Ringo Starr’s Look Up feels like a warm embrace from an old friend who’s still got a few surprises up his sleeve. Guided by the golden touch of T Bone Burnett, the album dives headfirst into Americana, blending authenticity and charm with the ease of someone who’s been around the block and knows exactly what he’s doing. Starr has flirted with these sounds before—most notably on Beaucoups of Blues and even quite a few Beatles tracks—but here, it feels fully realized. This isn’t a detour; it’s home.
Across 11 tracks, Ringo brings together a dream team of collaborators: Molly Tuttle’s nimble picking, Lucius’s lush harmonies, Billy Strings’s fiery bluegrass licks, Allison Krauss’s ethereal touch, and the southern rock energy of our faves Larkin Poe. Each guest brings their own spark, but make no mistake—this is Ringo’s show. His voice, still unmistakable and rich with character, carries a surprising vitality. At times, his Liverpudlian accent even dips into a country drawl, like he was born to sing these songs. It’s reminiscent of Rod Stewart’s seamless transition into the Great American Songbook—only this feels earthier, grittier, more personal.
Look Up is no mere nostalgia trip. It’s vibrant, heartfelt, and unafraid to be both joyous and reflective. Ringo Starr may not have many albums left in him, but if this is the last one, it’s a hell of a swan song. For my money, this stands shoulder to shoulder with his 1973 classic Ringo. It’s the kind of record that makes you grateful he’s still out there, still making music, and still reminding us why we fell in love with him in the first place. Look Up isn’t just good—it’s Ringo at his best.
Genre: Pop/Rock
Release date: January 10th, 2025
Produced by: T Bone Burnett
Label: Lost Highway, Roccabella Records
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