Rick Astley releases title track from upcoming album 'Beautiful Life'
Singer/songwriter and one of the earliest internet memes Rick Astley announced on Tuesday that he'll be releasing his eighth studio album this year. The album titled 'Beautiful Life' is slated for a July 20 release via BMG.
On Wednesday, Astley dropped the lead single and title track of the album. As per a press release, ‘Beautiful Life’ is "the sound of summer". Indeed, complete with a groovy '80s beat, loopy yodels, orchestral hits, glossy synths and typical Rick Astley vocal sheen, the single is a life-affirming song that's set to be the perfect summer stress buster.
Written and produced by Astley, who also plays every instrument on the song, ‘Beautiful Life’ is guaranteed to put a smile on your face."
Two years ago, Astley released ‘50’, a glorious comeback album that sold over 300,000 copies and was one of the biggest selling discs of 2016. He sold over 100,000 tickets during last year’s UK tour. And he enjoyed every minute of it. Now, he’s back with an even better album, featuring 12 timeless tracks and each one a little gem.
Each of the twelve tracks are written, produced and played by Astley. As per the release, "Among the highlights are the chic flavored title track 'Beautiful Life', the evocative 'Rise Up', the insanely catchy 'Try' and the warm childhood memories of 'The Good Old Days'." You can pre-order the album here.
“In the midst of all this madness, I just went back into my little home studio because that’s what I love to do,” Astley admits. “It’s my refuge really. I was tinkering about with bits and pieces and before you know it, I was making a new record.”
Check out the tracklisting for the new album, as well as the cover photo, courtesy of iconic British portrait and fashion photographer Rankin.
Beautiful Life tracklisting:
01. Beautiful Life
02. Chance To Dance
03. She Makes Me
04. Shivers
05. Last Night On Earth
06. Every Corner
07. I Need The Light
08. Better Together
09. Empty Heart
10. Rise Up
11. Try
12. The Good Old Days
In support of the upcoming album, Astley has also announced a massive UK Tour. After selling over 100,000 tickets on his 2017 tour, Astley and his band play the following UK dates, joined by very special guest Gabrielle – tickets go on sale Friday, June 8 and you can grab them here.
Rick Astley 2018 Tour Dates
October
Thu 25 - Glasgow, SEC Armadillo
Fri 26 - Hull, Hull Venue
Sat 27 - Manchester, Manchester Arena
Mon 29 - Gateshead, Gateshead Sage
Tue 30 - Gateshead, Gateshead Sage
November
Thu 1 - Plymouth, Plymouth Pavilions
Fri 2 - Cardiff, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
Sat 3 - Brighton, Brighton Centre
Mon 5 - Southend, Southend Cliffs Pavilion
Tue 6 - Cambridge, Cambridge Corn Exchange
Thu 8 - London, London Eventim Apollo
Fri 9 - London, London Eventim Apollo
Sat 10 - Bournemouth, International Centre
Mon 12 - Nottingham, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Tue 13 - Nottingham, Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Thu 15 - Birmingham, Birmingham Genting Arena
Fri 16 - Leeds, Leeds First Direct Arena
Sat 17 - Liverpool, Liverpool Echo Arena