RINGO STARR All Starr Band – Zoom In (2021)
Former Beatles drummer RINGO STARR recorded “Zoom In“, his quarantine album of new songs co-penned with LA songwriter Diane Warren featuring, among others, Steve Lukather, Nathan East, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Walsh, Dave Grohl and Sir Paul McCartney.
Very few people can generate the goodwill and love that Ringo Starr does globally. Sure, when you’ve been a member of the biggest band ever, you’re bound to have some support, but he just keeps putting out strong material during the five decades since the Fab Four went their separate ways.
He’s always been an icon but his primary focus has always been the music and that is the key to his continued success. A drummer with style and verve, his own playing so distinct and his drive to make the world a better place typified by his always present smile and peace sign in a legion of images of the man has made him a lasting cultural embodiment of cool.
This new song collection will continue the legend, adding to his already sparkling solo catalogue a quintet of gems that are hand crafted to bring sunshine in these darkest of times. The fact that he’s joined by a star-studded supporting cast of some of the biggest names in music only adds an extra shimmer to proceedings.
Opener ‘Here’s To The Nights’ kicks things off in a suitably anthemic and splendid way, seeing Starr at his most joyous and inspiring. A lovely, mid paced and easy going call to join together in love and friendship, it is lifted with a huge cast of backing vocalists including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Corrine Bailey Ray, Ben Harper, Sheryl Crowe and Dave Grohl amongst others.
With the addition of Steve Lukather, Nathan East and Benmont Tench bringing their own musical magic you have a line-up that few could dream about, let alone bring together. Together they make such an ecstatic noise that you believe that the power of this song solely could heal the world.
It speaks a lot that second track, the rolling rocker ‘Zoom In Zoom Out’, isn’t totally overwhelmed by what went before but just shows the strength of the material. The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger certainly makes his present felt here, his playing suitably quicksilver and packed with feel, deft little touches a delight.
‘Teach Me To Tango’ and ‘Waiting For The Tide To Turn’ both radiate sunshine and good times, the former a fiesta of life and passion, the latter a lilting reggae groove that’s irresistible.
Then ‘Not Enough Love In The World’ is a big and bouncing rock tune that is built to carry the positive message at its core.
‘Zoom In’ provides not just some great songs but a pathway and a mantra to better times. Love really is all you need.
01 – Here’s To The Nights
02 – Zoom In Zoom Out
03 – Teach Me To Tango
04 – Waiting For The Tide To Turn
05 – Not Enough Love In The World
Ringo Starr
Steve Lukather
Nathan East
Benmont Tench
Robby Krieger
Paul McCartney
Dave Grohl
Sheryl Crow
Jenny Lewis
Chris Stapleton
Corinne Bailey Rae
Lenny Kravitz
Pre Order:
www.amazon.com/Zoom-EP-Ringo-Starr/dp/B08QLQHH3D
