Rick Astley - 50

50 is the eighth studio album by English singer and songwriter Rick Astley, released in June 2016 via BMG.

Rick Astley, the soulful English pop star with the bouffant hair who sang “Never Gonna Give You Up” in the 1980s, has resurfaced with a new album to celebrate his 50^th birthday that's fun, modern and surprisingly strong.

The dozen songs on 50 are pure blue-eyed soul, from the gospel-flavored opening track “Keep Singing” to the John Mayer-esque “Pieces”, a guitar-driven populist tune. He also gets honky-tonk, electro-funky and folky. Few artists from the `80s have returned to deliver a new batch of songs with such diversity and strength.

Astley's voice is warm and powerful and he has reason: 50 scored his first U.K. No. 1 in 29 years.

Astley wrote and produced 50 all alone - and performs all the instruments - proving he's kept up with changes in music while we were wasting time sending each other internet links with his “Never Gonna Give You Up” video.

The album's first single “Dance” - with its dialogue between God and the devil over a thumping house beat - is Astley at his winking, over-the-top best. It's nice to finally laugh with him after years when he was the butt of the memes.

Maybe the emergence of Sam Smith made it safe for Astley to come back. Whatever it was, welcome back, Rick.

Check out the tracks: “Keep Singing”; “Angels On My Side”; "Pray With Me" and “Dance”.

This LP is pressed in the USA on black vinyl and includes a digital download of the album with two bonus tracks.