With the recent success of Martin Scorcese’s Beatles ‘64 documentary and Sam Mendes’ ambitious series of Beatles biopics in the works, the seemingly never-ending lust for Fab Four nostalgia isn’t going away anytime soon. But, in the background, the band’s surviving members are still cooking, remaining present in the here and now.
Paul McCartney recently wrapped a celebratory tour, while Ringo Starr has now delivered ‘Look Up’, a country record that lacks lyrical depth but generally succeeds thanks to a who's who of genre contributors behind the scenes.
The drummer’s 21st solo studio album might be a departure from his traditional pop and rock style, but this vision is helped along by Ringo’s access to some of the biggest names in country. In particular, he leans on famed songwriters and producers such as T Bone Burnett, who wrote nine of the 11 tracks here, Daniel Tashian and Bruce Sugar.
‘Look Up’ pushes through a wide stylistic expanse, pulling from country, Americana and bluegrass, with Ringo’s rugged Scouse charm mixing it with elegant arrangements.
Lead single Time On My Hands uses slide guitar and dreamy orchestration to underpin an upbeat bop about break-up resilience, while the boat is pushed out on the title track and Rosetta, with rock inflections helping Starr escape any accusations of tweeness found elsewhere.
But one notable truth is that ‘Look Up’ works largely because of its guests. Billy Strings’ frenetic guitar carries the opener Breathless before thrilling again on the harmonica-driven Never Let Me Go, and bluegrass artist Molly Tuttle’s voice shines on the mid-album duet Can You Hear Me Call. Finally, delightful harmonies from Alison Krauss support Ringo on the wholesome Thankful. Ringo’s vocals, by comparison, sound tired on occasion.
Overall, though, ‘Look Up’ is a pleasant record performed by serious musicians. Yes, a sense of corniness takes over at points and the whole “peace and love” vibe is cliché-central in 2025, but by calling in so many genuine country stars, Ringo has almost created an ideal jumping off point for listeners curious to dig deeper.
Ringo Starr Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed January 15 2025 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Ryman Auditorium (USA)
Thu June 12 2025 - BRIDGEPORT Connecticut - Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (USA)
Fri June 13 2025 - NEW YORK New York - Radio City Music Hall (USA)
Sun June 15 2025 - PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania - TD Pavilion at The Mann Center For The Performing Arts (USA)
Tue June 17 2025 - VIENNA Virginia - Wolf Trap (USA)
Wed June 18 2025 - GREENSBORO North Carolina - Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts (USA)
Fri June 20 2025 - DAVIE Florida - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood - Complex (USA)
Sat June 21 2025 - CLEARWATER Florida - Baycare Sound (USA)
Sun June 22 2025 - SAINT AUGUSTINE Florida - St. Augustine Amphitheatre (USA)
Tue June 24 2025 - TUSCALOOSA Alabama - Tuscaloosa Amphitheater (USA)
Wed June 25 2025 - CHARLOTTE North Carolina - Ovens Auditorium (USA)
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