50

Includes two additional tracks over the European edition. Rick Astley, the iconic singer with one of music's most distinctive voices, returns with 50, his first new album in a decade and his first official US release since 1993's Body & Soul. Rick wrote, produced and performed all of the instruments on this new 12-track collection, the title a nod to his milestone age. 50 finds Rick returning to his musical roots, with a deeply resonant voice that soars over driving soul, reflective pop and gospel influences. The first pieces of 50 appeared in early 2015, as Rick started penning new songs and structuring them in his home studio. With encouragement from old friends in the music industry he set forth on crafting this 12-song collection. Lead single Keep Singing, is a bold opening salvo: a powerful anthem that the BBC says gives younger artists like John Newman and Sam Smith a run for their money. The propulsive This Old House features a taut dance groove, a fuzzed bass line and quick, punctuated funk riffs. Angels On My Side is another powerful ode complete with joyful call and response choruses.