some well-known tracks. While I'm happy to see that "Together Forever," "Never Gonna Give You Up," and "Take Me to Your Heart" are here, the big surprise is the appearance of the b-side "My Arms Keep Missing You." This song is dynamite and is one of Rick's very best songs. Not surprisingly, the strongest songs on this disc are the ones produced by SAW, although "Cry for Help" is a pleasant, if unspectacular, ballad. Regardless, this album comes recommended: it's a well-put together package featuring one of pop's brightest hopes of the late 1980s.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
First US Compilation, March 26, 2002
This is the first Rick Astley compilation in the US, and it covers all his chart hits in the US and UK from 1987-1993. Good, 2002 up-to-date liner notes with chart (US and UK) information, photos and solid sound. This is a perfect CD for Astley beginners and fans who want all the hits in one place.
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Sound Of A Young Bright Britain, March 19, 2002
Rick Astley made his US debut with a little song by the name of "Never Gonna Give You Up" which not only became one of the best pop songs in 1988 but also arguably one of the best pop songs of all time. Combined with the production and writing skills of Stock/Aitken/Waterman, Rick came, Rick sang, Rick conquered the top of US charts with 2 consecutive hits ("Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever") and in the process became the first new male artist of the 80s to accomplish such an achievement. This compilation includes all the US singles including all the singles released only in the UK. It's nice that they have included the mixes of the songs rather than the album version which I'm sure most of the fans have already in their collection. The bonus track is of course the first track Rick made to be released on the RCA label "When You Gonna". An experimental track at best, it's a typical 80s production with Lisa Carter on the vocals. I had hoped that some of the B-sides would be included but I'm satisfied that BMG Heritage decided to do justice to Rick by releasing this collection. Nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy in 1988, it's sad that the music industry did not reward Rick for his vocals. So much soul coming from a white man, it's easy to assume Rick as a black gospel singer. The best tracks are Never Gonna Give You Up, Whenever You Need Somebody, My Arms Keep Missing You, Together Forever, It Would Take A Strong Strong Man, She Wants To Dance With Me, Take Me To Your Heart, Hold Me In Your Arms, Cry For Help & Hopelessly.
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is one of Rick Astley's 
