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 "Whenever You Need Somebody," Part II Nov 30, 2008
'Saw the Brit a couple of days ago on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade; thus, I decided to "revisit" the two albums of his in collection: this one and his debut album, mentioned in the title.
"Hold Me in Your Arms" retreads the same format as Astley's debut: driving rhythms, soulful instrumentations, and the singer's great baritone. Though not quite as strong as his first, the songs are still representative of the era and provide a nostalgic trip back to the 80's, the last decade of pretty good pop music.
The surprising cut is Astley's cover of The Temptations' "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." It gives an idea of what the singer could do with an all-covers album, so popular now with the the likes of Michael McDonald and Barry Manilow doing the same.
Not nearly as strong as debut. . . . Mar 23, 2007
Rick Astley was barely into his twenties when his debut and this follow-up were released. On his debut, "Whenever You Need Somebody," Astley's stunning baritone--rich, full-bodied--cut through the sheen of S-A-W production numbers like a hot knife through butter: "Never Gonna Give You Up" and "Together Forever" were shattering back-to-back no. 1 hits in the US. The material on "Hold Me in Your Arms" is mostly uptempo disco-inspired filler and fails to live up to Astley's impressive debut. Still, there are still some redeemable moments ((how many male singers in pop can you think of with anywhere near as powerful a voice?). While "She wants to Dance With Me" sounds like an outtake of "Whenever You Need Somebody," Astley delivers a thrilling cover of the Temptations "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" (nevermind the naysayers). In terms of phrasing and sheer vocal power, few male singers in pop can match him. It's just too bad that the production team of S-A-W could not come up with better stuff the second time around for their most gifted protege.
Another Editorial Review Nov 06, 2006
"Apart from 'She Wants to Dance With Me,' Astley's second album didn't have songs as strong as those on his debut. Most of the album was pleasant dance-pop filler, showing the weaknesses of the Stock, Aitken & Waterman production team. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide" [refers to 1989 Album Release Date, RCA/PWL Label]
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Editorial Review Nov 06, 2006
"Apart from 'She Wants to Dance With Me,' Astley's second album didn't have songs as strong as those on his debut. Most of the album was pleasant dance-pop filler, showing the weaknesses of the Stock, Aitken & Waterman production team. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide" [refers to Album Release Date: 1989 Label: RCA/PWL]
0 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Astley's Slump. May 11, 2006
Rick Astley turned heads and churned hits on his 1987 debut "Whenever You Need Somebody," which was a decent showcase of his impressive, if limited, vocal prowess over energetic neo disco. But on his 1988 followup, "Hold Me in Your Arms," Astley gets lazy and records an album that could have been phoned in. Three standouts emerge: "Take Me To Your Heart," "Till Then (Time Stands Still)," and "She Wants to Dance With Me." It should come as no surprise that the first two of these songs were helmed by Stock Aitken Waterman, the production trio responsible for much of Astley's multiplatinum debut. But three songs can't justify a purchase, as the bulk of the album passes by undetectedly, including an oh-no-he-didn't cover of the Tempations' classic "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." This album would mark an artistic and commercial decline from which Astley never recovered. Maybe if he and his collaborators tried harder, they would have come up with a better album. And, who knows, maybe Astley would still be making hit singles.
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