Rick Astley - 50

Who would have thought that Rick Astley would return with a new album that would go straight to Number 1 in the UK album charts, but that is what has happened with this superb album.

He could have recorded an album that was in the style of his big hits from the late 80's but this is Rick Astley now. He has named the album after his age, now 50 he still has that rich deep soulful voice, like Adele who names her albums after her age when the album is released, this is timeless music.

He has also taken a lot of inspiration from other contemporary artists, most notably Sam Smith as many of these tracks could be sung by Smith. The theme which keeps turning up on the album is that of living in the moment and not wasting time, perhaps turning 50 has had an influence on his lyrics.

The album opens with Keep Singing, a lone piano opens the track to let Astley and his voice shine through; a gospel influence takes over whilst Angels On My Side is a great comeback single. He seems more comfortable in his new direction, and on This Old House he sings a track you could imagine Tom Jones singing.

There isn't a bad track on the album. There are plenty of uplifting tracks like I Like The Sun and Pray With Me, another gospel sounding track.

It could have all turned out wrong but this is a remarkable comeback.

4 out of 5