Rick Astley – Whenever You Need Somebody (VG/VG+) – LP, Australasia 1987

Whenever You Need Somebody is an LP by Rick Astley from 1987 released on the RCA Victor label.

About this album

Whenever You Need Somebody is a slick, hugely successful synth-pop debut that turned Rick Astley into one of the defining pop voices of the late 1980s. Built with the Stock Aitken Waterman hit-making team, the album pairs Astley’s deep, soulful baritone with polished electronic arrangements and airtight hooks. It spawned three major singles, including the era-defining “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever”, and reached number one in the UK while also breaking internationally. Its combination of immaculate production, strong songwriting and crossover appeal helped make Astley a global pop star and gave the album lasting recognition well beyond its original chart run.