Rick Astley Unveils 'Forever And More' - the Latest Gem in His Glittering 2023 Journey
- by Adam Bailey
- in Latest
From his unforgettable double-feature at Glastonbury to the sensational release of 'Are We There Yet?' at #2 on the charts, Rick Astley has solidified his status as a beloved national treasure in 2023. This weekend, following his dazzling performance on 'Strictly,' Rick introduces his latest masterpiece, 'Forever And More,' just in time for his eagerly awaited, sold-out shows at London's iconic Royal Albert Hall.
Building on the success of his album's first two singles, 'Dippin My Feet' and 'Never Gonna Stop,' Rick steers into a more contemplative direction with 'Forever and More.' His seasoned soulful voice narrates the tale of a fleeting love, an ephemeral muse who whirls into one's life and vanishes in a dramatic crescendo, set against an instrumental backdrop that seamlessly fuses the traditions of Stax Records with a contemporary rock flair. Notably, 'Forever And More' is an entirely self-composed, produced, and engineered masterpiece by Rick, with his distinctive touch gracing every aspect of the track, save for the female backing vocals.
In Rick's own words, "‘Forever And More’ is about someone special leaving your life because you did not make the effort and you were too late appreciating how amazing the person was."
'Are We There Yet?' marks Rick's third consecutive album crafted in his personal home studio in southwest London. It pulsates with echoes of his enduring inspirations—Bill Withers, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye's timeless soul, the vivacious live instrumentation reminiscent of Muscle Shoals R&B, and a touch of yearning heartland rock. This album continues Rick's extraordinary comeback that began with his chart-topping '50' in 2016, further extending his streak of consecutive Top 10 albums, including 'Beautiful Love' in 2018 (#6) and the 2019 hit and reimagined recordings collection 'The Best Of Me' (#4). The album's title, 'Are We There Yet?,' reflects upon Rick's current state in life and music, while hinting at the countless unexplored adventures awaiting him on the horizon.
Recent weeks have seen Rick enchanting audiences with intimate live shows, blending fresh tracks, his extensive catalog of hits, and crowd-pleasing renditions like 'As It Was' by Harry Styles. After his Royal Albert Hall performances this week, he'll grace the stage at the star-studded Magic of Christmas extravaganza, sharing the limelight with Emeli Sandé, Simply Red, and Texas. Looking ahead, his 2024 plans kick off with a grand UK arena tour, which has already witnessed certain dates selling out months in advance. For tickets to these eagerly anticipated shows, refer to the list below and secure your spot today.
