Ringo Starr
Ringo 2012
Rating: ***
Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr has released another album, his first in just two years. This album, Ringo 2012, serves as the follow up to 2010's Y Not. Now, listen: not much is expected from Ringo's solo albums and this album is no different. Still, Ringo 2012 manages to be an enjoyable little album to listen to.
"Anthem" opens the album and it's a great way to open the album. Still, the song is a bit corny. "This is an anthem" Ringo sings "Of peace and love". I'm guessing this one didn't take long to write (sorry, Ringo. Peace and love!). "Anthem" is in no way a classic but it's a decent song still. One thing that's interesting about this album is that Ringo has decided to re-record two songs from back in the 1970's. However, the songs aren't "Photograph", "It Don't Come Easy", or "Oh My My". Strangely enough, Ringo chose to re-record "Wings" from the Ringo the 4th album and "Step Lightly" from the 1973 Ringo album. "Wings" is a very cool sounding track and just might be a slight improvement over the original. The same can't exactly be said for "Step Lightly" but the thing I love is that it doesn't sound like the original from 1973. The original 1973 track off Ringo is a vaudeville-esque track but on this album, "Step Lightly" has been modernized almost (and no, I don't mean Ringo uses Autotune or whatnot) to a normal sounding song. Kudos to Ringo for changing it. There are also two cover songs on here: Buddy Holly's "Think It Over" and "Rock Island Line". Both are just okay. "Samba" is a nice track while "Wonderful" is probably my personal favorite off the album. I don't know, really. It's just has this very refreshing sound to it, complete with the sounds of guitars and backing vocals. "In Liverpool" is yet another song paying tribute to Ringo's hometown. It makes me laugh at the fact that on the last two albums by Ringo have had songs about Liverpool: there was the self-titled track off Liverpool 8 and then"The Other Side of Liverpool" off Y Not. Has the trilogy been complete? The album ends with "Slow Down", which isn't a cover but an original song written by Ringo and his brother in-law Joe Walsh.
While not a classic, Ringo 2012 is a enjoyable album to listen to. It does feel like it was rushed as the album clocks in at only 28 minutes. Still, how can you not love Ringo? It makes me happy to see Ringo still performing and still making music. At 71 years old, Ringo is a pretty cool guy.
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