Search - Rick Astley :: Body & Soul

Rick matures and comes of age ? but is this the end?

J. Derek Reardon | KC, MO, USA | 04/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

So much soul!

Ying Jiang | China | 04/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thanks to the Rickrolling thing, I started to revisit Rick Astley's songs. About 15 years ago when this album first came out, I instantly loved it and at that time I wasn't that much into jazz and soul. Now I don't really listen to pop anymore, and I can only accept jazz, soul, blues and R&B very selectively, but I still find this album great and love each and every song here (which is a rare case for a picky listener like me). This is an example of that good music never goes out of style.



It's a shame that people focus too much on his early works like "Never Gonna Give You Up" etc. (although I do think they're great pop songs but the mediocre songs sound great only because of his singing), associate him too much to the Hit Factory and didn't notice his growth into an artist. This blue-eyed soul album is a proof of his true talent. I think THIS is the album that deserves more listening if you want to find out about the true Rick Astley and people should get rickrolled to THESE songs. There's just so much soul in it! He did a great job in both composing and performing. I love every single song, but my most favorite is Enough Love, which is extremely smooth and sexy. I was also thrilled to find some songs he co-authored with Lisa Stansfield, who's also one of my favorite.



I always love his smooth, powerful and soulful voice. But I'm more impressed by his good qualities as I found out more about him besides his musical talent: he turned down big offers and loyally stayed with his anonymous band until they left him; he stuck to his childhood girlfriend even after he became famous and rich and was never tempted by the women who threw themselves at him; he quitted while he was doing very well to fully commit to his family and relationship; and he was very good on money and fame. Look at most other celebrities...he is a true role model. Never thought I would be a fan of Rick Astely, but now I'm very convinced!



Anyway, if you like the kind of music that is smooth, soulful and uplifting like I do, this one is for you!"

Smooth and Soulfull

nycity_baby | New York | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow, I have to say that this album really blew me away. I wasn't really expecting for it to be this good. Rick's vocal ability is amazing... I mean I always knew the guy could sing but he really shows his talent thru this project. This is very different from his earlier stuff which is a good thing... it shows how much he has grown as an artist, especially lyrically. My favorite songs are The Ones You Love, Hopelessly, Nature's Gift, and When You Love Someone. The whole album is good and I'm pleasently surprised that I like every song on here. It's a shame that it's so underrated. This album is totally smooth and sexy! It's a must have if you're a Rick Astley fan :)"