A lot has changed since Rick Astley started his career as a tea boy in the Stock Aitken Waterman studios. His first proper single Never Gonna Give You Up (1987) was a worldwide smash and in the years that followed, he sold over 40 million records. After 1993, Astley retired from the music industry at the age of 27, deciding that family life was more important.

In 2007, he made an unlikely comeback as an internet phenomenon. His Never Gonna Give You Up video showed up everywhere unexpectedly, a viral internet meme known as ‘rickrolling’.

On 25 October, Astley releases a new greatest hits album: The Best Of Me. It features original and reimagined versions of his hits, as well as the new song Every One Of Us. A tune with a surprising new sound, in line with that of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and Hozier. Astley wrote and produced the song himself, and played all of the instruments on it. A great and welcome return!

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.