8/10
Ringo Starr has spent 84 extraordinary years spreading peace, love, and music—living a life many can only dream of. As a drummer, he has inspired generations of musicians with his signature “less-is-more” approach, prioritizing swing, feel, and dynamics over technical flash. As a member of The Beatles, his timeless style, iconic songs, and cultural influence continue to resonate with millions around the globe.
Yet, despite such an unparalleled legacy, Ringo’s solo career remains criminally underappreciated. While John Lennon’s John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, and Paul McCartney and Wings’ Band on the Run are regularly celebrated as some of the greatest albums of all time, Ringo’s solo efforts (most notably his critically acclaimed and commercially successful 1973 album Ringo) are often overlooked.
That album, a standout in his post-Beatles discography, boasted a star-studded lineup, with contributions from Lennon, McCartney, Harrison, Marc Bolan of T. Rex, four of the five members of The Band, Harry Nilsson, and Billy Preston. It also featured two of Ringo’s most beloved songs, “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen,” and climbed to the No. 2 spot on the U.S. Billboard album charts.
Criticism of Ringo’s solo work has often focused on his perceived shortcomings as a singer and songwriter compared to his Beatles counterparts. However, such opinions overlook several key points. First, Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison are three of the greatest songwriters in music history. Second, Ringo’s vocal contributions to Beatles albums brought a unique charm, infusing their music with childlike wonder, humor, and imaginative flair. Finally, unlike his bandmates, Ringo spent less time honing his songwriting and melodic skills during his Beatles years, making his post-Beatles output a more collaborative effort by necessity. Far from detracting from his work, this collective spirit has become a defining strength, resulting in albums rich with personality and camaraderie.
Produced and co-written by T-Bone Burnett, Ringo’s latest release, Look Up, continues this tradition by blending his love for country music with the talents of bluegrass and Americana heavyweights like Alison Krauss, Molly Tuttle, Larkin Poe, Lucius, and Billy Strings. Starr’s venture into the country realm may seem strange to those unfamiliar with his decades-long love affair with the traditional Nashville sound. Still, Diehard Beatles and Ringo fans will easily recognize the connections between his cover of Buck Owens' hit "Act Naturally" featured on Help! (1965), his sophomore solo album Beaucoups of Blues (1970), and his country-influenced sound on Lookup.
The opening track, “Breathless,” is a foot-stomping country gem that showcases Strings on lead acoustic guitar and backing vocals. When Starr’s voice enters the mix, the guitars give him space as he sings, “Every time I think about you…I never want to live without you…And every time you come around…I’m spellbound…”. The beauty of the song lies in its simplicity, and the trifecta of Burnett, Starr, and Strings doesn’t hurt either. “Breathless” establishes an authentic country vibe and shuffle that continues throughout the album.
The title track, Look Up, showcases Tuttle’s delicate backing vocals and lyrics embodying Ringo’s trademark optimism. The two singers harmonize beautifully, delivering an uplifting refrain: “Keep your eyes on the skies… Don’t look down on the shadow town… Look up…” Musically, the song is steeped in roots-driven country, yet it pays homage to The Beatles’ psychedelic era with a mesmerizing backward guitar part at the 1:20 mark. This subtle, artful production choice is a testament to Burnett’s mastery. His ability to seamlessly weave diverse instruments and genres into a cohesive sonic landscape shines throughout the track, elevating it with effortless finesse.
"Time On My Hands" is a classic country ballad with the mournful cry of pedal steel guitar and lush strings evoking a profound sense of longing. True to the genre’s themes, the song tells the story of a man reflecting on lost love, heartbreak, and lessons learned. In the chorus, Ringo delivers the poignant lines, “When she was my baby… I was a busy man… But she slipped through my fingers… And I’ve got time on my hands…” with heartfelt conviction, fully embracing his cowboy persona.
Other highlights include the dobro and harmony-focused “Come Back,” the woozy romp of “Rosetta,” and the closer “Thankful”. Look Up showcases Ringo's enduring creativity and ability to collaborate with a diverse group of musicians. It’s time to reassess Ringo Starr’s solo career, not as a comparison to his legendary bandmates, but as a unique and valuable contribution to the world of music, crafted by an artist who has always prioritized joy, connection, and the universal power of song.
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