Rocktrospectiva: The Accomplished "Free" Turns 35

Released on 18 February 1991 "Free" was the 3rd., studio album by English singer Rick Astley, the album spawned three singles "Cry For Help", "Move Right Out" & "Never Knew Love". 

 

"Free" was the first album not to be produced by the noted production team of Stock Aitken Waterman., which was an accerted decision for Astley, who wrote many of the songs including the massive "Cry For Help" that was a top 10 hit single in both the UK and US. Further singles "Move Right Out" and "Never Knew Love" were less successful.  

 

Nevertheless "Free" reached the UK Top 10 and the US Top 40 and marked the end of a successful four-year period for Astley. A major change of direction, the disappointing Free for certain ones found Rick Astley working with producer Gary Stevenson instead of the Stock/Aitken/Waterman team and going for a very adult contemporary-type pop/R&B sound instead of the dance-oriented  market that made him a superstar. 

 

There were a few remarkable songs on "Free", including "The Bottom Line" and the rock-influenced "Is This Really Love," but most of them, many written or co-written by Astley himself were bland and forgettable. Even thought the album wasn't as massive as the way it was "Whenever You Need Somebody" the moving into another direction was necessary for Astley, it was mantadory to get rid of any commitments with SAW and keep stuck on the same sound, thus, Astley finally had the chance to get more involved not just the writing but composing on the record, despite the sound is not slick it felt more natural. Astley showed more confident singing with a larger vocal range, most the songs had a clear melody and development such as faster dance-pop and of course the two huge monster balladas "Cry For Help" and Wonderful You" alongside the one and only Elton John on piano. 

 

Definitely the jewel of the crown was "Cry for help" one of the best Astley's numbers, dramatic and gospel influenced and with strong melody. In conclusion, this album proved that Rick tried hard to get music credibility and accomplished it on his third album.

 

Free Track List:  

 

1. In The Name Of Love

2. Cry For Help

3. Move Right Out

4. Be With You

5. Really Got A Problem

6. Is This Really Love

7. Never Knew Love

8. The Bottom Line

9. Some Kinda Love

10. Wonderful You

11. Behind The Smile