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Whenever You Need Somebody

by Rick Astley

Released: November 16, 1987

Pop, dance-pop

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Whenever You Need Somebody" is the debut studio album by English singer Rick Astley, released on November 16, 1987, by RCA Records. The album was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it ranked as the seventh best-selling album of 1987. The album features Astley's breakout hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up," which became a global smash and is a key part of the album’s success.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

In 2010, a remastered version of the album…

In 2010, a remastered version of the album was released, featuring rare remixes and extended versions of some tracks, giving fans a new take on the classic album.

It is also listed as the 136th best-selling…

It is also listed as the 136th best-selling album in Spain.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Rick Astley - Whenever You Need Somebody

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Then

Reception

Other singles from the album also performed well on the charts. It became Astley's highest-selling album, with 15.2 million copies sold worldwide.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Whenever You Need Somebody" is the debut studio album by English singer Rick Astley, released on November 16, 1987, by RCA Records. It became Astley's highest-selling album, with 15.2 million copies sold worldwide. The album was particularly successful in the United Kingdom, where it ranked as the seventh best-selling album of 1987. It is also listed as the 136th best-selling album in Spain.

The album features Astley's breakout hit, "Never Gonna Give You Up," which became a global smash and is a key part of the album’s success. Other singles from the album also performed well on the charts. In 2010, a remastered version of the album was released, featuring rare remixes and extended versions of some tracks, giving fans a new take on the classic album.