Customer Reviews

Ringo

5 star:		(61)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was Ringo's first rock album, after forays into standards and country. To many people's surprise, he managed to release a great album. Of course, he did have a lot of help, including all the other ex-Beatles. This is what a Beatles album might have sounded like, if Ringo sang lead on all the songs. There were three big hits from this album, "Photograph", "You're Sixteen" and "Oh My My". Of course, those songs are great, but so are the rest of the songs on the album. The CD release includes three great non-LP bonus tracks. "It Don't Come Easy" was another smash hit, and the other two songs are fun B-sides. If you are going to buy only one Ringo album, this is the one to get, even more so than Blast from Your Past. Hell, six of the ten songs from that CD are on this CD anyway.

As the story goes, The other three Beatles were concerned for Ringo. By 1973, Ringo wasn't doing so well. His first two LPs, Sentimental Journey and Beaucoup of Blues were flops. At this point, the three other Beatles came together to help Ringo. . .And the rest is history.

Of all the Beatle solo efforts, this one is the best mainly because you have all the Beatles working together on this album. That old Beatle magic must have been working because Ringo cranks out some of his most memorable tunes on this LP, "I Am the Greatest" (with Sir Winston O'Boogie), the catchy pop tune, "Photograph" (with L'Angelo Mysterioso), the 50-ish hop song, "You're 16," and "Oh My My." All these songs received heavy radio play in 1973 on both, AM and FM networks.

I love this LP. But, I love the CD even better because we are treated to some extra tracks: Perhaps Ringo's greatest single, "It Don't Come Easy," the B-side of that single, "Early 1970," and the rocking "Down and Out." "Early 1970" reflects Ringo's confusion over the future of the Beatles. After listening to "Early 1970," you get the feeling that Ringo never wanted the Beatles to end -- since he is wondering if "they will play with me (him)."

This is Ringo at his best. This CD also represents the closest thing we Beatle fans ever got to an actual reunion.

I definitely recommend this CD. If you are not Ringo fans. . . Well, by the time you listen to this CD, you will be converted forever. Great CD. . . Great Music. . . Great Fun.

I realize nearly everyone else would say "Plastic Ono Band," "Imagine" or "Band on the Run" are the greatest solo Beatles albums. I disagree and nominate this incredible Ringo record for top honors. How many albums have you bought that had *no* lousy songs on them? This album pulls off that feat.

You want some great songs with incredible arrangements? You want songs you can listen to 500 times a week and never get sick of them? How about the rousing rocker "Have You Seen My Baby?" How about the Starr-Harrison ballad, "Photograph," an enormously under-rated song. Why not listen to Ringo's version of "You're Sixteen" (with Paul on the kazoo!) Or "Oh My My" which was a mega-hit back in '73. Sample "Devil Woman" which contains one of Ringo's best drum solos ever, nearly as good as the one he pulled off on the classic "Abbey Road."

This CD version contains "It Don't Come Easy" which was not on the original LP. This song is the second-best Beatles solo recording, after "Imagine." Admittedly many will laugh at that pick, but the song is brilliant, with an exciting and original arrangement. Ringo never sounded better. This is a *great* album, with wonderful and exuberant singing, an awesome backup band and the closest thing you'll ever get to hearing the Beatles again. On two songs John, George and Ringo perform together - not bad.

I have had this record since I was nine years old and I still listen to it regularly and it always brings a smile to my face. A brilliant album. Buy it and it will be a staple in your collection.

While far from perfect, this album could ONLY have been made by Ringo, and ONLY in the 1972-73 time frame. Who else in the Beatles could have arranged for the other three to not only appear on the album, but contribute at least one song each? (He co-wrote "Photograph," maybe one of the best post-Beatles singles ever, with Harrison, too.) He sings Lennon's cocky "I'm the Greatest" with both John AND George adding support on the track, unashamedly being proud of his past and looking forward to the future.

Randy Newman's "Hold On" (Have You Seen My Baby) gets a bright, poppy cover here--one of my favorites on the disc.

