Ringo Starr Unveils Title Track From New Album "Look Up" with Star-Studded Collaborations
Ringo Starr, legendary drummer of The Beatles, has released his latest album "Look Up" on January 10, 2025, marking a significant return to his country music roots. The album's title track, "Look Up," showcases Starr's enduring musical versatility and features a guest appearance by Grammy-winning guitarist Molly Tuttle.
Produced and largely co-written by acclaimed musician T Bone Burnett, "Look Up" is Starr's first full-length album since 2019 and his first country album in over 50 years. The project came to fruition after a chance meeting between Starr and Burnett in 2022, where Starr initially asked Burnett to write a single song for an EP. Instead, Burnett returned with nine country-infused tracks, which became the foundation for the album.
The album, recorded in Nashville and Los Angeles, consists of 11 original songs. Starr sang and played drums on all tracks, demonstrating his continued passion for music at the age of 84. The title track "Look Up" is accompanied by a music video directed by Wyndham Garnett, which depicts Starr singing in sunshine interwoven with diverse groups of people forming a massive human peace sign, echoing the song's hopeful lyrics.
"Look Up" features an impressive lineup of collaborators beyond Molly Tuttle, including bluegrass virtuoso Billy Strings, Americana trailblazers Larkin Poe, folk-rock duo Lucius, and country legend Alison Krauss. This star-studded cast adds depth and variety to the album's sound, blending traditional country elements with contemporary influences.
Starr's connection to country music dates back to his Beatles days, with songs like "Act Naturally" and "Don't Pass Me By" showcasing his affinity for the genre. His 1970 solo album "Beaucoups of Blues" was a full-fledged country project, recorded in Nashville with renowned session musicians. This new album, "Look Up," serves as a bookend to Starr's career, revisiting his love for country music over five decades later.
Throughout his illustrious career, Starr has consistently demonstrated his musical versatility. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, he launched a successful solo career with hits like "It Don't Come Easy" (1971) and "Photograph" (1973). He has released 20 solo studio albums prior to "Look Up," showcasing his enduring creativity and passion for music.
Starr's influence extends beyond his recordings. He pioneered various modern drumming techniques, including the matched grip, tuning the drums lower, and using muffling devices on tonal rings. His distinctive drumming style, characterized by his open hi-hat and four-to-the-floor bass drum, helped energize The Beatles' sound and influenced countless drummers who followed.
With "Look Up," Ringo Starr continues to demonstrate his musical relevance and creativity well into his eighties. The album stands as a testament to his enduring love for country music and his willingness to collaborate with both established and emerging artists, ensuring his place in the contemporary music landscape.
