Hey Gang,Well it's that time again for another new Ringo Starr album. And January 2010 will bring his latest effort "Y Not" to a store near you. Like many other Ringo albums, he gets by with a little help from his friends. Albums musicians and co-writers include Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Dave Stewart, Steve Dudas, Benmont Tench, Don Was, Mike Bradford, Bruce Sugar, Joss Stone, Ben Harper, Richard Marx, Ann Marie Calhoun, Tina Sugandh, Glen Ballard, Van Dyke Parks, Gary Nicholson, Gary Wright, and Gary Burr. And for the first time ever, Ringo Starr is the producer. Here's the track by track review.
01. Fill In The Banks - (3:14)
Written by Ringo & Joe Walsh. Nice up tempo rocker to start the album. Drums are very up front in the mix as well as Walsh's guitar. One of the album's better efforts.
02. Peace Dream - (3:35)
Definitely liking this after multiple listens. A slow tempo with a great sentiment. "No need for war no more, better things worth fighting for". Macca lends the bass line. Also a lyrical shout out to John Lennon...."Just like John Lennon said in Amsterdam from his bed one day the world will wake up to see......reality". "Can you imagine if we give peace a chance, the whole world could be living in harmony...one day our dream can be reality". Very nice second track
03. The Other Side Of Liverpool - (3:24)
Drum driven song. Song is autobiographical. Lead line says 'The other side of Liverpool is cold and damp, only way out there is drums, guitar and amp" . Mentions Rory Storm "and Roy if you're listening, thanks for all you've done" Mid to up tempo number with a nice groove.
04. Walk With You - (4:42)
Starts with nice strings. Paul lends bass and backing vocals. Song about the power of friendship. Co-written by Ringo and Van Dyke Parks. Nice sentiment and the song is definitely growing on me. Ringo exclaims "I'll always be there beside you".
05. Time - (3:50)
Funky little groove at the beginning of this one. "Forget about yesterday, this is the best day of your life". Not the strongest of songs but definitely an enjoyable listen.
06. Everyone Wins - (3:54)
Well, this one will sound familiar as a bonus track from "Time Takes Time" which was originally produced by Peter Asher. Different arrangement, a little busy for my blood as I really like the original version but this one is growing on me. Having said that, the song is still has the instant likeable effect.
07. Mystery Of The Night - (4:06)
Slow tempo song. Could fit in with "Time Takes Time". Another song that has a good feel. Really like the drum and guitar fills.
08. Can't Do It Wrong - (3:45)
A slow temp country western feel. Well, you know it couldn't last for ever. Probably the weakest song on the album. Ringo exclaims "As long as I sing it, I can't sing it wrong". Well, this comes close for sure. Positive lyrics and some nice saxophone and brass help out but not my favorite song on this album.
09. Y Not-(3:50
The title track. Mid tempo drum driven track. An average Ringo track but the jury's out on this one.
10. Who's Your Daddy - (2:29)
An up tempo rocker with Joss Stone's soulful vocals. Ringo asks "Who's your daddy" to which Joss answers "Not You!" A little cringe worthy on the lyrics "you give me chicken wings, I want diamond rings"
All in all, pretty fun listen but the last three may be a bit of a struggle. I'd give Ringo a solid "B" on this effort as there is more than enough for repeated listens that I think Ringo fans will like it as a whole.
Last Updated: 12/29/09 12:57
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REVIEW: Ringo Starr's new album `Y Not`