Search - Ringo Starr :: Ringo Rama

Welcome Back

Timothy Dwyer | 02/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As much as we would like not to, we all have to admit that none of Ringo Starr's albums from 'Ringo' up until 'Vertical Man' were any good. This album continues on with the limited success the 'Vertical Man' met, although I personally find it much better. My key track- the amazingly haunting 'Never Without You', Starr's beautiful tribute to George Harrison with Eric Clapton playing a guitar solo. Best wishes, enjoy it, and as Ringo would say, 'love and peace'."

He's really worth a listen

Timothy Dwyer | New York, NY United States | 01/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"So much attention is paid these days to "The Beatles" and their Cirque du Soleil shows, marital woes, psychotic chauffeurs, etc. etc.



Throughout it all, under the media radar screen, Ringo Starr has managed to find himself a solid group of studio friends and produce a series of thoroughly enjoyable albums: "Choose Love", "RingoRama", "Vertical Man", "Time Takes Time", and even the Christmas collection "I Wanna Be Santa Claus" have Ringo in fine voice, co-writing most of the songs (except for the Christmas ones, of course!), and seemingly having a great time. These are not just albums for Beatle fans (though Fab-ists will certainly enjoy them); when I play one for friends and family, they are always pleasantly surprised.



Ringo and his creative partner Mark Hudson are clearly inspired by many of the same influences that fueled the Beatles (Rockabilly, Country Western, Rock, bits of the blues), and most of these songs just have that certain "feel" that make them almost instantly familiar at first listen to those who still like to hear piano, guitar, and drums as played by humans. It's also fun to spot the cameos: throughout these albums, Roy Orbison, Eric Clapton, Chrissie Hynde, George Harrison, Alanis Morrisette, Jeff Lynne, and many others stop by in one guise or the other.



But, importantly, it is not just a matter of the sound. Lyrically, Ringo's identity as a survivor comes through -- these are songs from a guy who is no longer young; he has been around the bend, done the 12-step dance, seen too many friends die too young, and yet has managed to find an inner peace and the wisdom not to take life too seriously as he edges closer to 70 (!!). Give a listen and be pleasantly surprised.







"

A fantastic album

David J. Pannell | Australia | 08/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is just wonderful. Great songs, great performance, great production. Ringo's best album apart from Ringo (1973) and very nearly as good as that. Not only is it better than most of his other albums, it is also better than most of the other post-Beatles albums by John, Paul and George."