Rick Astley – “Giving Up on Love”
The ballad that proved Rick had more than one gear
When most people think of Rick Astley, they picture the trench coat, the smooth dance moves, and that eternally catchy chorus from “Never Gonna Give You Up.” But dig a little deeper into his catalog and you’ll find some real gems — like “Giving Up on Love,” a soulful slow-burn from his second album, Hold Me in Your Arms (1988).
Released in April 1989 as a North America–only single, this track showed a different side of Astley — one that leaned more into emotion than energy, more heartache than high kicks.
A Different Kind of Groove
“Giving Up on Love” trades in the bubbly synths and dancefloor beats for something smoother and more introspective. Co-produced by Rick Astley and Daize Washbourn, the song blends soft piano chords, a warm bassline, and gospel-tinged backing vocals into a rich, R&B-flavored ballad. It’s still pop, but with a grown-up twist.
Astley’s voice — always deeper and more mature than his age — really shines here. He sounds tired, honest, and a little heartbroken. The lyrics are simple but hit hard: “I’m giving up on love / ’Cause I’ve been hurt before.” It’s not bitter, just real — the sound of someone who’s been through it and is finally ready to walk away.
How It Did on the Charts
Even though it wasn’t released in the UK, “Giving Up on Love” made a solid impact in the U.S., peaking at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbing to No. 11 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It also hit No. 1 in Quebec, No. 45 in Canada, and No. 46 in France. Not a blockbuster, but definitely a respectable showing — especially for a ballad that didn’t follow the usual Stock Aitken Waterman formula.
Behind the Scenes
Astley didn’t just sing this one — he played keyboards and drums, too. The track also features Roddy Matthews on guitar and backing vocals from Shirley Lewis, Mae McKenna, Leroy Osborne, and even Mike Stock himself. The B-side, “You Move Me,” was written by Astley and even popped up in the trailer for Cocktail (though not in the actual movie).
In 2023, the music video got a 4K remaster, and a digital EP reissue brought the song back into the spotlight with several remixes and extended versions.
Why It’s Worth Another Listen
“Giving Up on Love” might not be the first song that comes to mind when you think of Rick Astley, but it’s one of his most underrated. It’s heartfelt, well-crafted, and shows that he could do more than just get people dancing — he could make them feel something, too.
It’s a reminder that behind the meme and the pop polish was a guy with real musical chops and a voice built for more than just catchy hooks.
