There’s a heartfelt, backward-gazing feel to Ringo Starr’s 18th studio album, and, within the tropes of classic rock ’n’ roll, it’s done extremely well. There are hints of raga (“You Bring the Party Down”), reggae (“Island in the Sun”), piano balladry (“Not Looking Back”), and full-on nostalgic pop (“Rory and the Hurricanes”). The zydeco-flavored Van Dyke Parks co-write “Bamboula” is a witty turn that recalls Harry Nilsson, and “Confirmation” could’ve been The J. Geils Band. His All-Starr band, including Steve Lukather, Todd Rundgren, and others, lend musical hands and songwriting co-writes. And Ringo’s voice hasn’t aged a day.
- Paul McCartney
- George Harrison
- The Fireman