Did George Harrison ever write a cooler song than "Sunshine Life For Me?" If you get a chance to hear Don McLean's version of it sometime, it's a real kick, too.

Side two (sorry, I'm dating myself -- the last five songs on the original album) aren't quite as good as side one--although Oh My My is a great forgotten oldie that you never hear anymore. McCartney's "Six O'Clock" is rather tedious after awhile and "Devil Woman," a song with a fairly nice beat and melody, suffers from simply bad lyrics.

Nice to see them add songs that didn't ever make it to an album. "It Don't Come Easy," Ringo's biggest (and first solo) hit; "Early 1970," its flip side, is probably the best song about the Beatles breakup ever written; and "Down and Out" is the flip side to the Photograph single. It's dumb, but the players are having fun on it.

Enjoy "Ringo." Who doesn't?

Despite a long post-Beatles solo career, Ringo Starr has really released only one album that could be called a classic. 1973's "Ringo." augmented by three well chosen CD-only bonus tracks, is that album. A large number of the songs were contributed by other writers, including former bandmates George ("Sunshine Life for Me") John ("I'm the Greatest") and Paul ("Six O'Clock"). But the album's best song, the hit single "Photograph," is Ringo's own (in collaboration with George). Of the rest, the teenage love ode "You're Sixteen," and the goofy anti-addiction song "Oh My My" are the highlights. Two of the bonus tracks are Ringo's earlier hit "It Don't Come Easy," and his Beatles breakup song "Early 1970."

Overall, a goofy and charming album, just like the man it is named for.

RINGO was issued in 1973, and was Ringo's third solo album, and first to go platinum. It contained three hit singles, "Photograph," "You're Sixteen," and "Oh My My," which peaked at #1, #1, and #5 respectively. Maybe it was because of the album's success or the fact that it featured a host of guest stars including the other former Beatles, Harry Nilsson, The Band, Marc Bolan, and Martha Reeves that Ringo called this is first "real" solo album. The album itself is one you treasure, a finely crafted, well polished, light-hearted affair which makes you smile. RINGO proves that when Ringo is surrounded by friends and has a producer like Richard Perry marvelous things happen. The songs are pleasant, like John Lennon's "I'm The Greatest," the country-flavored "Sunshine Life For Me," Ringo's own "Step Lightly," and the showbiz-style closer "You And Me (Babe)" make the album worth owning. The bonus tracks only add to "this masterpiece" as Ringo calls it. The classic single "It Don't Come Easy" and it's B-side "Early 1970" are added, as well as the B-side to "Photograph," "Down and Out." Highly recommended to Beatles fans or people just interested in Ringo Starr. Incredible.

Alright, I admit it. It's easy to overlook Ringo. After all, he was the "lovable" one, the "goofy" one, the "funny" one, the one who sat in the back, playing drums (although some even doubt that!). So it's easy to forget his absolutely brilliant drumming on songs like Ticket to Ride, I Feel Fine, Rain and Yer Blues (to name just a few)....And his heartwarming vocals on Yellow Submarine, With a Little Help From My Friends and Octopus' Garden.

So who would expect a blockbuster like this from Ringo? It may have had an all-star(r) cast indeed, but these were dynamite musicians who had played with each other for years, yet bring a sense of fun and spontanuity to these sessions that is contagious. They all seem truly inspired.

As for the songs, there's not a loser in the bunch. John Lennon and Paul McCartney contribute great songs with "I'm the Greatest" and Six O'Clock, respectively, but it's George Harrison that really pulls out the stops for his old buddy, Ringo. Not only does he co-write the magnificent "Photograph" with Ringo, but he single-handedly supplies the toe-tapping Sunshine Life For me and the perfect album-closer, Me & You (Babe). Folks, these are great songs! He also peppers the album with some of the tastiest guitar playing this side of Steve Cropper (who struts HIS licks on the sublime "Step Lightly", featuring the tapping feet of Richard Starkey, M.B.E.)

