Ringo Starr has released a new country album titled "Long Long Road" [1].
The project marks a continued exploration of the country genre for the musician, following a similar stylistic path as his previous work. This shift highlights a late-career pivot toward Americana and roots music, leveraging his distinct vocal style to fit a specific sonic landscape.
Released on April 24 [2] via UMe, the album was produced by T Bone Burnett [2]. This marks the second time the pair have worked together on a country-focused project, following the release of "Look Up" last year [2]. The collaboration aims to explore Starr's singing career through a lens of country country music [1].
Starr collaborated with a variety of high-profile artists for the recordings. The album features contributions from Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Billy Strings, and Molly Tuttle [2]. These partnerships blend contemporary indie and traditional country elements, creating a bridge between different eras of American music.
In discussing his vocal approach and the choice of genre, Starr said his awareness of his own limitations and strengths. "I’d Love to Be Ray Charles, but My Voice Works for Country," Starr said [1].
The project is part of a broader period of reflection for the artist. The album's production emphasizes a stripped-back, organic sound—a hallmark of Burnett's production style—that complements the storytelling nature of the country genre [1, 2].
“"I’d Love to Be Ray Charles, but My Voice Works for Country"”
Starr's commitment to the country genre, reinforced by a second consecutive project with T Bone Burnett, suggests a permanent shift in his artistic direction rather than a temporary experiment. By aligning himself with a producer known for authentic Americana and and a diverse roster of guest musicians, Starr is positioning his legacy within the roots music tradition, moving away from the pop-rock expectations associated with his Beatles era.
