Rick Astley – “Together Forever”
The second coming of Rickroll pop perfection
Released on 12 January 1988, “Together Forever” marked Rick Astley’s fourth single and continued the momentum from his breakout debut album Whenever You Need Somebody (1987). Written and produced by hitmakers Stock Aitken Waterman, the song followed the proven formula of shiny synth-pop hooks, high-energy arrangements, and Astley’s unmistakably rich baritone.
It wasn’t just a follow-up to “Never Gonna Give You Up” — it was practically its sibling in both sound and spirit.
Synth Love, Signed in MIDI
“Together Forever” picks up where “Never Gonna Give You Up” left off — literally. The melodic structure and production were so similar, many fans and critics joked they could be variations of the same song. That was entirely by design: Stock Aitken Waterman specialized in hits that were instantly familiar and maximally catchy. The drum machines, bubbly synths, and cheerleader-bright choruses made sure it stuck in your head from the first spin.
Lyrically, it’s a heartfelt pledge: “Together forever and never to part / Together forever we two…” It’s pure ‘80s optimism — earnest, over-the-top, and impossible to resist.
Chart Glory and Global Reach
“Together Forever” was a massive international hit. In the United States, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 18 June 1988, becoming Astley’s second U.S. chart-topper. In the United Kingdom, it peaked at No. 2, held off the top spot by fellow Stock Aitken Waterman act Kylie Minogue’s “I Should Be So Lucky.”
The single also hit No. 1 in Canada, Ireland, and Spain, and landed in the Top 10 in countries like West Germany, Austria, Italy, and Iceland. It peaked at No. 19 in Australia, giving Astley another global hit while cementing his dominance in late-’80s pop.
The original single featured “I’ll Never Set You Free” as its B-side and was often released with the “Lover’s Leap remix” — the version used in the now-iconic music video.
Legacy, Remixes & Reimaginings
While it never achieved the same internet immortality as its predecessor, “Together Forever” remains one of Astley’s most beloved tracks. In 2019, he released a stripped-down piano Reimagined version on his compilation The Best of Me, and the original music video was restored in 4K in 2022.
It’s still a dancefloor filler at retro nights, still gets heads nodding when that synth line drops, and still proves that sometimes, staying in the same lane — when it’s that catchy — really works.