So, this is the deal. All the players play their a## off, Ringo sings his a## off (really!), and the arrangements are killer, on every single song.

This album is by turns charming, rocking, funny, happy and always, always entertaining.

Gauranteed, or Ringo will personally refund your money. Ok, not, but satisfaction is guaranteed with an open mind (and ear) and a taste for really classy rock/pop/vocal music.

Did I mention the horn work on this album? Or the way Jim Keltner and Ringo lock and compliment on drums? Or Billy Preston's incredible piano and organ work? Or the fact that Paul McCartney plays the best synth part he's ever played on Six O'Clock?

Ah, just get the album and hear for yourself.

Ringo Starr: The fouth Beatle, the luckiest musician ever, etc. The list goes on and on for names that you can give Ringo about his career in the Beatles.

What about his solo career?

Well, out of the four careers of the band members after 1970, Ringo will probably never be considered one of the best or most consistent throughout his career. He will always, however, have the great distinction of making the best single solo-Beatle record. How can this be? How can the low-key drummer with the limited vocal range make the best album, over music giants McCartney, Lennon, and Harrison???

A Beatles reunion.

Mind you, the Beatles never recorded together again after 1970, Ringo brought all of the Beatles back to record separately for his album "Ringo." Other stars like Billy Preston and Marc Bolan show up to lend a hand to Ringo. Add a great list of bonus tracks and you have probably the most consistant solo Beatle album up there with "Band on the Run," "All Things Must Pass," and "Imagine."

1. I'm The Greatest: John and George show up with Ringo at lead on this wonderfully comical and fun track. A great opener. 9 Starrs.
2. Have You Seen My Baby: Ringo rocks out on this excellent track. It has a great balance of wild electric guitars and bouncy piano. 8.5 Starrs.
3. Photograph: Ringo at pop perfection. With help from George, Ringo makes a beautiful number one hit with ringing guitars and a sweet, slow beat. I love that sax, too! 9.5 Starrs.
4. Sunshine Life for Me (Sail Away Raymond): This twangy country-style tune has an infectious shorus and brilliant backing by George, who weaves his voice around Ringo's seamlessly. 9 Starrs.
5. You're Sixteen: Just like the Beatles made "Twist and Shout" their own hit a decade before, Ringo turns this bouncy tune into his own number one hit. The kazoo only adds to the charm! 10 Starrs.
6. Oh My My: Trust me, Ringo knew how to boogie in '73. This a funky original song with a truly dancable beat. 9 Starrs.
7. Step Lightly: To me, it's more like a step down. A quiet and refined number that slows down the wild action of the previous songs. Still a good song. 8 Starrs.
8. Six O'Clock: Paul joins Ringo in this airy pop tune. It may not be a "Photograph," but it is certainly a presentable song, especially with Paul's excellent backing. 8.5 Starrs.
9. Devil Woman: The pace speeds up again with this wild and slightly repetitive track. The guitar mixes well with the marvelous backing horns. 8.5 Starrs.
10. You and Me (Babe): Another slow number to effectively close the original album. But wait! There's more! 8.5 Starrs.
11. It Don't Come Easy: Ringo's first true hit. It's a uptempo number with a great performance by Ringo. A true Ringo hit. 9.5 Starrs.
12. Early 1970: A biographical number about his former bandmates. Ringo's country-tinged style shines on this track. 8.5 Starrs.
13. Down and Out: An enjoyable but repetitive song. It can grow on you! Just give it some time. You'll love the piano. 8.5 Starrs.

Overall: 9.5 Starrs. Certainly, it is the most consistant and well planned album of the solo Beatles. A definite for any fan of Ringo, the Beatles, or the solo Beatles.

