The last time Ringo Starr had a number 1 album was in 1973, with the Richard Perry produced “Ringo” album.
Since then, Ringo has released a lot of records, some good, some okay. But no smashes.
Now Ringo, the beloved drummer of The Beatles, has a number 1 album on Amazon.com today. “Look Up” is also number 4 on iTunes.
Ringo is 84, and hasn’t released a whole new album since 2019. He has given us several EPs of four songs each. If you listen the Beatles channel on Sirius XM, they are very good at curating the best tracks from all his work– and there are always surprises.
“Look Up” is a sensational idea. It’s mostly written and produced by T Bone Burnett. There’s a smattering of young country stars like Billy Springs and Molly Tuttle. Burnett has done what Perry did 50 years ago — he’s built a place for Ringo’s voice to rest comfortably in his arrangements. This is also what George Martin did for Ringo, and George Harrison on songs he wrote for Ringo like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.”
The title track is the first single. It could easily find a home on country radio. “Look Up” is a typical Ringo solo song, a mid tempo rocker. But with Molly Tuttle on vocals, and steel guitars wailing away, Ringo seems energized (not like he’s not always enthusiastic). Burnett has given him a lot to chew on.
The song could land Ringo on country radio is “Time on My Hands.” It’s just the sort of plaintive cry that makes for great western music. I’m also really digging the tracks featuring Billy Strings. One of his three contributions, “Rosetta,” with Larkin Poe is a lovely bluesy bit that sticks in the ear.
The final track is Ringo’s own “Thankful,” with Allison Kraus. A perfect album ender, it’s a Ringo memoir in which he describes succinctly his career– from his huge run through the mid 70s, his recovery in the 80s, and triumph for the last 30 years. Again, the band assembled by T Bone Burnett just kills on all these songs, making Ringo’s foray into country totally authentic.
