RINGO STARR
Long Long Road (UMe)
Sparked by 2025’s chart-topping Look Up, Ringo Starr is enjoying somewhat of a late-career renaissance with the release of Long Long Road. Leaning further into bluesy soul and sun-warmed 1950s country, Starr and producer T-Bone Burnett have crafted an album that wears its influences proudly.
The Nashville/LA recorded sessions sound human and authentic, with wonderful harmonies, tasteful guitar and driving drums doing the heavy lifting. Lead single It’s Been Too Long, featuring Molly Tuttle and Sarah Jarosz, wraps Starr’s unmistakable dulcet tone in a warm blanket of vocals. And for Beatle-heads still hungry for more, Choose Love isabout the most reminiscent of the Fabs in their pomp, and the album’s standout.
Starr, as always, doesn’t chase grandeur with Long Long Road. Instead, he lets the songs take centre stage, serving them just as he’s always done: with talent, grace and guile. Featured collaborators Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow and St Vincent help Starr deliver the sound of an artist still moving forward at the tender age of 85.
words ELLIOT OAKLEY