After 2 than less than serious approaches to his solo career, Ringo lets go with everything and everybody in his arsenal. And it all makes "Ringo" his best solo work. Good writing and good playing abound everywhere. And it starts right from the getgo: "I'm the Greatest" starts off the disc and though John had written the bulk of the song years earlier, it's a perfect fit for Ringo who never took himself seriously. Harrison, who plays guitar on this, underscores the tune with nice Beatlesque guitar licks. It's a really good song and it sets the tone for this whole affair because it leaves you with a feeling of "what can top that?" So next Ringo serves up a nice underrated uptempo rocker "Have You Seen My Baby" led by Marc Bolan in a superb cameo. Bolan's guitar work has never fit a song better and expert ivory tinkler James Brooker adds some New Orleans style licks to make it all go. Up next is a Ringo-penned tune finished off by George, "Photograph." The mournfully felt words are conveyed well by Ringo, and when released as a single, gave Ringo his first number 1 as a solo artist. Fairing less succesfully is "Sail Away (Raymond)." While Ringo professes to try to have a country influenced number on every one of his discs (indeed, a whole album was dedicated to this genre), this number seems forced and totally out of the realm of say, something he would have done on "Beacoups of Blues." The only redeemable feature on this song is that George, who wrote the song, shows up again, as do members of The Band. "You're Sixteen" was the second single released off the disc and also, the second number 1. Harry Nilsson guests on backing vocals and does a excellent job of aiding Ringo on this remake. Paul McCartney's kazoo break gives the song that Ringo-silliness. "Oh, My, My", is an nonstop fun song led by hornmen Jim Horn and Tom Scott, two of the best in the business. Written by Ringo and session man Vinnie Poncia and helped a lot by Billy Preston and Nicky Hoplins on keyboards, it's virtually a party in a song. The next tune is more introspective "Step Lightly" and it's the only number on the disc proper solely written by Ringo himself. The solo features Ringo tap dancing! Why? He said they were in Apple Studios doing some overdubbing and he saw the shoes lying around and he thought, "why not give it a try." For me, Ringo's drumming fills at the end of this song are so typical and uniquely his that I play this song over and over just to hear his little nuances (and there are many). Up next is Paul McCartney's offering "Six O'clock." While a good song, the synthesier solo is a letdown. The piece is handled like such a classic love song that the sterile sound of the syntheiser sounds more out of place than anything. Ringo's lower register is marvelous for this song. And he virtually gives lessons in drumming for a song here. "Devil Woman" the second Ringo-Vinnie Poncia collaboration is not as good as their previous effort. While I like the energy and reckless abandon that's in this song, the drum solo between Starr-Keltner is nothing special at all. "You and Me (Babe) closes the set proper and although Harrison lets go with some brillant playing on it, the song is really only a vehicle (and a good one at that!) for Ringo to say his thanks to everyone who helped him. The bonus cut are great: "It Don't Come Easy"----if not the best solo Beatles record it's certainly one of them. The sizzling of the cymbal, Harrison's guitar picking, Ringo's drums, Badfinger's harmonies and then--Ringo's mantra. That sums up Ringo's best song. "Early 1970" shows that Ringo was not only a member of the Beatles, he was a fan. This is easily the best song about the Fabs. The last bonus cut is "Down and Out." It was the b-side of "Photograph" in 1973. Although redundant, its worthy as a bonus cut for the way it keeps our interest with the aggressive horns, Gary Brooker piano and amazing Harrison slide. "Ringo" would lay the foundation in the the way that Ringo Starr would henceforth do his recordings: Invite some famous friends, put down his idiosyncratic drumming, sing some covers, and have some of his charm shine through. While the formula got watered down as time marched on, here, it's Ringo at his best.

THIS IS REAL MUSIC BY REAL MUSICIANS, NOT THE SCHLOCK, CRAP NOISE THAT IS FORCED ON US TODAY, IT IS ONE OF THE GREATEST ALBUMS THAT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME. IF RECORD COMPANIES ARE LOOSING MONEY IT ISN'T BECAUSE OF FREE DOWN LOADS, IT IS THAT THEY ONLY OFFER US CRAP THAT THEY WANT US TO HEAR, WELL MY MONEY GOES TO THE GREAT OLD REAL MUSIC AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM. A REAL MUSICAL CLASSIC ALBUM.