Studio Album · No. 3
Free Songwriting Credits by Rick Astley
Produced by Gary Stevenson, Rick Astley
Holds writing credit on 8 of 11 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 8 / 11 documented
Scored across the 11 tracks with documented writers, by whether Rick Astley carries a lyricist or composer credit.
Share of the 11 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
By the Numbers
Free is the turning point in Rick Astley's authorship. After two SAW-shaped albums he co-wrote most of this record himself, partnering with Rob Fisher and Mark King and bringing in Michael McDonald for the single 'Cry for Help.' A few songs come from outside writers, but the dominant credit is finally his own, the start of the self-written second half of his career.
Free is the third studio album by Rick Astley, released in February 1991 and the record where he broke fully from Stock Aitken Waterman. Co-produced with Gary Stevenson, it trades manufactured dance-pop for a warmer adult soul and pop sound, and it is the first album where Astley has a writing hand in most of the songs. He co-wrote with collaborators including Rob Fisher and Level 42's Mark King, and brought in outside writers and Michael McDonald, who co-wrote and sang on the hit single 'Cry for Help.' The album reached the UK top ten and gave Astley a fresh creative identity as a writer rather than a vehicle for someone else's songs.
Track Listing & Credits 11 tracks
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
In the Name of Love
|
Michael McDonaldEdward Sanford | Michael McDonaldEdward Sanford | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
Cry for Help
#7
|
Rick AstleyRob Fisher | Richard Paul AstleyRob Fisher | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals)Michael McDonald (Background Vocals) |
| 3 |
Move Right Out
#58
|
Rick AstleyRob Fisher | Richard Paul AstleyRob Fisher | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
Be with You
|
Rick AstleyMark King | Richard Paul AstleyMark King | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Really Got a Problem
|
Rick AstleyMark King | Richard Paul AstleyMark King | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
Is This Really Love?
|
Rick Astley | Richard Paul Astley | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
This Must Be Heaven
|
Nicky BrownJeffrey CohenJohn Lind | Nicky BrownJeffrey CohenJohn Lind | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
Never Knew Love
|
Derek BordeauxJohn Paul Taylor | Derek BordeauxJohn Paul Taylor | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
The Bottom Line
|
Rick Astley | Richard Paul Astley | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 10 |
Wonderful You
|
Rick Astley | Richard Paul Astley | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |
| 11 |
Behind the Smile
|
Rick Astley | Richard Paul Astley | Gary StevensonRick Astley | Rick Astley (Lead Vocals) |