Together Forever (Rick Astley song)

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Together Forever (Rick Astley song)

Overview
Together Forever is a 1988 dance-pop single by English singer Rick Astley. It was released as the fourth single from his debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody (1987). The song was written and produced by Stock Aitken Waterman (SAW). The B-side is “I’ll Never Set You Free.” It became a worldwide hit.

Chart success
- United States: reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 1988.
- United Kingdom: peaked at number two, behind Kylie Minogue’s I Should Be So Lucky.
- Other regions: topped charts in several countries and did well across Europe, Canada, Ireland, and Spain. It was a major international hit and helped make Astley a global star.

Composition and notable versions
- The song uses a similar chord structure and vibe to Astley’s breakout hit Never Gonna Give You Up, a hallmark of SAW productions at the time.
- In 2019, Astley released a “Reimagined” version with a new piano arrangement for his album The Best of Me.
- The track has also become known as a popular part of the “Rickroll” internet meme.

Music video
- The original video was later upgraded and remastered in 4K, released in 2022, with the video restored to match the remastered edition.
- A 2022 digital EP reissue includes the reimagined version and other mixes.

Track listing (highlights)
- 7" and mini CD single: Together Forever (Lover’s Leap remix) – 3:20; I’ll Never Set You Free – 3:30
- 12" maxi: Together Forever (Lover’s Leap extended remix) – 7:00; I’ll Never Set You Free – 3:30
- Digital EP (2022): Together Forever (2022 remaster) – 3:25; Together Forever (reimagined) – 4:01; plus other remixes

Personnel (selected)
- Rick Astley – lead vocals
- Mike Stock, Matt Aitken – keyboards
- Paul Cox – guitar
- Linn 9000 – drums
- Ian Curnow – Fairlight programming
- Backing vocalists: Shirley Lewis, Dee Lewis, Mae McKenna, Suzanne Rhatigan
- Production and engineering: Stock Aitken Waterman; mixing by Pete Hammond (and others on the team)

Covers and legacy
- The song has been covered by artists such as José Galisteo, Jolina Magdangal, and Nina Nesbitt.
- It has been performed by various The Voice coaches and used as inspiration for related media moments.
- Beyond its chart success, Together Forever remains one of Stock Aitken Waterman’s best-known songs and a staple of 1980s pop.

Notes
- The track helped solidify Rick Astley’s place in pop music and remains a recognizable hit from the late 1980s era.